What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedFatherhood
Paul Weitz · Film · 2021
If you loved Fatherhood, start with Better Things (Pamela Adlon, 2016) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Fatherhood across media.
If you connected with the raw vulnerability of Fatherhood, these stories explore the profound, messy, and life-altering journey of raising children.
Books on the same thread
Bewilderment
Richard Powers · Book · 2021
Explores: Astrobiology and the cosmos, Parenting a neurodivergent child, Environmental grief.
Like Fatherhood, this novel centers on the intense, singular bond between a parent and child, navigating the heavy weight of grief and the complexities of raising a neurodivergent son.
Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy
Sheryl Sandberg, Adam Grant · Book · 2017
Shares 2 threads with Fatherhood: Overcoming Adversity, Grief.
While Fatherhood shows a widower finding his footing, this book offers the practical, grounded wisdom needed to build resilience and find joy after experiencing the sudden loss of a spouse.
Notes on Grief
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie · Book · 2021
Explores: anticipatory grief, parent-child relationship, cultural rituals of mourning.
This memoir captures the same bewildering, universal ache of mourning that defines the early scenes of Fatherhood, providing a deeply personal meditation on the parent-child relationship during times of loss.
Fun Home
Alison Bechdel · Book · 2007
Shares 2 threads with Fatherhood: Father-Daughter Relationship, Grief.
This graphic novel explores the complexities of the father-daughter relationship through a different lens, mirroring the emotional depth found in Fatherhood as it examines the lasting impact of family dynamics.
Series on the same thread
Better Things
Pamela Adlon · Series · 2016
Shares a thread with Fatherhood: Dramedy.
This series captures the chaotic, everyday reality of single parenting seen in Fatherhood, highlighting the humor and exhaustion that come with raising children without a partner by your side.
Parenthood
Jason Katims · Series · 2010
Shares a thread with Fatherhood: Dramedy.
Fans of the domestic struggles in Fatherhood will appreciate this series, which dives into the imperfect, realistic, and deeply moving trials of family life and the transitions that define parenthood.
One Day at a Time
Mike Royce · Series · 2017
Explores: Single Parent, Intergenerational Relationships, Cultural Identity.
This sitcom mirrors the single-parent journey portrayed in Fatherhood, focusing on the support systems and intergenerational relationships that help a parent navigate the challenges of raising a family alone.
Maid
Molly Smith Metzler · Series · 2021
Explores: Single Motherhood, Breaking the Cycle of Abuse, Resilience.
This drama echoes the resilience of the protagonist in Fatherhood, showing a single mother overcoming immense adversity to create a stable, loving future for her child despite difficult circumstances.
Podcasts on the same thread
Tatayhood
Podcast
Explores: fatherhood, parenting, family life.
Just as Fatherhood highlights the unique experience of a man stepping into a primary caregiver role, this podcast provides a space to explore the realities of fatherhood and family life.
Daddies Overnight
Podcast
Explores: Gay fathers, Adoption journey, New parents.
This podcast captures the same sense of uncertainty and learning-on-the-job that defines the protagonist in Fatherhood as two new fathers navigate the chaotic, heartwarming journey of raising their child.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Fatherhood based on a true story?
Yes, Fatherhood is inspired by a true story. The film follows a widowed new father as he navigates the fears, doubts, and daily challenges of raising his daughter on his own following the loss of his partner.
What is the main plot of Fatherhood?
Fatherhood tells the story of a man who suddenly becomes a single parent after his wife passes away. He must learn to cope with heartache while managing the practical realities of fatherhood, including the daily demands of caring for his young daughter alone.
Does Fatherhood focus on the challenges of single parenting?
Yes, Fatherhood centers on the experience of a widowed father. The narrative focuses on his personal journey as he overcomes his fears and doubts to raise his daughter as a single parent after the loss of his wife.
Who directed the movie Fatherhood?
The 2021 film Fatherhood was directed by Paul Weitz. The movie depicts the emotional and practical journey of a widowed new dad who is tasked with raising his daughter independently after the death of his partner.