In a super-fancy television network office, a network EXEC in an expensive suit sits behind a large oak desk. He leans back in his chair and checks his iPhone. He chuckles at something on its screen. Another man, development VP, sit on a modern leather couch nearby. He, too, is on his iPhone and he also chuckles.
EXEC: Did you read that tweet from Bynes?
EXEC: She's such a wreck... Let's see if we can get her on a show, like a buddy chick thing. Is Kirstie Alley still alive?
The intercom BUZZES and is followed by LADY'S VOICE.
LADY'S VOICE (on intercom): Your eleven o'clock is here.
The two men stand as AVERAGE DAD enters. The both shake his hand firmly.
EXEC: Thanks for coming in. We loved your script.
AVERAGE DAD: Wow. I'm glad to hear that.
EXEC: I think the show will be perfect for our Sunday lineup. We just want to discuss a few adjustments.
VP: Let's start with the lead character. He seems so... so...
AVERAGE DAD: He's not any more competent than any other parent.
VP: We think he should be out of his element. You know, inept.
AVERAGE DAD: In 1981, maybe.
VP: A dad staying home to raise the kids is comedy gold. I mean, imagine the hysterics of him trying to change a diaper.
AVERAGE DAD: Changing a diaper is not that complicated.
EXEC: Well, the first time I tried to change my boy Timmy, I had a hell of a time. It took three of our live-in nannies to show me how. It was awful. I never did it again.
VP: Your son's name is Tommy.
AVERAGE DAD: I don't see how changing --
VP: Perhaps we're not explaining the whole fish-out-of-water thing well. Think of it like, uh, like Bosom Buddies. Those guys were fish-out-of-water and that show was a laugh riot.
AVERAGE DAD: If you just compared my script about a stay-at-home dad to a show about two cross-dressing ne'er-do-wells, I think I've found the source of our disconnect.
VP: No one will watch a show about a competent stay-at-home dad.
AVERAGE DAD: How do you know?
AVERAGE DAD: Since you both seem rooted in a decades-old stereotype, let me put it to you this way. You liked The Cosby Show, right?
EXEC: Brilliant. One of the best shows ever.
AVERAGE DAD: Cliff Huxtable was a pretty amazing dad.
EXEC: I wish my dad was more like him.
AVERAGE DAD: Cliff was also a work-at-home dad.
EXEC: But, he was a doctor or something.
AVERAGE DAD: His office was in his home.
EXEC (into intercom): Get me copies of every episode of The Cosby Show. And send my dad another box of dog poo.
AVERAGE DAD: Look, guys, Mr. Mom was funny, but that guy doesn't exist anymore. He barely existed then. It's not about moms or dads now, it's about parents. What my script offers is the experience of a new parent struggling to get through the daily challenges of caring for a baby. And he happens to be a guy. But, being a guy doesn't automatically make him an idiot.
EXEC: My dad never loved me.
EXEC: Well, you've given us a lot to think about. And we should probably end this here. We have another development meeting for a new show.
AVERAGE DAD: Mind if I ask what it's about?
VP: I shouldn't say anything, but we're very excited about it. It's about homicide detectives who solve crimes.
AVERAGE DAD: How original.
VP: I know, right?... It'll be... so great...
Both the Exec and the VP start weeping. Average Dad quietly leaves.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.