Being a father is a learning process for which there is no magic formula. As a “new dad,” you naturally take on tasks and responsibilities in raising children. No problem—after all, you were a kid once yourself. How hard can it be?

This is the question posed by the new ARD-Degeto series “How to Dad,” which wrapped filming in Munich on December 17. Over the past few weeks, Vladimir Burlakow, Patrick Güldenberg, Helgi Schmid, Ugur Kaya, and choreographer and actress Nikeata Thompson have been in front of the camera for this humorous yet emotional comedy series. The cast also includes Acelya Sezer, Lilou Copeland, siblings Ari and Eliah Weinkauf, Paula Löschnig, and Latife Genc. The multi-award-winning director Jakob Lass took the helm.

Synopsis: The four fathers—Alexander, Berti, Roman, and Sami—take their preschoolers to ballet class every Wednesday. While they wait in the lobby, an unusual conversation circle develops. Their pointed small talk covers not only parenting but also personal role models, modern concepts of relationships, and annoying gender stereotypes. The smart influencer Roman, the gay stay-at-home dad Berti, the athletic startup founder Alexander, and the macho businessman Sami could hardly be more different. Yet one thing unites this diverse quartet: When the tough ballet teacher Theresa plans a father-child dance to conclude the course, an unexpected ambition awakens—one that sparks more than just enthusiasm among the children.

“How to Dad” is a Keshet Tresor Fiction production commissioned by ARD Degeto for the ARD Mediathek. The scripts for the five-part series were written by Grimme Award winner Richard Kropf and Anneke Janssen, based on the Keshet Original format by Eran B.Y., Jonni Zikholtz, Omri Amit, Adar Meirom, and Yoav Gross. The producers are Christina Christ and Axel Kühn. Tina Hechinger serves as executive producer. Carolin Haasis and Johannes Hauer (both from ARD Content Development Fiction) are responsible for editorial supervision. “How to Dad” is produced exclusively for the ARD Mediathek.