The concept of “dad TV,” which focuses on shows that magnetically draw in male viewers through their casting, themes, and narrative styles, has been a hot topic of conversation. This isn’t a new trend—CBS has been successfully employing this strategy for years, keeping shows like Blue Bloods alive well past their prime. Paramount, the parent company of CBS, has perfected this approach, notably with certain Showtime series and everything in the Taylor Sheridan Universe. It’s clear that the target audience includes plenty of fathers grappling with their own paternal relationships, whether with their fathers or their children. As described in a HuffPost article, these shows are dubbed “dad TV” not just because dads watch them, but because they are the shows your dad or husband likely watches with you.

Calling a show dad TV isn’t meant to be derogatory. Rather, it signifies a genre that resonates with and portrays the lives of middle-aged men, often dads themselves, who enjoy seeing characters they can relate to. According to NPR, these shows aim to cater to men over 30, reflecting their lives and aspirations. Shows like Yellowstone, Reacher, Jack Ryan, and Tulsa King all fit this mold, but it seems MobLand may very well be the epitome of this genre.

MobLand debuted on Paramount+ to record-breaking numbers, drawing 2.2 million viewers on its premiere day alone, making it one of the biggest launches for the streaming service. This success can be attributed to its embrace of classic dad TV elements, including outlandish plot twists, exaggerated performances, and distinctive accents.

Spotting Familiar Faces

One way to understand the success behind Paramount+’s original dramas is to look at the star-studded casts. For example, the casting of Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren was likely a huge draw for 1923. Having well-known actors like Billy Bob Thornton in Landman, Jeremy Renner in Mayor Of Kingstown, and Sylvester Stallone in Tulsa King has proven beneficial. MobLand boasts an impressive cast including Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren, who are not only prolific actors but also symbols of cinematic dad favorites. The show also features skilled character actors like Paddy Considine and Geoff Bell, who bring depth to the series.

He Could Be Any Dad, But He’s a Mobster

Imagine being just a few workouts away from becoming Jack Reacher. Many dad TV series feature complex men who navigate through conflicts and power struggles, prompting viewers to ponder their reactions in similar scenarios. Tom Hardy’s character, Harry Da Souza, is a quintessential dad TV figure; a mediator for a powerful crime family striving to maintain order. This role mirrors the family dynamics that many fathers perceive themselves managing at home. We all see a bit of ourselves in Harry Da Souza, adopting his intuitive responses as our own potential reactions, which is a key appeal of dad TV.

Juggling Acts

Credit Tony Soprano for making the work-family balance a central theme in dad TV. In MobLand, Harry struggles to manage his family obligations and his demanding job, missing therapy sessions with his wife and dealing with his daughter’s troublesome romantic choices. This struggle between professional responsibilities and personal life resonates deeply with many viewers, reflecting the universal challenge of trying to please both your boss and your family.

Esteemed Lineage

While Taylor Sheridan remains a pivotal figure in this genre, having a director like Guy Ritchie and writers familiar with dad-centric narratives adds significant value. MobLand‘s creators include Ronan Bennett, known for Public Enemies and The Day Of The Jackal on Peacock, and Jez Butterworth, who has worked on Edge Of Tomorrow and Black Mass among others. Originally conceived as a prequel to Ray Donovan, the show was redeveloped but retains the foundational drama of a fixer entangled in family and trauma.

Smart, But Not Overly So

Viewers are quick to switch channels if they feel underestimated by the content. MobLand manages to engage its audience with a balanced narrative that’s intriguing enough to keep them off their phones but straightforward enough to avoid confusion. The show cleverly incorporates intellectual elements—like chess analogies and Shakespearean themes—into its narrative of violence and betrayal, making it an intellectually satisfying watch that goes beyond mere entertainment.