The first docuseries to explore parenting from the father's perspective.
What is the documentary about?
Grown Up Dad is the first docuseries to explore parenting from the father's perspective. Host Joseph Gidjunis embarks on a deeply personal journey, determined to be a more present and engaged father than his own. Along the way, he seeks guidance from experts and fellow dads on the challenges of parenting today, from navigating screen time obsession with his son to redefining modern masculinity, friendship, and loneliness. He also confronts the realities of digital citizenship in an era of misinformation and manipulative content.
Featured guests
Dr. Vivek MurthyEpisodes 2 and 4
Richard V. ReevesEpisodes 3 and 4
Merve LapusEpisodes 2 and 5
The Dumb DadsEpisode 2
Patrick MurphyEpisode 5
Danny FreemanEpisode 3
Also featuring Vivian Gadsden, Theodore Ransaw, Jeremy Givens, Beth Humberd, Jamie Ladge, Dan Colasimone, Jeremy Macvean, Dr. Justin Coulson, Jermar Perry, Dr. Joshua D. Gonzalez, Hari Ravichandran, and Donnel Brockington.
How can I watch?
Every episode streams in the GDN app. Launching Father's Day 2027. Beta applications are open now on iPhone and the web.
All five episodes air on public television stations across the United States.
Season 1 episode guide
Each episode comes with a free downloadable Show Guide: recommended reading and reports, conversation starters for different age groups, self-reflection prompts, and discussion tools for workplaces, families, and communities. More resources for dads in The Mantl
-
Episode 1Changing Role of Fatherhood
Joe explores how today's fathers balance career responsibilities with meaningful family engagement, redefining modern fatherhood through personal narratives, expert insights, and community perspectives.
Joe travels to Australia exploring how dads balance work and family, examining why the animated series Bluey resonates worldwide. Guests include Vivian Gadsden, Theodore Ransaw, Jeremy Givens, Beth Humberd, Jamie Ladge, Dan Colasimone, Jeremy Macvean, and Dr. Justin Coulson.
Show GuideExplore how fatherhood has evolved, and why expectations haven't kept pace. This guide challenges you to unpack inherited definitions of "good dads," with links to research from the Pew Research Center, the U.S. Surgeon General, and academic studies on engaged fatherhood.
Download the guide -
Episode 2Screen Time Challenges
Joe examines the challenges of managing screen obsession, highlighting how caregivers and communities can help children find balance in a digital world.
Joe investigates children's screen obsession, emphasizing mental health and digital balance. Experts include Dr. Vivek Murthy, Merve Lapus, and The Dumb Dads, with stories from a Virginia family managing kids born a decade apart.
Show GuideGrounded in recent findings from the U.S. Surgeon General and Jonathan Haidt's The Anxious Generation, this guide helps families confront the impact of screen time on emotional well-being.
Download the guide -
Episode 3Reclaiming Healthy Masculinity
Joe investigates how healthier ideas about masculinity can empower everyone (families, caregivers, and communities) to encourage vulnerability and emotional well-being.
Joe examines healthier masculinity, empowering emotional well-being and vulnerability. Featuring Jermar Perry, Richard V. Reeves, chef Danny Freeman, and men's health specialist Dr. Joshua D. Gonzalez.
Show GuideHow do we define masculinity today, and who gets to decide? With resources from the American Institute for Boys and Men and Kate Mangino's Equal Partners, this guide dives into how cultural scripts shape our roles as dads.
Download the guide -
Episode 4Lost Men: Loneliness & Friendship
Joe confronts the crisis of loneliness, demonstrating how fostering meaningful connections among men benefits families, caregivers, and the wider community.
Joe confronts male loneliness, advocating stronger friendships and meaningful connections. Insights from Dr. Vivek Murthy, Richard V. Reeves, a Los Angeles dads' roundtable, and a personal journey with co-worker Donnel Brockington.
Show GuideThis guide responds to what the U.S. Surgeon General calls an epidemic: disconnection. It explores shrinking male friendships, mental health risks, and the societal pressures that isolate dads.
Download the guide -
Episode 5Digital Misinformation & Media Literacy
Joe delves into practical strategies caregivers and communities can use to protect children and empower them as informed, resilient digital citizens.
Joe explores strategies to empower children as informed digital citizens following a national incident. Guests include Merve Lapus, Patrick Murphy, Hari Ravichandran, a family with teens, and educators from the Philadelphia School District.
Show GuideTikTok impersonations. Algorithmic bias. Viral falsehoods. This guide offers a grounded approach to raising media-literate kids and being a discerning digital citizen.
Download the guide
Season 1 credits
