web analytics
date my dad, uptv, barry watson, family tv

Date My Dad is a Refreshing New Take on the Modern Family

by Deborah Cruz

I watch a lot of television so when I was asked to screen Date My Date and have the opportunity to interview Barry Watson, I was all in. I like television shows and movies for various reasons. Truth is I’m a bit of a show binger. In the end, there is usually some kind of connection or take away that keeps me coming back and Date My Date did not disappoint.

I’ve spent my life as the kid who was always looking for the keychain at the gift shop that had my name on it. I never found it, at least not spelled correctly and my girls have the same issue. I was also the little girl who changed which box she checked on the enrollment card every single year. #BiracialKidProblems My point being my “niche” in life was a little smaller than others. I never quite found kids on television or movies who I could completely identify with.

Enter, Up TV’s new television show Date My Dad. Date My Dad is an original scripted dramedy starring Barry Watson (7th Heaven, Gossip Girl), Zenia Marshall and the legendary Raquel Welch. How can you go wrong?

Date My Dad begins airing June 2nd at 9PM ET on UP TV.

date my dad, uptv, barry watson, family tv

I had the chance to watch the pilot and rewatch it with my daughters and I have to say, we love it. It’s the first time my daughters have been able to watch a show and identify with the characters. For me, it’s huge that my 2 biracial daughters who follow after their mom’s freckled Mexican complexion can see girls on the show who represent Latinas that look like them and the fact that we all come in different colors, complexions, eye and hair combinations. That is refreshing for me.

But whether you are a single parent, raising your kids alone, or like many of us finding ourselves depending on extended family and friends to help raise our children (because it really does take a village) you too will find something you can identify with on Date My Dad.

Date My Dad is about a widowed father, Ricky (played by Barry Watson), who is navigating his way through raising his daughters ranging in ages from just pretween to teen and between. Ricky just turned 40 and life is not what he expected it to be at this juncture in his life but along with the help of his Mother-in-Law (played by the force that is Raquel Welch), his brother and his wife and his neighbors, he is figuring it out. Along the way, he is learning a little bit more about himself and, maybe for the first time, seeing his daughters as people and not just his children. It all becomes very evident in the pilot when his girls set out to find their dad someone to love because they feel he deserves to have someone.

The show is touching and endearing without being overly saccharine. It’s also infused with just the right amount of sarcasm and humor to balance the sometimes serious themes of the show.

My girls are 9 and 12-years-old and we watched it and all found it not only captivating and well-written but appropriate for audiences of all ages. Finally, something you can watch with your children without having to worry about suddenly having to cover their eyes or ears.

date my dad, uptv, barry watson, family tv

But if you don’t believe me, just check out this video of Date My Dad.

I also had the pleasure recently of interviewing Ricky ( Barry Watson) at Mom 2.0 Summit and I’ve got to say, aside from playing a great Ricky he is a genuinely good and likable guy. Plus, he is a fellow hand talker so obviously, we are now best friends. Okay, maybe not best friends but he certainly was fun to interview and run into, over and over again. Stop following me, Barry 😉

I only wrote that because I know he would totally laugh because he did. We seriously ran into each other several times in those 3 days. We have a bet going on who is actually whose stalker.

Anyways, if you don’t believe me that this show is going to rock, check out my interview below and see for yourself. And don’t hold it against me that I totally have over expressive face disorder and am a major hand talker.

Kudos to Barry because if I were him, I would have been terrified with all that craziness going on in front of me. He was a good sport and I’m telling you as a friend, you really should watch Date My Date and watch it with the whole family.

To celebrate this great new addition to the UP TV roster, join @UPtv on Twitter every Friday night during Date My Dad for the chance to win great prizes and chat about the show with special guest hosts. UP TV is the entertainment brand that can truly say “We Get Family” and offers viewing experiences that feature authentic, relatable stories about all types of families, in all their complexities.

 

date my dad, uptv, barry watson, family tv

 

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by UP TV however, all thoughts and opinions about Date my Dad are my own.

You may also like

Leave a Comment

* By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

18 comments

robin rue 2017/05/29 - 8:23 am

This is the first I’ve heard of this show, but it sounds like it’s going to be good. I will go set my DVR right now 🙂

Reply
Alli Smith 2017/05/29 - 8:30 am

He does seem really likable in the photos (and cute too). I’m looking forward to watching this, especially since all my favorite shows are done for the year and I need a new show to love.

Reply
Jeanette 2017/05/29 - 9:10 am

This looks like it’s going to be a really good show. I know a few of my friends that have daughters that are terrified of when they become teenagers. This would be a good show for them to see you too! I think this would work for those that have boys too! It helps kids understand the frame of mind of what the opposite sex is thinking.

Reply
Christy Maurer 2017/05/29 - 11:03 am

I used to watch him on 7th Heaven, and he was even great at that age! This looks like it will be such a good family show!

Reply
Angelic Sinova 2017/05/29 - 1:28 pm

I’ve been seeing a lot of promos for Date My Dad and it definitely looks interesting! I can’t wait to check it out. I love finding new shows to watch in the summer when all of my regular favorite shows are on hiatus.

Reply
Neha 2017/05/29 - 4:39 pm

This looks so great, I have been fan of many shows, but this one seems with a fresh story. I am surely going to try watching this show, it’s always good to start with something new.

Reply
Katie Kinsley 2017/05/29 - 7:46 pm

Aww, I cannot wait to see this show! It seems like a feel good series that I am ready to watch at this point.

Reply
Chantal 2017/05/29 - 9:28 pm

I absolutely love Barry Watson from when he was in 7th Heaven. So cool that you were able to talk with him! I will definitely check this show out!

Reply
Maurene Cab 2017/05/29 - 11:16 pm

Date My Dad sounds like a great series. I think it offers a unique approach to the family life.

Reply
Dawn McAlexander 2017/05/29 - 11:28 pm

That’s cool that you got to interview him. I have not heard of this show before, but it sounds worth checking out. I will have to look into it for sure.

Reply
Annemarie LeBlanc 2017/05/30 - 1:47 am

I am going to be a big fan of this show! I love the story line. I know it is going to be both hilarious and heartwarming at the same time. Barry Watson was so cute during his 7th Heaven days. I guess he aged pretty well!

Reply
rika 2017/05/30 - 2:51 am

I am going to check out this show. Sounds pretty interesting! Great interview!

Reply
JenellBStewart 2017/05/30 - 11:04 am

Representation matters and I’m so happy to hear that your daughters were able to relate to the characters on the show! I love shows you can sit and watch with your family. I will be tuning in to Date My Dad.

Reply
My Teen Guide 2017/05/30 - 2:06 pm

Yay! Another new show to look forward to. It is nice to see a show like this that is focused on the world of single dads raising his kids. I think Barry Watson will do a good job in the lead role.

Reply
Paula Schuck 2017/05/31 - 9:50 am

I love watching new shows. I love that there is something now that focuses on single dads raising kids. What a great idea for a show.

Reply
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations 2017/05/31 - 9:50 am

This looks as though it’s going to be a fabulous show. I will have to check it out as I am trying to find some new content to watch.

Reply
Mimi Green 2017/05/31 - 10:17 am

I also never find my name on thing nor do my children. I totally know what that feels like.

What an incredible opportunity for you. I hadn’t heard of this show before but I would love to watch it. It sounds real and I love that. Although it doesn’t mirror my living arrangements I love that it is something different than what we’ve seen on TV.

Reply
sathwika 2017/06/03 - 7:09 am

I have not heard of this show before. Thanks for sharing this post.

Reply

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More