Modern Family is Doing an Episode From Inside Claire’s Computer

Modern Family is modern in more ways than one. The half-hour sitcom has added a new television first to its roster of pioneering moves with its upcoming February 25th episode.

Whether you want to label it clever product placement or innovative cinematography, Modern Family‘s “Connection Lost” offers a new level of mockumentary TV film-making that viewers will undoubtedly appreciate.

In a first-of-its-kind episode, the series will follow the entire Pritchett/Dunphy clan as they embark on an online search to locate Claire’s daughter, Hayley.

After the two Dunphys have a fight — and weird things begin to appear on Hayley’s social media — Claire turns to the rest of her family for help in finding her daughter, as she herself sits trapped in a Chicago airport.

In a groundbreaking move, the episode’s contents were shot entirely with iPhone 6s and iPads, outside of a few scenes which are captured using a Macbook Pro. In spite of these changes, “Connection Lost” follows the narrative model of the rest of the series, with each branch of the Pritchett/Dunphy family presenting viewers with their own brand of comedic chaotic shine.

Another major difference? The invisible crew is gone. Left in their place is Claire’s computer. Stuck hundreds of miles away from the action, Claire frantically tries to put the pieces together concerning her daughter’s online and in life behavior as the rest of the Modern Family crew joins her using their own favorite technology tools.

As Claire plays pop up video with her family members — catching them all in the midst of rather humorous activity — each offers their own insight (and instigation) into the “Where’s Hayley” conundrum. With every new family member added, a new potential clue to Hayley’s whereabouts — and aspect of Claire’s deeply entrenched snooping game — is revealed.

Using FaceTime, Facebook and other social media familiars, the episode gives viewers a brand new glimpse at the series’ characters and the modern family life, and offers an ingenious comedic take on how technology has and has not changed the way we “family.”

Catch “Connection Lost,” the all-new modern episode of Modern Family on Wednesday, February 25th at 9/8c on ABC.