My Two Dads

My Two Dads is an amusing, heart-warming sitcom that aired from 1987 to 1990 on NBC. This light-hearted comedy show revolves around the unique co-parenting setup between two single men, who are awarded joint custody of a twelve-year-old girl named Nicole Bradford, initially following the death of her mother Marcy.

The underlying premise outlined in the initial episodes is that the deceased mother left behind a will that declared either of her two former boyfriends, Michael Taylor and Joey Harris, could be the father of her daughter. However, due to the unavailability of paternity testing during the time they were with Marcy, the true biological father remains unknown, thus leading to both men taking the responsibility of jointly raising Nicole.

The co-dads are portrayed as polar opposites, which naturally leads to hilarious circumstances that form the crux of the show. Michael Taylor, played by Paul Reiser, is a financially successful and straight-laced financial advisor, while Joey Harris, played by Greg Evigan, is a fun-loving, free spirit, who is less matured but a talented artist. This contrasting duo is forced to share a Manhattan loft to come together as unconventional parents for Nicole. The character of Nicole Bradford is beautifully portrayed by Staci Keanan who tries to navigate the adventurous journey of adolescence under the shared guardianship of her two dads.

Throughout its run, the show essentially capitalizes on the tension and comedy that arises from the varying parenting styles of Joey and Michael. As Nicole grows up, the dads grapple with typical parenting challenges such as handling Nicole's first date, introducing her to sex education or dealing with her being stood up. The difference in their approaches gives rise to numerous comedic situations, but ultimately, they both manage to offer their own unique wisdom to Nicole, creating a balanced parenting dynamic.

The series also features a strong supporting cast that greatly enhances the humor and entertainment quotient. Florence Stanley stars as Judge Wilbur, who made the unusual ruling for joint custody and plays a recurring role within the series, often providing guidance to the dads on parenting and other matters. Dick Butkus portrays Ed Klawicki, the owner of the local diner where the characters often discuss their daily lives and humorous dilemmas.

While the plotlines are mainly kept light, they do occasionally venture into more emotional and complex topics. This charming blend of humor and sentimentality ensures the show is not just a comedy, but also an exploration of family dynamics, parenting, friendship, and growing up. The endearing performances by Reiser, Evigan, and Keanan make the absurd premise believable and engaging, with the audience truly invested in this unique, familial bond.

The show is well-written with sharp, witty dialogues that mainly drive its humor. It also uses the popular sitcom tropes of the '80s effectively, such as constant miscommunication leading to hilarious chaos, exaggerated reactions for comic effect, and impromptu, yet well-timed physical comedy. The episodes are concluded with underlying lessons about love, respect, and the importance of family, making it a wholesome television show for viewers of all age groups.

The unique concept of My Two Dads places it beyond the typical family sitcoms of the era. The show presents a refreshing take on co-parenting and the concept of a non-traditional family - topics that were very progressive for its time. While primarily a comedy, the series doesn’t shy away from delicately tackling issues related to adolescence, parenting, and family bonds. Though the parenting situation in the show is unusual, the essence of the show lies in depicting how love and understanding can transcend traditional definitions of parenthood.

My Two Dads garnered a positive response from both the viewers and critics for its unique concept, memorable performances, and well-written scripts. With a theme song that can immediately induce nostalgia among its viewers, My Two Dads remains a beloved sitcom from the late 80s era, appreciated for its humor, affectionate heart, and a unique take on family.