22 reviews
The show's premise about a young single mother dies leaving orphan Staci Keanan to be raised by two potential fathers who are very opposite of one another. They are played by a former hometown resident Greg Evigan and Paul Reiser. The Judge who put them together is played by the wonderful Florence Stanley. Okay, the plot may have been dumb but something clicked on this show about two very different men who are not gay raising a daughter in New York City. Of course, a simple blood test would determine who the father was but it was more important that it did not matter after awhile. That family can be redefined about people who love and care for each other. The show also had the two fathers date women. Of course, now the show would be about two gay men raising a daughter which would have left the fire out of them trying to get along and live together as a family. Isn't family about people who love each other after all?
- Sylviastel
- Nov 24, 2006
- Permalink
Childhood best friends Michael Taylor (Paul Reiser) and Joey Harris (Greg Evigan) have been estranged since fighting over girlfriend Marcy Bradford thirteen years earlier. They are brought in to the reading of her will. They are shocked to discover that they both inherited her 12 year old daughter Nicole Bradford (Staci Keanan). The father is biologically indeterminate. Michael is a stuffy financial advisor and Joey is the irresponsible free-spirit artist. They move into Michael's artistic loft. Judge Margaret W. Wilbur oversees their case and also owns Michael's apartment building. They often hang out at a local diner owned by Ed Klawicki (Dick Butkus). Cory Kupkus (Giovanni Ribisi) has a crush on Nicole while she has a crush on Zach Nichols (Chad Allen). Shelby Haskell (Amy Hathaway) is her wild friend.
It's a bright neon 80's family sitcom with an odd premise. The judge makes no sense. Here's my idea. The two guys can move into the Bradford home. The judge is the neighbor friend which is why she is the executor of the estate and often comes over to their home. Instead, she's just randomly the owner of Joey's building and even takes over Klawicki's diner. Paternity testing became much more accurate during the 80's although popular culture may not have caught up. They do eventually tackle the issue in season three. The premise is convoluted but ultimately harmless. The show is passable. There is missed opportunity to pair up Cory with Shelby. Reiser does a few slightly funny things. Evigan is a good foil for him. The girl is cute and sweet. It's way too early to do a gay couple parenting a kid. Instead, we're doing Three Men and a Baby in a network sitcom. Just in case anyone is wondering. This show came first. I watched this back in the day. It's not that memorable or outstanding. I remember a few episodes and definitely the bright 80's neon-art loft apartment. Otherwise, this is a mostly forgotten show with a memorable name.
It's a bright neon 80's family sitcom with an odd premise. The judge makes no sense. Here's my idea. The two guys can move into the Bradford home. The judge is the neighbor friend which is why she is the executor of the estate and often comes over to their home. Instead, she's just randomly the owner of Joey's building and even takes over Klawicki's diner. Paternity testing became much more accurate during the 80's although popular culture may not have caught up. They do eventually tackle the issue in season three. The premise is convoluted but ultimately harmless. The show is passable. There is missed opportunity to pair up Cory with Shelby. Reiser does a few slightly funny things. Evigan is a good foil for him. The girl is cute and sweet. It's way too early to do a gay couple parenting a kid. Instead, we're doing Three Men and a Baby in a network sitcom. Just in case anyone is wondering. This show came first. I watched this back in the day. It's not that memorable or outstanding. I remember a few episodes and definitely the bright 80's neon-art loft apartment. Otherwise, this is a mostly forgotten show with a memorable name.
- SnoopyStyle
- Dec 4, 2019
- Permalink
Michael - Paul Reiser - is a Manhattan investment counselor with pressed suits and big ambitions. Joey - Greg Evigan - is an artist / sculptor who lives in Soho. They havent connected for a long time but once they were both in love with the same lady, Marcy. One day, both are summoned to the reading of Marcy's will in a judges chamber. She has divided her estate between them. What is their good fortune? They are now co-parents of a 12 year old girl, Nicole - Staci Keenan. Oh my oh my. Michael needs "time" to adjust so Joey takes Nicole home to his creatively furnished loft. He has zip in the fridge so must order pizza. He also leaves his little gal for an appt so she goes running to find Michael when alone too long. How will this work out ? My new Dads will get a chance to be Nicole's papa! This darling show has the odd couple co-parenting an adorably sweet tween who still misses her Mom. Naturally, this leads to many disagreements and compromises while love blooms. Families will still enjoy this funny show.
I enjoyed this show very much when it was on. I think some people read to much into the premise of a show. It is a nice show that showed that people in a family can actually love and take care of each other. Maybe it wasn't an Emmy winning show, but, it was fun to watch. Paul Rieser is hilarious to watch. Greg Evigan I thought did a great job in this show of being able to give it back to Paul's character. The daughter may have been a little bratty at times, but, aren't we all? I would love to see this show back on TV in reruns. I would really enjoy watching it with my own teenagers. I think they would get a kick out of it. Thank you for listening. I hope you all have a nice day. There should be more descent shows like this one out there.
- signsoflife16
- Dec 27, 2005
- Permalink
It is strange to me that the show only has a rating of 6.2/10. I know I just gave it a 0.8 higher rating but a 7/10 is what it deserves. As a whole it is a cute and funny show with some neat characters and lessons. It's, of course, by no means perfect as it is a product of it's time in several ways, but I love it still.
One aspect I really love about the show which I just have to gush about, is how Nicole is portrayed as both Joey and Michael's daughter. I don't mean that as just her having Joey's hair and some of Michael's mannerisms and refering to them as her dads. (She might as well be a love child tbh). What I love is that Nicole doesn't want to know who her bio dad is because she wants them both to be her dad. The message of the show (which is spelled out in several episodes, specially, Pop The Question) really is that parents are who loves and raises you, not the, to be crude, sperm donor.
I really wish they did a reboot season or an hour long TV special reuniting the surviving cast members. I'd pay good money to see what the characters would be upto these days.
One aspect I really love about the show which I just have to gush about, is how Nicole is portrayed as both Joey and Michael's daughter. I don't mean that as just her having Joey's hair and some of Michael's mannerisms and refering to them as her dads. (She might as well be a love child tbh). What I love is that Nicole doesn't want to know who her bio dad is because she wants them both to be her dad. The message of the show (which is spelled out in several episodes, specially, Pop The Question) really is that parents are who loves and raises you, not the, to be crude, sperm donor.
I really wish they did a reboot season or an hour long TV special reuniting the surviving cast members. I'd pay good money to see what the characters would be upto these days.
- onidasscreen
- Feb 27, 2024
- Permalink
It might have had good moments but no judge is going to make such a ruling. They would order a paternity test to determine who gets custody of the child it there are no stipulations in a will by the deceased. I know sometimes for sitcoms you have to suspend disbelief but not this much. Plenty of sitcoms were successful without such a far fetched premise.
- marysammons-42220
- Feb 1, 2019
- Permalink
Need one of television's ad hoc families? I recommend this one. Nicole's (Staci Keenan) mother dies, and her two old flames inherit her per her will. One of them is her father, but no one knows who. They used to be best friends, but parted enemies, and now make up their differences for Nicole's sake and move into Joey's apartment and try to put up a "normal" family. Of course, the two dads have totally different personalities;Michael is an uptight consultant while Joey is a carefree, spontaneous artist. This makes for the funniest situations which of course get settled by the end of the episode. I think this is one of the funniest comedies of the '80s. If you have the time, check it out.
*** out of ****
*** out of ****
Forced myself through one episode . . . and this is a monumentally UNfunny situation comedy. I am amazed that it lasted for three years and sixty episodes.
It just felt forced . . . artificial . . . like they were trying to be hilarious. First, it has to have characters the audience cares about . . . it doesn't. Nothing can save it if they don't meet that initial qualification.
It just felt forced . . . artificial . . . like they were trying to be hilarious. First, it has to have characters the audience cares about . . . it doesn't. Nothing can save it if they don't meet that initial qualification.
This was a great show in the tradition of The Wonder Years and Silver Spoons. Really good characters, particularly 12 year old Nicole. I'm sure there are many who would disagree with me but it leaves Friends in the dust. Nicole's two fathers Michael and Joey do a lot for the show too and her young friend Cory (a great kid also) and Judge Wilber certainly contribute also. My favourite episodes are Nicole's Big Adventure, Crime and Punishment, Advice and Consent and Nicole's First Date. I've really enjoyed the first season on DVD and I now have season 2 on order. I'm not sure if season 3 has been released on DVD yet. If not then I hope it will be at sometime because this is one of those shows you just can't get enough of.
When my wife and I married in 1985, I became the step-father of an eight-year old girl, whom I have raised as my own. At the time she had recently been adopted by another man because she never met her real father. In a sense, she now had two dads. When the show aired we had been in this situation for three years. This show gave her a connection to the rest of the world because she thought she was the only kids with two dads. The man who had adopted her was very money-oriented and I am an artist, so she felt a real connection to Nichole. I hated to see the series end because it was a great source of excitement for my daughter and it made me feel like our whole situation was not so abnormal. Although the show was a comedy, it made a lot serious statements about life and how to deal with situations as they are thrust upon you.
- rjackson35
- Feb 25, 2005
- Permalink
This is the best family show from the 1980's i have ever seen. The relationship with her two straight dads is brilliant. One of whom is cool and artsy, the other one stuffy and strait laced, but who both love her equally. If this was remade today i wouldn't go within a mile of it because the dads would just have to be remade as homosexuals. Thats just a given in todays PC TV landscape. So just enjoy this fun and uplifting show from another age as it is. I also loved Nicoles interactions with her best friend Shelby. So much fun. And so much better than her 2 boyfriends, who were both rather drippy.
Watching this back in 1990, I couldn't imagine the world progressing like it has.
Back then men were awesome, idolized, heroic, good and Hollywood portrayed them as much.
In 2018, men are now actively attacked by cultural Marxists. Men who are natural leaders and creators and saviors of society are domonized. My Two Dads was the oppossite. Two men find out one is the father and need to take care of their daughter.
Unbelievable sure(But not that unbelievable), but entertaining, YES! Both guys have different personalities. One a heart throb with a heart of gold and the other a nerd with the heart of gold, both coming together to take care of their little girl....well teen daughter. Fantastic show, devoid of identity politics and heroically portrays both dads as masculine.
It works and THIS is the show the Millennial generation needs to re-watch.
Back then men were awesome, idolized, heroic, good and Hollywood portrayed them as much.
In 2018, men are now actively attacked by cultural Marxists. Men who are natural leaders and creators and saviors of society are domonized. My Two Dads was the oppossite. Two men find out one is the father and need to take care of their daughter.
Unbelievable sure(But not that unbelievable), but entertaining, YES! Both guys have different personalities. One a heart throb with a heart of gold and the other a nerd with the heart of gold, both coming together to take care of their little girl....well teen daughter. Fantastic show, devoid of identity politics and heroically portrays both dads as masculine.
It works and THIS is the show the Millennial generation needs to re-watch.
- Dark_Lord_Mark
- Aug 13, 2018
- Permalink
This show may have more meaning for me than most anyone else. I've seen every episode at least five times. I would love a chance to own the videos if the show ever comes to DVD. I'm an adoptee who had a very difficult time living with my adoptive parents. My adolescent years were too painful for me to want to remember them. I could understand a child trying to cope with a foreign environment. I can definitely see much of my personality in her character. I was a bright kid. She had two parents that cared for her and tried to relate to her and understand her. I wish that I would have had so much. Her parents may not have known what to do in every situation, but they made an effort to seek outside guidance when they felt their own advice was inadequate. In this show I see the parents and the adolescent memories that I never had but wanted.
Funny sitcom with great comedic timing and delivery, This is one of the few shows that I watched and loved growing up and that I still find funny and watchable as a middle-aged adult. (Some sitcoms from that era seem a tad cringy or tacky when you watch them again decades later.) The dynamic between Paul Riser (Michael) and Greg Evigan (Joey) is much like the dynamic between Mark Linn-Baker (Cousin Larry) and Bronson Pinchot (Balki) in "Perfect Strangers" (though, nothing will ever be as perfect as Larry & Balki, that was comedic genius; don't believe me? Rewatch "Perfect Strangers"). You'll find this show similarly entertaining.
I've read through these comments, all bashing MTD's, but for me growing with two homosexual fathers, the show was a godsend! There, once a week, was a family that looked and acted just like mine - except I didn't have a neighbor like Dick Butkus, he-he. Greg Evigan and Paul Reiser had this unspoken sexual chemistry, just like my father's, Stan and Randy (though sometimes their chemistry was more that just unspoken but that's a story for Dr. Phil!). MTD's quickly became my life. I collected the entire set of trading cards (sold only in Israel), the backpack, and the hair gell endorsed by Greg Evigan at the time (for a firm, stylish hold...). Really, the only thing I can say to sirs, Evigan and Reiser, "Thank you, my two sweet princes."
- sgurch2002
- Sep 19, 2004
- Permalink
The basic plot of the show was Nichole's(Keanan) mother died and she was adopted by the two men who had been with her mother.
Micheal (Reiser) was the successful, easily stressed business man. Joey (Evigan) was the laid back rock musician. Also the judge lived with them to oversee the upbringing. Typical episodes include Nichole's first date, Nichole's dating a rebel, etc. The series gave me the first appearance of Reiser's range of comedy material, also Keanan was the girl that I wish that went to my junior high.:)
Micheal (Reiser) was the successful, easily stressed business man. Joey (Evigan) was the laid back rock musician. Also the judge lived with them to oversee the upbringing. Typical episodes include Nichole's first date, Nichole's dating a rebel, etc. The series gave me the first appearance of Reiser's range of comedy material, also Keanan was the girl that I wish that went to my junior high.:)
I remember this funny but weird comedy series from the late 80's, I watched a few episodes from time to time. It is odd for a girl or any person for that matter to have two dads, but I guess it is possible in this crazy world we live in. The series was well written and featured good acting from Staci Keanan, Paul Reiser, and Greg Evigan. Let me explain 12 year-old Nicole (Staci Keanan) is in an unusual situation. She has two fathers. Years ago neurotic business student Michael (Paul Reiser) and free-spirited painter Joey (Greg Evigan) had loved the same woman only to both broken up with her and they had not seen her again. Later their ex-flame had died and both Joey and Michael learned she had a daughter by one of them, but no one knew which one. So the tough but firm Judge Wilbur played perfectly by Florence Stanley awarded joint custody of Nicole to them both. It was very fun watching the many episodes to experience the growing pains all three had. Each learned about life and love.
This sitcom was and is, THE best one ever. I used to rush home from school to watch it and had Staci Keanan was one sexy babe! Great episodes, nice and cheesy late eighties/early 90's fashions and and good set of characters. I really, really want a set of episodes on video...if anyone has any that they are willing to trade/sell etc...let me know!
- Iron-Fan-Defence
- Mar 5, 2003
- Permalink
I was recently discussing this show with a friend of mine and we were both dumbfounded by how moronic the concept was. I know sitcoms require suspension of reality to enjoy them; however, My Two Dads is a little extreme. This has to be one of the stupidest television scenarios in history. A premise of my mom was such a slut that we don't know who my father is and both bachelors are are dying to become single fathers. Therefore, we will never get a paternity test to let the innocent man of the hook. On the surface that idea is just bad and the execution of it was even worse. Very clichéd and predictable television writing with the precocious teen and clueless parents. Highly creative television.
- thesuitetheme
- Dec 17, 2004
- Permalink
A pre-teen's mother dies, and her daughter ends up living with TWO men the mother had been with. Paul Reiser is the dull, "straight man" and Greg Evigan is the "fun-loving," "funny" character. Stacey Keanan (WEHT?) is the whiny, bratty daughter who has to deal with them.
Typical scenarios involve Reiser and Evigan dealing with Keanan's budding adolescene; Reiser and Evigan trying to date bimbos; Reiser and Evigan ending up in some scrape, having to explain their unusual living situation (two men together? Hmmm.... thinks every guest star), etc.
This show used to air in reruns on the USA network, but has actually been off-air for quite some time now. I'm not exactly pleading with TV Land or Nick at Nite to pick it up any time soon, even though they might for Reiser(who acts an AWFUL lot like his "Mad About You" character) and the "star" it introduced, Giovanni "Vanni" Ribisi, as Keanan's dull friend/ love interest, who wore ugly costumes like short pants and knee socks and since he was obviously undergoing puberty, had an ugly, squeaky voice to match.
He probably mocks "My Two Dads..." if he even remembers it. I wonder how many people do.
Typical scenarios involve Reiser and Evigan dealing with Keanan's budding adolescene; Reiser and Evigan trying to date bimbos; Reiser and Evigan ending up in some scrape, having to explain their unusual living situation (two men together? Hmmm.... thinks every guest star), etc.
This show used to air in reruns on the USA network, but has actually been off-air for quite some time now. I'm not exactly pleading with TV Land or Nick at Nite to pick it up any time soon, even though they might for Reiser(who acts an AWFUL lot like his "Mad About You" character) and the "star" it introduced, Giovanni "Vanni" Ribisi, as Keanan's dull friend/ love interest, who wore ugly costumes like short pants and knee socks and since he was obviously undergoing puberty, had an ugly, squeaky voice to match.
He probably mocks "My Two Dads..." if he even remembers it. I wonder how many people do.
**jumps on a soapbox** I am so sick and tired of all these sitcoms about moronic parents and precocious, wise beyond their years, and mature kids! In this one, a woman who has been with two men and gets pregnant, and 12 years later the mom dies mysteriously and the two gullible men get custody of the girl. And as usual she's mature, popular, and wise beyond her years and totally boy crazy and already dating. Yes, you heard me right, dating. She has a best friend who thinks and feels the same way she does.
My Two Dads is by far one of the worst 80's sitcoms ever! Small Wonder comes in second. The way the dads let that girl even act the way she did in the sitcom was sick! And of course the dads were too dumb to discipline her, and it was almost as if _she_ was raising her dads! Pathetic and unrealistic! My theory is this show started a lot of those other sitcoms about dads raising daughters and the mom is deseased, or the kids have to go live with some idiotic relative and make his life a living hell.
This sitcom never should've been made. Besides, in reality, would a girl who's living with 'two dads' like that even be popular? No, she wouldn't. She'd be mocked and ridiculed until she graduates or moves out of town which ever comes first. Also, not all teenage girls are boy crazy and trendy. It's like the writers of those shows want to make us viewers believe that. My Two Dads should've had the plug pulled on it before coming onto television!
My Two Dads is by far one of the worst 80's sitcoms ever! Small Wonder comes in second. The way the dads let that girl even act the way she did in the sitcom was sick! And of course the dads were too dumb to discipline her, and it was almost as if _she_ was raising her dads! Pathetic and unrealistic! My theory is this show started a lot of those other sitcoms about dads raising daughters and the mom is deseased, or the kids have to go live with some idiotic relative and make his life a living hell.
This sitcom never should've been made. Besides, in reality, would a girl who's living with 'two dads' like that even be popular? No, she wouldn't. She'd be mocked and ridiculed until she graduates or moves out of town which ever comes first. Also, not all teenage girls are boy crazy and trendy. It's like the writers of those shows want to make us viewers believe that. My Two Dads should've had the plug pulled on it before coming onto television!