Life threw Gemma a serious curveball—one minute swearing off relationships to focus on fun with friends, the next facing an unplanned pregnancy alone. Yet this new comedy from writer Danielle Ward shows even the most daunting situations can be weathered with the right support.
Gemma loves her life in Manchester, working as a hairdresser and spending weekends lighting up the town. But after a fling on a flight goes farther than expected, suddenly she’s dealing with morning sickness and wondering how to tell her estranged dad Malcolm the news. As if that’s not stressful enough, her flatmate’s moving out, leaving Gemma on the verge of homelessness too.
Enter Malcolm, who’s still struggling after his wife left. Living with only the barest life skills, he seems less father figure and more extra dependent. But with her sister in prison and mom who knows where, Gemma realizes moving in together may be their best, if messy, option.
What follows is a heartwarming comedy as the pair stumble through fatherhood, pregnancy, and learning to lean on each other again. Aimee Lou Wood charms as a woman handling a hand she didn’t plan with patience and humor. And David Morrissey shows real gifts for comedy in his hopeless but loving dad.
Through it all, writer Danielle Ward finds lightness in their struggles, reminding us resilience often comes from community, not just courage. So kick back and enjoy the ride as Gemma and Malcolm’s bumpy road to bonding proves smoother with laughter lighting the way.
Daddy Issues Done Right
This new sitcom wouldn’t work without its stellar cast of characters. While Gemma and her dad Malcolm are the clear anchors, each player has a role to play in this messy, lovely portrait of modern family.
Take Gemma’s sister Catherine, utterly brilliantly portrayed by Sharon Rooney. Her character could’ve slid into a one-note jailbird cliché, but Rooney finds humanity in even Catherine’s most absurd ideas. She brings warmth to their strained bond, giving their scenes vivacious energy.
Then there’s former schoolmate Cherry, now a frazzled single mom. Taj Atwal paints Cherry’s frazzled struggles with empathy, making her worries over money and relationships feel all too real. You root for her getting a break, if only for one kindhearted heart to hear.
At the salon, boss Rita keeps things lively, whether trading gossip or pulling staff into her half-baked schemes. Sarah Hadland delivers Rita with a charming lack of self-awareness that’s hard not to love. She’s the brassy yin to Gemma’s calmer yang.
And special props to Arian Nik, whose role as gentle Xander could’ve faded to the sidelines. But he finds poignant notes of care and worry in even small scenes, giving this “will they/won’t they” dynamic a grounding emotional core.
Of course, leads Aimee Lou Wood and David Morrissey are standouts in a strong cast. Wood brings Gemma’s plucky spirit to life with fierce compassion. And it’s a revelation to see dramatic vet Morrissey sinking so gleefully into the bumbling – yet big-hearted – buffoon that is Malcolm.
Over time, we see even peripheral characters like Derek, played superbly by David Fynn, grow into fleshed-out figures far from sitcom stereotypes. And every performer seems to relish the chance to showcase new shades with each episode.
All this makes for a rare kind of modern sitcom—where characters feel fully formed from the first frame, developing in rich ways you won’t always see coming. So put these talented artists front and center, and you’ve got a recipe for memorable TV that’ll leave you wanting more.
Daddy Issues Does It All
This new sitcom proves comedy can handle life’s tough stuff. Showrunner Danielle Ward packs Daddy Issues with laugh-out-loud moments but also isn’t afraid to go deeper.
Ward has a gift for sharp dialogue. Her writing teems with witty one-liners and astute social observations. There’s Gemma’s exasperated medic (“pregnancy workshops push tact, we’ve got eight minutes”) and Rita’s sordid tales from her Coronation Street days.
Even more impressive is how fully-formed Ward’s characters feel from the start. Whether it’s Gemma’s sister angling to pin her crime on a rat or Derek’s misguided male bravado, unpredictable human truth shines through.
This grounded approach allows the comedy to thrive. Scenes like Malcolm’s attempts to understand jacket potatoes mine absurdity from everyday life. David Morrissey perfectly captures his bewildered charm.
Gemma and Malcolm’s new living situation presents endless cringe comedy potential. Yet Ward resists cheap laughs, instead creating a relatable tale of mending family bonds. She finds humor in spillages but focuses on their growing bond.
Dark themes like absent parents and money troubles never feel tacked on. They’re woven into the fabric of who these characters are. Wood and Morrissey sell even the bleakest moments with nuance.
Daddy Issues consistently contrasts belly laughs with poignant emotional beats. A packed antenatal class cuts to Gemma pondering single parenthood alone.
Its final episodes acknowledge real stakes in Gemma’s impending labor. But Ward doesn’t sacrifice the show’s heart or funny bone to get there.
At its best, Daddy Issues feels delightfully human—mischievous, empathetic, and real. It finds meaning in life’s messes through humor and humanity. This careful tonal balance is a true sign of Ward’s talent.
Comedy can and should reflect reality in all its complexity. On that front, Daddy Issues sets a shining example for television.
Daddy Done Good
If Gemma wasn’t carrying Malcolm’s grandkid, there’s no way these two would be living together. She spent years avoiding him after the divorce, and with good reason—the man couldn’t function alone to save his life.
But awkward necessity has a way of bringing people together. And truth be told, underneath it all, there was real care between Gemma and her dad. She just didn’t know if he had anything left to offer her.
Living with Malcolm exposes all his flaws, believe me. This guy put a whole trifle in the microwave “to see what would happen.” The messes he makes would try a saint’s patience.
But his bumbling tries count for something. It turns out Malcolm listens better than Gemma gives him credit for. Little by little, he starts learning—how to do chores and take care of himself. Their bonding moments show his heart’s still in the right place.
It doesn’t hurt that David Morrissey plays Malcolm with such sincere charm. This is a man too soft for the world, not cold or cruel like others might be. And somehow, his imperfect love for Gemma shines through.
Their dynamic brings out the show’s warmth despite crazy circumstances. While hijinks ensue all around, their growing bond anchors the story in something real.
Daddy Issues could’ve been two people constantly nagging each other. Instead, it’s the touching story of a father proving he’s got what it takes after all—with help from the daughter he never stopped caring for. Who doesn’t love a story where family finds its way in the end?
Learning as You Go
Let me tell you, this show puts parenting challenges front and center. Gemma finds herself expecting a baby with zero guidance—her dad might as well be one of the kids. Malcolm’s something else, all right. Until his wife left, the man hadn’t stepped foot in a kitchen. I didn’t know potatoes came in varieties beyond soggy mcspud. But he’s trying, and you’ve got to admire that.
Living together forces both their growth. Gemma teaches her dad basic life skills, like laundry and not cleaning up barf with his coat. Malcolm starts to embrace responsibility in his own bumbling way. Their relationship transforms from distant to daughter having some faith in her old man. And you believe every awkward step of the way, thanks to writing and acting that make these people feel real.
It takes a nice look too at the modern single mom experience. Gemma’s journey shows all the stresses—financials, dating, choosing the right village to raise a kid. But also moments of joy, like baby clothes shopping. This show understands no two stories are exactly the same. Her fast friend Cherry walks a similar path with her own twists.
Plenty of social commentary too. Like how Gemma’s sister fell through cracks society failed to support. Or the sexist “friend” guys can’t let loose of traditional roles. Even minor characters, like Gemma’s free-spirited mom, pose questions about modern families. Things aren’t sugarcoated, but change happens through characters following their hearts.
You really feel invested in where this crazy ride may lead. Will Xander and Gemma’s spark grow? Can Malcolm handle kiddo duties when the time comes? Most of all, will these two find a way to be there for each other, like family’s supposed to be? I’ll be coming back next season, that’s for sure.
Spotlighting Talent
Man, does this show know how to cast or what? They really nailed it with Aimee Lou Wood in the lead. She makes Gemma feel so real, from her big worried eyes to her lighthearted wit that shines through any mess. And talk about range—one moment she’s laughing, next she looks like the weight of the world’s on her.
David Morrissey is pure gold too. Always took him as a serious guy, right? But he owns being Malcolm, from bumbling daddy duties to hurting inside from his past. The man becomes the character; you never see the actor.
All around them, a top-rate supporting cast rounds it out. Sharon Rooney and David Fynn especially crack me up as Catherine and Derek. But funny’s not all—these performances give the show heart.
Behind the scenes merits praise too. Smooth editing keeps jokes flying yet lends emotion weight. And what gorgeous cinematography, soaking up the little details of everyday life. Makes the small-town setting feel lived-in and real.
It’s clear the director cared about this piece. Under their guiding hand, you see what really matters shine through for these folks we grow to care about. Even soundtrack gets it, lifting spirits in just the right way.
All in all, serious kudos to the talented folks that crafted this gem. They showcase how, with the right attention and heart, you can tell profoundly moving stories with humor and grace.
Future Looks Bright
Man, what a ride this show took us on. From start to finish, I was pulled right into these people’s lives. It goes to show how a witty script and top-notch acting can make even the messy parts feel real.
Wood and Morrissey are truly the heart of it all. Their chemistry had me hanging on every scene, eager to see how this father and daughter rebuild what was broken. And I can’t wait to follow Gemma further—that girl’s spirit is something special.
With the way it ended, it seems the writers are setting up for more. I’d love to watch Malcolm keep learning and Gemma take on motherhood. Not to mention what mischief the fantastic supporting cast might dream up. This place they’ve crafted feels rich enough for many adventures.
When it comes to new British comedy, lots of folks like to play it safe. But Daddy Issues took chances, and it paid off. They gave layered characters I actually care about, set against the backdrop of everyday struggles we all face.
If you’re searching for your new favorite funny-yet-moving show, look no further. Give this one a spin. I got a feeling it’ll leave you thinking about life in a new light, with a smile on your face. That’s the sign of true quality, if you ask me. The future’s bright for this little gem, and I can’t wait to see where it leads us next.
The Review
Daddy Issues
Daddy Issues proves itself a heartwarming and supremely hilarious look at the messiness of modern family life. With top-notch performances and sharp wit, it entertains throughout while sneaking in resonant themes. Fans of brilliant character-driven comedy won't want to miss this gem.
PROS
- Relatable and complex characters
- Clever writing with subtle social commentary
- Strong emotional core behind the humor
- Standout performances from the leads
- Good potential for future seasons
CONS
- Some tertiary storylines feel less polished
- Humor doesn't land consistently.
- Tone veers toward sentimentality at times.
