Date My Dad

Date My Dad is a captivating family drama-comedy series, aired in 2017 on UP TV. This heartening show interleaves elements of humor, love, and family bonds, offering a compelling viewing experience for anyone in search of warmth, laughter, and tear-jerking moments.

At the heart of the show is Ricky Cooper, a former professional baseball player, bravely navigating the world of fatherhood and singlehood simultaneously. Following the tragic demise of his wife three years prior to the start of the series, he chose to retire prematurely to focus on raising his three daughters full-time– a choice which set the stage for his new innings as a devoted dad. This background provides the touching premise for Date My Dad, lending it unique charm and depth of narrative, that most sitcoms often fail to achieve.

Ricky is portrayed by the famous actor Barry Watson, best known for his role in 7th Heaven. His character embodies a man battling to keep his late wife's memories alive, while managing the strenuous task of bringing up his three smart, independent, and sometimes rebellious daughters. Mirabel (five years old), Elisa (twelve years old), and Gigi (fifteen years old), all bring their own sets of challenges and amusement to Ricky's otherwise quiet life.

As Ricky approaches his 40th birthday, he is thrown a life-altering curveball by his daughters. Recognizing their father's loneliness, the girls decide it's time for him to start dating again. Despite Ricky's initial resistance to re-enter the world of romance, the ensuing confusion, comedy, and heartfelt moments pave the way for the show’s plot. To add to the mix is Ricky's mother-in-law, Rosa, who lives with them and is never short of a strong opinion and traditional philosophies.

The show turns the traditional matchmaking system upside down as Ricky's daughters play cupids by seeking a suitable partner for their father. Each episode follows the girls' adventures and discovered learnings as they try to find a match for their dad among the many women in their locality, often leading to hilarious, awkward, and profound scenarios. The narrative is delightfully unpredictable, featuring potential romantic interests from various walks of life, each with distinct personalities and backgrounds.

Despite the romantic quest, Date My Dad is largely about the Cooper family's daily life, the bond they share and the challenges they face together. This recurrent theme reinforces the essence of the series - the unbreakable bond of family. The series subtly addresses every day, real-world issues through its light-hearted narrative. These include coping with loss, fostering sibling relationships, handling teenage crises, and more importantly, transitioning through different life stages. All these elements work together to give the audience occasional bouts of laughter, sighs of sympathizing emotions, and the opportunity to cherish small wins with the Coopers.

Barry Watson’s sturdy yet sensitive portrayal of Ricky is complemented by an equally exceptional ensemble cast. Raquel Welch, the legendary actress from the Hollywood film Fantastic Voyage, plays Rosa, Ricky’s sassy mother-in-law. She brings occasional conflict and intrigue to the storyline with her well-meaning yet interfering nature. The three daughters – Zenia Marshall (Mirabel), Lilah Fitzgerald (Elisa), and Audrey Smallman (Gigi) – offer a remarkable portrayal of growing siblings, each perfectly capturing the essence of their age.

Date My Dad is not just about who Ricky ends up dating but also about the journey of the Cooper family thriving together in their unique circumstances. Amidst the whirlwind of matchmaking, the series persistently crafts endearing tales around family bonds, love, resilience, and the chaotic beauty of raising children. With its carefully spun narratives drenched in heartfelt emotions, warm humor, and an underlying element of suspense, Date My Dad is a delightful portrayal of single parenting and serves as an entertaining choice for viewers across generations.