Luke Benward Spills on Ariel Winter Surprising Modern Family Ban. Luke Benward, the 30-year-old actor and singer, recently revealed a surprising detail about his relationship with girlfriend Ariel Winter: she has banned him from watching Modern Family with her.
In an interview with Us Weekly ahead of their upcoming horror thriller Don’t Log Off, Benward shared his love for the iconic sitcom, where Winter, 27, portrayed Alex Dunphy for 11 seasons.
Despite his enthusiasm for the show, particularly for Phil Dunphy’s comedic brilliance, Winter prefers to keep their viewing sessions separate, adding a playful twist to their dynamic as a couple.
A Playful Ban on a Beloved Sitcom
Benward, an avid Modern Family fan, admitted he sometimes teases Winter by turning on the show just to get a reaction. “She won’t let me watch Modern Family with her,” he told Us Weekly.
“But sometimes I turn it on just to mess with her. I just love Phil Dunphy. He never misses.” Winter, however, clarified her stance, insisting, “It’s not that I won’t let you watch it,” but confessed that Benward often ends up watching the ABC sitcom solo.
Her reluctance to share the experience may stem from the personal connection to her role as Alex Dunphy, a character she played from age 11 to 22, which could make watching it with her boyfriend feel awkward or overly nostalgic.
A Lighthearted Family Encounter
Benward also shared a humorous anecdote about a family dinner in Los Angeles where his father spotted Winter before they were dating. “My family loved Modern Family,” he recounted. “My dad was like, ‘Hey, we know her!’ and I was like, ‘Dad, dad, we don’t know her. I know her.
You know her from Modern Family. Let’s lower your voice here.’” The story highlights Winter’s fame from the Emmy-winning series and underscores the couple’s ability to laugh about her celebrity status, which has followed her since childhood. This lighthearted moment reflects their down-to-earth relationship, despite their high-profile careers.
A New Chapter with Don’t Log Off
The couple’s playful dynamic extends to their professional collaboration in Don’t Log Off, a horror thriller set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025, before its VOD release on July 15. In the film, Winter stars as Annie, while Benward plays Adam, marking a significant project for the duo who have been dating since 2019.
The movie promises a chilling narrative, showcasing their versatility as actors beyond the comedic and family-friendly roles they’ve been known for. Fans are eager to see their on-screen chemistry, which is likely fueled by their real-life connection.
A Relationship Built on Humor and Support
Benward and Winter’s relationship, which began after meeting through mutual friends, has been marked by mutual support and shared humor. While Winter’s Modern Family days remain a cultural touchstone, her decision to keep those viewing moments private adds a quirky layer to their bond.
Benward’s admiration for the show and his playful attempts to watch it with her highlight their ability to find joy in small, everyday moments. As they promote Don’t Log Off, their chemistry and shared sense of humor are evident, endearing them to fans who admire their authenticity.
With Don’t Log Off poised to showcase their talents in a new genre, Benward and Winter continue to captivate audiences both on and off the screen. Their ability to navigate fame, personal quirks, and professional milestones together makes them a relatable and engaging Hollywood couple, with this Modern Family ban adding a charming footnote to their story.
