Modern Family

We've seen the pilot episode of Modern Family - and it's hilarious.

If possible, though, it looks like the ABC sitcom is about to get even funnier, as Shelley Long has joined the cast. She'll portray the ex-wife of family patriarch Jay (Ed O'Neill).

Long's character is named Dede Pritchett and executive producer Steven Levitan describes her as "a bit of a fragile person who is searching for herself in the world. She comes back to fix a problem that she left everybody with."

TV Guide Magazine reports that viewers will see Dede show up for ex's wedding to his new, young Columbian wife Gloria (Sofia Vergara). Added producer Christopher Lloyd:

"Everything was fine, until she had a couple drinks and made a big scene that ruined the wedding. Now she's back to make amends."