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In many ways 'Baby Daddy' is the typical ABC Family show. It features a group of attractive, energetic, and romatically-confused young adults. You could easily take any of the actors from 'Baby Daddy' and drop them into the middle of a 'Secret Life of the American Teenager' episode...
The style of speaking and dramatic inflection in the acting is identical across most ABC Family shows.
'Baby Daddy' is the story of a guy in his early twenties who finds a baby on his doorstep. The little girl is the result of a one-night stand, and the mother has given Ben (Jean-Luc Bilodeau) a choice. He can either raise the child by himself or take her to social services. Of course, the show wouldn't make much sense if he didn't keep the baby.
Ben lives with two guys, Tucker (Tahj Mowry) and his brother Danny (Derek Theler). They also spend a lot of time hanging out with their childhood neighbor Riley (Chelsea Kane). Their lives are often interrupted, and occasionally helped, by Ben and Danny's mother, Bonnie (Melissa Peterman).
In many ways, Peterman is reprising her role from 'Reba'. She is just as loud, just as enthusiastic, and just as meddlesome. However, just as in 'Reba', her presence adds a necessary comedic element.
Tahj Mowry is the younger sibling of Tia and Tamera Mowry, the stars of the hit-ABC show 'Sister Sister'. He starred in 'Full House' and 'Smart Guys', and his experience in kid sitcoms is highlighted by this show.
This is Theler's first lead role, he has played bit parts in a few other shows. Kane has played supporting roles in 'One Tree Hill' and 'Jonas'.
If one had to compare the style of this sitcom to others that are currently on the air, 'Baby Daddy' is more like 'Melissa & Joey' than 'How I Met Your Mother'. Unlike single-camera comedies that have become so popular, 'Baby Daddy' still relies on a multi-camera set-up in front of a live studio audience. It is a flashback to the '90s, which may contribute to its success. It is almost comforting to watch something that is so expected. The originality and quality of the show are not excellent, but it is successful enough with it's audience that it has been renewed for a second season.
While you would think the high-jinxs of taking care of a baby would make this show stand apart, the most appealing aspect of the show is actually the romantic angle. Riley is in love with Ben, but he has no idea. Meanwhile, Ben's brother Danny knows of Riley's crush, but he is actually interested in dating her and has been in love with her since high school. Kane and Theler have good chemistry, which leads viewers to want to see whether or not they will get together. Danny's secret obsession also leads to some pretty hilarious situations, and serves as one of the comedic impetises.
The premiere of 'Baby Daddy' drew almost 2 million viewers, and has continued to do well. It is summer's number one new comedy for females 12-34. It has also been cable televisions number one show at 8:30 pm for the 9th straight week (women 18-34).
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| (L-R) Kane, Theler, Bilodeau, Peterman & Mowry |
Baby Daddy is such a charming show but I didn’t really get into the show in the beginning. Now that I’ve watched it for a while, I’m really excited to see that it’s been picked up for a second season. Since I discovered that I like this show, I’ve had my Hopper DVR set up to record the remainder of the season. All of the characters on the show just blend so well and there’s great chemistry and this has become my can’t-miss show. The good thing is that the Hopper has 2,000 hours of recording time so no need to rush and delete other shows. Who doesn’t hate having to delete something you haven’t watched yet? I know I do. Thanks to a Dish co-worker I upgraded after testing it out at her house. The thing about Baby Daddy is that the formula that it’s being made on works. A lot of people watch this show and it kind of reminds me of the positive things in life. After watching the news for 20 minutes these days I’m depressed so Baby Daddy definitely puts some sunshine back in my day.
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