MTV's let's-make-some-viral-funny-online-videos site Atom.com has a new "Web series" about a Stay-At-Home Dad called (wait for it) "Stay-At-Home Dad." Even though - or maybe because - I automatically have my guard up anytime anything in the mainstream media deals with at-home Dads, I checked it out immediately.
(As an aside, I'm not going to pretend that this "Web series" isn't in the mainstream media. It's owned by MTV and a freaking publicist emailed me about it today. Also, will I ever not feel odd using the term "Web series"?)
Expecting to hate it, I watched all three episodes and although it isn't exactly comedy genius - there were some pretty funny moments. But best of all, it portrays an At-Home Dad that's neither some sort of lame, emasculated super-Dad, nor a bumbling all-thumbs idiot. The Dad in the show is just kind of a surly a-hole. And although he's certainly not the typical At-Home Dad, he might be that Dad we secretly feel like in the back of our minds (at least from time-to-time).
So, like Brian was writing over at Rebel Dad, I think the jury might still be out on this one. But for me at least, until they do an episode where it's supposed to be funny because he can't change a diaper, I'm going to give it the thumbs up.
Yeah but remember it's intended to be total comic relief. As in, wouldn't that be funny if next time I were at the park I did or said that......
I think it's freekin hilarious, and I'm a SAHD.
And as far as Rebel Dad, dude he's a male feminist. What do you expect from him?
Posted by: Surfer Jay | October 13, 2010 at 09:20 AM
Hey Modern Day Dad! I directed the Stay At Home Dad and wanted to thank you for your reluctant praise in this posting. As it happens, Stay At Home Dad on Atom.com was not produced by 'mainstream media', but rather a collective of filmmakers based in NYC who are all SAHDs from time to time (TheMilkmen.com). The children you see as extras are our own. We shot these first 7 episodes on a shoestring in 1 day, and then shopped it around, and were fortunately bought by Atom.com, which is fortunately owned by Comedy Central--which as you could imagine, for a bunch of SAHDs like ourselves was a very good thing. Stay tuned for more episodes and a pilot coming soon. Thanks again for giving us a watch.
Posted by: Adam Jones | June 20, 2010 at 06:06 AM