'Modern Family' season 8 premiere date, spoilers: season to be the final season?

Modern Family

While details about the eighth season of "Modern Family" remain under wraps, the cast members of the show continue to make the news.

On Sunday, the cast of the critically acclaimed mockumentary greeted their co-star Sofia Vergara as she celebrated her 44th birthday.

One of Vergara's birthday greeters was Eric Stonestreet, who portrays the role of Cameron Tucker in the series. He even sent the birthday girl a cake as a gift.

She was also greeted by Sarah Hyland, who plays the role of Haley Dunphy in the series, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who portrays the role of Vergara's character Gloria's stepson Mitchell Pritchett.

Meanwhile, rumors about the possible cancellation of "Modern Family" after season 8 emerged online. According to a report from Deadline, the cast members are working on contract negotiations for season 9.

Based on the report, ABC had been sending signals that they are willing to let go of "Modern Family" after the upcoming season. But sources reportedly expect ABC and distributor 20th Television to start talking about the show's fate in the coming days.

ABC has released a press statement regarding the plot of "Modern Family" for season 8, which reads:

"Modern Family will return on Wednesday, September 21st for its Season 8 Premiere. The Modern Family cast will return at 9pm following the series premiere of Speechless. Mitch, Cam and Lily will return from their summer stay in Kansas City. Claire and Jay will be working on their balance of powers in the office. After Andy left to pursue his career, will Haley get over the first guy she's ever loved? Will Lily ever attend another wedding with her Dads?"

Other returning cast members for "Modern Family" season 8 are Ed O'Neill, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Ariel Winter, Rico Rodriguez and Aubrey Anderson-Emmons.