As Law And Order Calls Back To Ariel Winter’s ‘Next Level’ Performance, I Can’t Believe How Many Modern Family Vets Have Been On SVU

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As Law And Order Calls Back To Ariel Winter’s 'Next Level' Performance, I Can’t Believe How Many Modern Family Vets Have Been On SVU

As a huge fan of both “Modern Family” and “Law & Order: SVU,” I was thrilled to discover that several of my favorite actors from the former have made appearances on the latter. Ariel Winter’s guest role in Season 21, where she delivered a powerful performance as Raegan, was particularly noteworthy. Her transformation from her beloved character Alex Dunphy to this darker role showcased her versatility as an actress and left me in awe.

Ariel Winter became well-known in prime time television for her role as Alex Dunphy on “Modern Family” for over ten years. However, her ability to make audiences laugh on ABC did not limit her to lighthearted roles. For instance, she appeared as a guest star in an episode of “Law & Order: SVU” during Season 21 in 2019. The franchise has since praised Winter’s performance highly, referring to it as exceptional. Re-watching this episode (which can be streamed with a Peacock Premium subscription) made me notice that several other “Modern Family” cast members have also appeared on “SVU.”

Ariel Winter In Law & Order: SVU Season 21

In October 2019, Ariel Winter graced the screens in the second episode of SVU’s Season 21 titled “The Darkest Journey Home.” Instead of her usual character as Alex Dunphy from Modern Family with glasses and dark hair, she portrayed Raegan, a young woman who had been assaulted. After Modern Family came to an end, Winter adopted this new appearance again. With Benson’s assistance, Raegan worked on recalling her memories and identifying the perpetrators. This captivating episode was a highlight in 2019, and SVU’s Instagram page reminded fans of it not long ago.

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Reagan’s role in the drama series had a much darker tone than Ariel Winter’s performances on “Modern Family.” Yet, it isn’t astonishing that she was excited to act alongside Mariska Hargitay in the long-standing TV show. In an interview with EW prior to the episode’s release, she disclosed:

For years, I’ve declared this as my number one favorite show. I’ve been vocal about my love for it, perhaps expecting others to share in my enthusiasm. I first discovered the show during high school when USA would air marathons. I’d spend my Saturdays and Sundays glued to the screen if I had nothing better to do. Once streaming services became available, I rewatched every episode from the beginning and tuned in weekly for new releases. I’ve likely seen each episode multiple times. Unexpectedly, an email arrived offering me a role on the show. The excitement of receiving that email was indescribable, leading me to accept without hesitation.

Many SVU fans may not have experienced Winter’s dream of being a guest star on the show, but they can surely identify with becoming devoted viewers due to USA broadcasting extensive SVU marathons. Moreover, Winter is among the Dunphy family from Modern Family who joined the Law & Order series, making her the most recent addition.

Other Modern Family Vets On SVU

Ariel Winter is among the four ex-“Modern Family” actors who have made guest appearances on “Law & Order: SVU.” Notably, one of her on-screen relatives portrays multiple characters on the series, working alongside Mariska Hargitay.

Sarah Hyland, known for her eleven-season portrayal of Hailey Dunphy on “Modern Family” (available to watch again with a Hulu membership), made her first appearance on “SVU” in the Season 3 premiere back in 2001 titled “Repression.” Later, in the Season 10 episode named “Hothouse” in 2009, she appeared as a new character. Before securing her sitcom role, Sarah also featured in episodes of both “Law & Order” and “Law & Order: Trial By Jury.”

In Season 3 of “SVU,” which originally aired in 2002, Ty Burrell, known for his role as Phil Dunphy, made a guest appearance. Notably, this episode marked the first appearance of his future on-screen daughter. Prior to this, between 2000 and 2003, Burrell portrayed two distinct characters on the original “Law & Order.”

In 2008, Julie Bowen made an appearance on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. This was a year before she started her lengthy role as Claire Dunphy in Modern Family. Her episode, titled “Trials,” served as the Season 10 premiere and co-starred Luke Perry from Beverly Hills, 90210.

Luckily, you don’t have to search hard to come across “Modern Family” actors portraying different characters than their usual Dunphy roles. You can find these episodes on Peacock and Hulu with ease. Additionally, NBC has revealed that the premiere date for “Law & Order: SVU” Season 26 is set for fall, making it a part of NBC’s Thursdays lineup in the 2024 TV schedule along with other “Law & Order” shows.

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2024-07-18 11:28