Things are looking good for Modern Family fans!

Though negotiations are still in progress over the next season of the popular show, co-creator Steve Levitan delivered some hopeful news. On Wednesday during the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences panel at the Saban Media Center, Steve told Variety:

“In about a month or so, the writers will re-gather and we will sit down and we will start the season with a big, ‘What now?’”

With Luke, played by Nolan Gould, and Manny, played by Rico Rodriguez, graduating this season, the dynamics of the family is sure to shift. Steve said:

“That’s a reality, we can’t escape that. We’re not The Simpsons, where everybody can stay young forever and nobody ages, so it forces our show to change.”

Steve says the political climate may influence season 9 as well. He said:

“I’ve been thinking about that lately. How is our political movement going to affect our taste in comedy? It’s so much a part of our life now in a really big way that I wonder if it will seep in more in next season with what we’re all going through.”

Since negotiations are still ongoing, season 9 is not yet officially confirmed.

Until then, catch season 8 of Modern Family on Wednesdays on ABC at 9 p.m. EDT.