MTV’s ‘Teen Mother’ Has Ignored the Dads for Far Too Lengthy

MTV’sTeen Mom has created a franchise across the lives of younger mothers, because the identify implies. However that’s to not understate the position of the fathers within the forged of the reality series. In fact, there are absentee fathers on the present, as there are with moms. However a number of common Teen Mother stars are dads who’ve stepped as much as the plate, although the identify of the franchise typically downplays their involvement.

The Teen Mother franchise has seen many spin-offs within the practically 20 years it’s been on the air. MTV has additionally re-branded the franchise, with the present variation Teen Mother: The Subsequent Chapter reflecting a mixed forged from Teen Mother OG and Teen Mother 2. Although it was as soon as the best-rated sequence on TV, the franchise’s remaining reveals proceed to suffer from declining ratings. It’s clear Teen Mother wants a facelift, and one other spin-off might do the trick. However MTV must assume outside-of-the-box, like taking the main focus off the mothers for as soon as, and giving the highlight to the dads. Teen Dad, anybody?

The ‘Teen Mother’ Dads Provide Loads of Content material to Work With

If MTV needed a spin-off in regards to the dads, they’d have loads to work with. The dads include numerous attention-grabbing content material for storylines, even when the mothers aren’t concerned within the new sequence. Take a look at Gary Shirley, who share teen daughter, Leah, along with his ex Amber Portwood. MTV has been criticized for persevering with to offer Amber a televised platform given her controversial previous, which include charges for domestic abuse. Gary has been Leah’s major dad and mom since toddlerhood, and {the teenager} has even expressed a desire to be adopted by her step-mother, Kristina, Gary’s spouse. Gary’s household is already featured on The Subsequent Chapter, however they may very well be given new protection in a spin-off that takes focus off Amber, one thing each viewers in addition to Leah appear to wish to see occur.

In fact, there’s additionally the choice to start out recent, and easily leverage the present’s model identify and recognition. MTV might create a brand new forged, stuffed with fresh-faced dads we’ve by no means met earlier than. There was also a 16 and Pregnant reboot recently, so they may forged fan favorites to leverage their recognition for Teen Dad debut.

Why MTV Ought to Shine Gentle On the Dads

It would be good if a spin-off targeted on the dads in a constructive mild, since there are plenty of understated male heroes of the franchise. However actuality TV wants drama, and there are many Teen Mother fathers who can convey that, even when their parenting is questionable. In reality, unhealthy parenting choices is a part of what made the franchise so fashionable within the first place.

Jenelle Evans’ first child daddy, Andrew Lewis, lately made headlines when it was reported he made contact with their son Jace, who’s been combating running away from both Jenelle and his grandmother’s home. Andrew has been absent for many of Jace’s life, however he appears to have a want to be again within the highlight, so he may very well be prepared to signal on for a particular function. A transfer like this may undoubtedly convey within the views.

It is unlikely MTV would wish to, however it’d even be an choice to associate with controversial figures like David Eason and Adam Lind, each ex Teen Mother 2 dads who left the present amid legal fees – David was investigated for admitting to killing the family dog, whereas Adam has faced domestic violence and drug charges.

Actually, for over a decade, MTV has made Teen Mother in regards to the mothers. And, after all, they’re who made the franchise what it was. However they wouldn’t be right here with out the opposite stars, even when they had been simply “supporting characters,” like the youngsters and the dads. Giving the dads extra of a platform, like a spin-off present, would supply a brand new perspective to the Teen Mother franchise, and will maybe be the facelift it wants to spice up scores. MTV likes to create Teen Mother spin-offs, so in the event that they’re going to do something, then not less than let or not it’s authentic. The scores show that what they’re doing isn’t working, so shining the highlight someplace else may very well be a very good change in technique.

Teen Mother may be streamed on Paramount+.

Watch on Paramount+