Line #25 Series/BabyDaddy


1	[[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/BabyDaddy_5426.jpg]]
2	''Baby Daddy'' is an [[Creator/{{Freeform}} ABC Family]] television series about Ben Wheeler, a 20-something bartender who is trying to raise his baby daughter Emma while maintaining his bachelor lifestyle. The twist is that Ben didn't realise he was a father until Emma was left outside his apartment door by a one-night-stand. While Ben initially decides to put Emma up for adoption, something that the birth mother also agrees with, he ends up bonding with his daughter and decides to raise her himself.
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4	Ben is helped by his older brother Danny, his best friend Tucker, his [[ChildhoodFriends childhood friend]] Riley and his [[MyBelovedSmother overbearing mother]] Bonnie.
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6	''Baby Daddy'' ran for six seasons, with the first episode airing on June 20 2012, and the final and hundredth episode airing on May 22 2017.
7	----
8	!!This series provides examples of the following tropes:
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10	* AbsurdlyYouthfulMother[=/=]ImprobableAge: The 40 year old Creator/MelissaPeterman cast as the mother of two men in their twenties stretches credibility a bit.
11	** The show tries to handwave it a little with two things: 1. Riley finding out about Bonnie's first wedding in Vegas when she was 18 shows that Bonnie was something of a wild child and 2. It's possible that Bonnie is a few years older than Peterman, and lying about her age.
12	** It was stated in a later episode that Danny was born when Bonnie was still in high school.
13	** She says she quickly divorced her first husband and returned to the boy's father, and the boys seem to be close in age. Assuming that she had quickly had Danny at 19 followed by Ben at 20, its not unreasonable to think that she's still in her early 40s, with Danny being 23/24ish and Ben being 22/23ish when the series start.
14	* ActionMom: Bonnie, as Ben's obnoxious friend Gene found out. The rather tall Melissa Peterman has had the nickname "Blondzilla" follow her through her last [[Series/{{Reba}} two]] [[Series/WorkingClass sitcoms.]]
15	* ActorAllusion:
16	** In one episode, while wearing two leather bracelets to hide his "Amy" and "Riley" tattoos, Danny says he think they make him look like a superhero. Creator/DerekTheler was in the running for [[Film/CaptainAmericaTheFirstAvenger Captain America]] in the past.
17	** In another episode, Riley tries to teach Danny to dance. Creator/ChelseaKane joined the show not long after appearing on ''Dancing With The Stars.''
18	** In "Bonnie's Unreal Estate," Ben calls a preacher's nowhere-near-as-sweet-as-she-seems daughter (played by Creator/LucyHale) a [[Series/PrettyLittleLiars little liar.]]
19	* AdamWesting: Former ''Entertainment Tonight'' host Mary Hart has a recurring role as Tucker's boss, a much more Diva-esque version of herself.
20	* AirHugging: Izzy's awkward fist-bump thing with Danny.
21	* AllWorkVsAllPlay: Implied that Riley's Mom and Bonnie Wheeler are this, respectively.
22	* AlmightyMom: For all her blustering and his annoyance at her at times, Ben primarily turns to Bonnie for advice and assistance in raising Emma.
23	* TheArtifact:
24	** Emma herself on more than a few occasions. As Ben's parenting skills improved and the show switched focus from "crazy childcare hijinks" to character relationships, Emma has been reduced to little more than a prop in a few episodes, and likely would fade out completely if not for the fact that she's in the show title.
25	** Ben as a father also falls under this. Later episodes of the show would focus on Danny and Riley's relationship or Bonnie and Tucker's hijinks instead.
26	* TheAntiGrinch: Bonnie
27	* BabyTalk: Usually when someone is talking to Emma.
28	* TheBartender: Ben.
29	* BedmateReveal: After a night of partying the day before the wedding of Ben, Danny and Riley's friends from high school, Ben is understandably surprised to find an equally shocked Katie, the Bride, in his bed the morning of the ceremony.
30	* BerserkButton:
31	** Do ''not'' call Riley [[EmbarrassingNickname "Fat Pants"]] or she will put you in a headlock.
32	** Don't eat Tucker's food.
33	* BetterAsFriends: Ben and Riley realize, that while the two do have loving feelings for one another, and multiple attempts at being a couple, the two would rather remain lifelong best friends than jeopardize what they have in another broken relationship.
34	* TheBigDamnKiss: It happens. Though it's not nearly as clean cut as other instance; it some ways, it's actually kind of depressing.
35	* BigGuyLittleGuy: Danny and Tucker respectively.
36	* BumblingDad: Ben.
37	* CallBack:
38	** When Bonnie's [[Music/RebaMcEntire friend Charlotte]] comes to help with her wedding, Bonnie mentions that she's Thelma to Charlotte's Louise. In ''Series/{{Reba}}'', this is what Melissa Peterman as Barbra Jean said loudly to Reba when the latter sneaked out from the house to ride on her son-in-law's really good car.
39	** When it's revealed that Charlotte is plotting to ruin Bonnie's wedding, Charlotte says that it's revenge for Bonnie stealing her fiance. This is a mirror of how Barbra Jean stole Reba's husband Brock at the start of ''Series/{{Reba}}'' except Reba just snarked endlessly about it instead of fighting back.
40	* CallingTheOldWomanOut: Bonnie gives an epic one of these to her mother Nana Lyle (played by Loni Anderson) who had spent the whole episode [[BitchInSheepsClothing making out she was at fault.]]
41	-->'''Nana Lyle''': Sure is nice to be spending time as a family.... (snidely) something I wasn't allowed to to before.
42	-->'''Bonnie''': Here we go.
43	-->'''Nana Lyle''': Here we go where?
44	-->'''Bonnie''': Here we go [[SelfServingMemory rewriting history.]]
45	-->'''Nana Lyle''': [[WoundedGazelleGambit Honestly Bonnie I have done nothing but support you, all I've ever wanted was to be part of this family,]] I love the boys, I love Emma, I just don't know what your problem is.
46	-->'''Bonnie''': My problem, You don't know what my problem is well here's a hint, its you! You think you supported and loved me, when? how? Yes mother [[TeenPregnancy I got pregnant when I was 17]] not exactly the highlight of homecoming but I did the best I could for a terrified teenager and what did you my mother do, hmm, [[ParentalAbandonment you threw me out of the house]] thankfully Ray's family took me in but even that wasn't enough for you was it.
47	-->'''Nana Lyle''': I've had enough.
48	-->'''Bonnie''': Oh I am just getting started old women, you didn't come to my wedding because [[AbusiveParents you said I was an embarrassment]] and then you simply disowned me, oh I believe your words were [[IHaveNoSon "you don't have a mother"!!!]] you refused to see Danny until he was four and then when Ben came along you told me I was ruining my life [[KickTheDog and adding another dumbo to an already stupid family tree.]] oh, oh but [[MoralEventHorizon the true icing on the crap cake]] was what you said to me when I told you that Ben was a father to a beautiful little girl [[SarcasmMode do you remember that lovely letter you sent mom]] huh, "the rotten apple doesn't fall far from the rotten tree, (voice cracks) he's a dummy just like his mommy" so guess what, you cold, heartless, liquor filled excuse for a mother you don't get to have this family it is mine!!!
49	-->[[ItMakesSenseInContext (The audience applauds)]]
50	* CandyStriper: In Season 2, Episode 3, "[[https://abcfamilysbabydaddy.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wheeler_and_Dealer The Wheeler and Dealer]]", Riley takes an interest in volunteering and accepts a job as a Candy Striper at the hospital.
51	* CanonDiscontinuity: In the second episode, Bonnie and Riley are talking about Mr. Wheeler, Bonnie's husband and Ben and Danny's father. They say his name was Danny Sr., he was completely irresponsible and his love of fireworks left him with no eyebrows and four fingers on his right hand. When he finally see him in Episode 9, his name is Ray and he's fairly well-adjusted with all fingers intact. Potentially justified since Bonnie hated him so much at that point, she might be deliberately smearing him (As far as the name, who knows?)
52	* CaptainObvious: Ben in the pilot, moments after finding a baby on his doormat.
53	-->'''Ben''': There's a baby on my doormat.
54	* ComicBookTime: Time is obviously passing, but Emma does not age in in-universe real time. Also possibly a case of NotAllowedToGrowUp since the show is called '' '''Baby''' Daddy.'' They did [[TheOtherDarrin switch out the babies]] between Seasons 1 and 2 because the first set of twins aged out of the role.
55	* ComplimentFishing: An adorable example of this with Danny and Riley when she's trying to boost his confidence about public speaking.
56	-->'''Riley''': I just wish you could see yourself the way I see you.
57	-->'''Danny''': ...how do you see me, exactly?
58	* CuteBruiser: Riley was known for playing field hockey and beating up Ben when they were kids and she's still very much capable of taking down a huge hockey player like Danny.
59	* TheCutie: Emma.
60	* TheDiaperChange: Considering this a show that revolves around a guy taking care of a baby.
61	* DoppelgangerDating: Bonnie sets Ben on a date with what can only be described as a "mini-Bonnie" in "The Wingmom".
62	* DuctTapeForEverything: See the pic at the top of the page. A gag in the pilot.
63	* DumbMuscle: At times, Danny doesn't come across as too bright.
64	-->'''Bonnie''': It takes him a while, but he gets there eventually.
65	* DynamicEntry: Danny kicks down a door in one episode. It goes flying. Made even better by the fact that Danny kicked the wrong side of the door. Instead of popping the lock (the weakest part of a door and the easiest place to do this) he essentially ''ripped it off its hinges'' with one kick.
66	* DysfunctionJunction : Referenced in Season 3. Tucker's parents are coming for a visit and he pretends to be a train announcer. "Next stop, DysfunctionJunction."
67	* EmbarrassingNickname: "Fat Pants" is this for Riley.
68	* {{Fanservice}}: Many Rangers locker room {{Shirtless Scene}}s. Lots and lots of shirtless scenes.
69	%%zce* FormerlyFat: Riley.
70	* FreezeFrameBonus: A quick shot in "The Wheeler and The Dealer" reveals Bonnie's name for Danny in her phone is "The Tall One"
71	* FriendsRentControl: Zig-zagged. The apartment is pretty decently-sized by New York standards and has three bedrooms, but looks a little shabby in that "converted factory or warehouse" style. As far as paying the rent, Ben is only a bartender, Danny is probably well-paid as a pro-hockey player, and Tucker has an okay job as a producer on a local talk show but his parents are wealthy so they may have bought him the place.
72	* GentleGiant: Danny, especially [[http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m98w11OqBY1r4taf0o1_1280.jpg when interacting with Emma]].
73	** Played with in another episode. Ben and Danny are running for building supervisor to overthrow their irritating supervisor, Sondra. The deciding vote comes down to an elderly lady named Mrs. Curtis. After Danny weaves a path of destruction through her tea-set and and fragile figurine-filled apartment, she promises to still vote for them as long as he stops moving around. He grabs the woman in a big "Thank you" hug... and apparently hugs her so hard she drops dead right there!
74	* HoldMyGlasses: Or, in Bonnie's case, "hold my earrings."
75	* HonouraryAunt: Riley, justified as she is Emma's godmother.
76	* HonouraryUncle: Tucker, who calls himself Emma's "fruncle".
77	* ImpersonatingAnOfficer: Ben and Tucker during "Fleet Week", although this is actually unlawful in the US.
78	* IWantYouToMeetAnOldFriendOfMine: Creator/MattDallas and Creator/JeanLucBilodeau were costars on ''Series/KyleXY.'' And, of course, ''Series/{{Reba}}''.
79	* KissOfLife: Riley for Danny in "The Wheeler and the Dealer."
80	* LadykillerInLove: Danny towards Riley.
81	* LovableJock: Danny.
82	* MamaBear: Bonnie towards Emma.
83	* MeetCute: After an entire season of near misses, Ben finally meets Elle, [[spoiler:when she's revealed to be the medical intern who delivers Danny and Riley's baby.]]
84	* MissingMom: Emma. So missing even Ben doesn't know - Emma literally shows up on Ben's doorstep one day with a note explaining that Ben's the dad and that's it.
85	** [[spoiler: As of the end of season 2, she's back. Since Bonnie forgot to file the appropriate paperwork in time, they have to hunt down Emma mom Angela to resign them. She asks to see a photo of Emma, which is enough to make her come to the apartment and declare she wants Emma back.]]
86	* MistakenForGay: Ben and Tucker, in order to get Emma into day care. The problem is, Tucker doesn't know it.
87	** Season 3, "Foos it or Lose It" : Riley chases Danny's girlfriend to the airport and gives her a long, romantic speech.
88	* MrFanservice: ''Danny''.
89	* MyBelovedSmother: "Mom has this thing about boundaries... she has none." Said by Ben after Danny revealed that she organized his "love drawer" when she came over. One episode dealt with Ben confronting Bonnie as she slowly takes over caring for Emma.
90	* TheNapoleon: Tucker.
91	* ObliviousToLove: Two sides of the love triangle. Ben has no clue Riley loves him, and Riley is '''really''' clueless about Danny. [[spoiler: As of early-mid season 2, the situation has evolved. Ben now realizes he has potential feelings for Riley but puts them aside because he isn't sure enough to put her through that uncertainty. Danny has tried to move on from Riley. While Riley finds out about Danny's feelings and reveals that she returns the sentiment (or is at least, very curious about them) but Danny doesn't know and both are still unable tell each other.]]
92	* OneHeadTaller: A non-romantic example. Many jokes are made about the fact that Creator/DerekTheler (Danny) is [[http://cdn02.cdn.justjaredjr.com/wp-content/uploads/pictures/2012/06/bd-told/baby-daddy-told-you-so-01.jpg comically taller than the rest of the cast.]] The jokes are usually made against Tucker (Tahj Mowry) since he's the shortest, and since Tucker and Danny are sliding into a little bit of a ThoseTwoGuys dynamic.
93	* OneTrueLove: It is all but stated that Elle is meant to be the love of Ben's life.
94	* PickUpBabesWithBabes: Danny and Tucker actually have a contest where they see who can get more phone numbers as they push Emma's stroller for one city block, with Danny even going shirtless to up the ante. They tied, although Tucker had to cry for two of them.
95	* PleasePutSomeClothesOn: Riley in the shower room.
96	* PrettyBoy: Brad in a nutshell.
97	* ReactionShot: Emma gets one when her grandma 86's her dads plans to go out by revealing that ''she'' is going to have a night out.
98	* SiblingTriangle: They seem to be setting one up between Ben, Riley, and Danny. Something of a played with version since it's ''not'' the tall athletic successful guy (Danny, pro hockey player) that's the main love rival. Instead Danny is the soft spoken GentleGiant unable to reveal his feelings while it's his less successful quirky brother that the female lead is interested in.
99	* SheepInSheepsClothing: Riley's ex-boyfriend Fitch much to Ben's dismay.
100	* SnarkToSnarkCombat: Riley's mom Jennifer and Bonnie communicate solely as this. It evolves into HamToHamCombat when they finally start screaming at each other.
101	* StraightGay: [[spoiler: Ben and Danny's father comes out to his sons and ex-wife when he visits.]]
102	* ThoseTwoGuys: Danny and Tucker.
103	* TwoGirlsToATeam: Bonnie and Riley, with Danny, Tucker, and Ben make up the complete group of five.
104	* UnrequitedLoveSwitcheroo: Danny and Riley.
105	* WhatTheHellHero: Ben gives Riley a major one after discovering the day after the two broke up, a half-naked Fitch in her apartment and her ensuing passive aggressive treatment of him the rest of the day.
106	* WorldOfSnark

Context Series / BabyDaddy