See Dad Run - Season 1 -

Amy’s return is delayed by two weeks. David hits burnout. He forgets a school pickup (Megan walked home—three miles—and thought it was an “adventure”). He serves cereal for dinner seven nights in a row. Emily yells, “You’re not a funny disaster, Dad—you’re just a disaster!” He nearly calls Amy to beg her to come home. Instead, Joe sits him down: “You’re not acting. This is real. So stop trying to be perfect. Just be present.”

David’s former TV wife, Candace (a bubbly, vapid actress), shows up to film a cameo in town. She flirts outrageously. The kids panic. Emily rigs the house with baby monitors to “protect the family brand.” Candace tries to kiss David; he pulls back, saying, “I was only a good TV dad because Amy taught me how to be a real one.” Candace leaves. Amy, watching on a nanny cam (installed by Joe), smiles for the first time all season. See Dad Run - Season 1

Amy announces she’s booked a 6-month shoot in Vancouver. David, fresh off his show’s cancellation, insists he can handle the kids. “I played a dad for 10 years,” he boasts. “How hard can it be?” By breakfast, he’s set the toaster on fire, sent Emily to school in a Halloween costume (it’s March), and accidentally signed Tyler up for ballet instead of basketball. Megan asks if he’s “broken.” Amy leaves anyway, whispering to Joe, “Just keep him alive.” Amy’s return is delayed by two weeks

“He played a perfect father. Now he’s learning the role for real.” He serves cereal for dinner seven nights in a row

Emily gets the lead in the school play (a serious drama). David tries to help with lines, over-directs, and almost ruins it. She locks herself in the bathroom. He apologizes through the door: “I spent 10 years pretending to be a father. I have no idea what I’m doing. But I love you. And I’m not leaving.” She comes out. They rehearse—as equals. The play is a hit. He cries in the audience. So does Joe.