Expectant and new fathers will find plenty to relate to in this series. Jack Whitehall returns with a fresh show, aiming to prepare himself—and many others—for the challenges and joys of fatherhood. Jack Whitehall returns to Netflix, this time with a new adventure centered around fatherhood, but he’s not flying solo. Reunited with his father, Michael Whitehall (with whom he’s previously traveled the world in “Travels with My Father”), Jack embarks on a journey to tackle his anxieties about becoming a parent.
In this series, Whitehall humorously transforms from "Jack the lad" to "Jack the dad," portraying a mix of nerves and comedic self-doubt about his ability to handle fatherhood. At 36, he acts as though he's too young and immature for such a responsibility, though his girlfriend Roxy, the calm and collected force in his life, keeps things grounded.
In typical Whitehall fashion, the humor thrives on the contrast between Jack’s exaggerated panic and Michael’s sharp, no-nonsense demeanor. Together, they attend antenatal classes, and Jack learns the graphic realities of childbirth, from vaginal tearing to perineal massage—described in his usual deadpan wit as "like trying to get peanut butter out of a jar."
One of the more memorable moments comes when Jack wears an empathetic belly, giving him a literal taste of the weight of pregnancy. He even faces a no-nonsense midwife who quips, “Less jokes, please,” as Jack tries to navigate a hospital visit. By the second episode of Becoming Dad, the original premise begins to unravel. The baby has arrived, and Jack Whitehall is predictably exhausted—so, naturally, he jets off to America and Germany. His mission? To explore AI and meet people who expose themselves to extreme cold and heat. This in particular seems to be a bit bizarre. One thing is there that we do see Jack's efforts to understand motherhood as well apart from naturally exploring fatherhood.
This show serves as a reminder that becoming a parent is no easy task. Through Jack Whitehall's humorous yet honest portrayal of his journey into fatherhood, the series sheds light on the emotional, physical, and mental challenges that come with stepping into this life-changing role. From the anxieties about responsibility to the overwhelming moments of learning everything from antenatal care to newborn essentials, the show captures the often unspoken struggles that expectant parents face. It not only entertains but also offers a relatable glimpse into the reality of what it means to prepare for parenthood, making it clear that the path is filled with both laughter and hard work.
However, it is true that one who isn't walking on the path of fatherhood may not enjoy the plot. But nonetheless, it is worth a watch. With plenty of laughs and tender moments, the series highlights the humorous side of preparing for parenthood while offering glimpses of genuine vulnerability. Fans of Whitehall’s previous work will appreciate the familiar father-son banter and slapstick humor, all while exploring a new chapter in his life.
Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times