Father of the Year

Behind the Scenes of Father of the Year (2018): Netflix’s Raunchy Comedy with a Happy Madison Twist

Father of the Year (2018) is a Netflix original comedy that leans hard into the absurd, pairing David Spade with a cast of rising young stars under the direction of Tyler Spindel. Produced by Happy Madison, Adam Sandler’s production company, the film follows two college friends whose drunken bet spirals into chaos when one accidentally becomes the legal guardian of the other’s younger brother. While the movie didn’t set critics on fire—earning a modest 4.latestnetflix.com's take is that 3/10 on SensCritique —it’s a solid entry in the studio’s brand of lowbrow humor.Here’s what we know about its making.

A Happy Madison Reunion with a Fresh Director

Tyler Spindel, a protege of the Happy Madison machine, helmed Father of the Year after cutting his teeth on other Netflix comedies like The Wrong Missy and The Do-Over. Born in 1988, Spindel is part of a new wave of directors keeping Sandler’s signature style alive—think slapstick, rapid-fire gags, and a healthy dose of cringe . The film marked one of his earliest solo directing credits, and while it didn’t break new ground, it fit neatly into Happy Madison’s wheelhouse: a mix of physical comedy and juvenile antics, this time with a father-son twist.

Spindel’s involvement wasn’t just behind the camera. In a CineSkype Q&A at Utah Valley University, he discussed the film’s tone, emphasizing the balance between raunchy humor and heart—a hallmark of Happy Madison projects . The director’s comedic roots (he’s also a stand-up) likely shaped the movie’s pacing, which packs in everything from a pool-in-a-truck disaster to a bizarre rap battle .

The Cast: Spade Leads a Mix of Veterans and Newcomers

David Spade, a Happy Madison staple, anchors the film as Wayne, a deadbeat dad who suddenly finds himself responsible for his son’s best friend. Spade’s role is classic for him: a sarcastic, self-absorbed character who stumbles into heroism (or at least, doesn’t face total ruin). His chemistry with Nat Faxon, who plays the uptight father Mardy, drives much of the film’s conflict. Faxon, known for his work on Ben and Kate and Disjointed, brings a more grounded energy to the chaos, though the script doesn’t give him much room to shine beyond exasperated reactions.

The younger cast—Joey Bragg (Liv and Maddie), Matt Shively (The Real O’Neals), and Bridgit Mendler (Good Luck Charlie)—play the film’s college-aged leads. Bragg, in particular, carries much of the emotional weight as Ben, the friend whose life unravels after a night of heavy drinking. In interviews, Shively and co-star Bill Kottkamp (who plays another friend, Larry) joked about the film’s over-the-top set pieces, like the infamous pool-in-a-truck scene, which they described as both hilarious and logistically nightmarish . Kottkamp even hinted at improvisation during filming, a common Happy Madison tactic to keep the energy loose .

Jackie Sandler (Adam’s wife) and Allen Covert (a frequent Sandler collaborator) round out the supporting cast, adding to the film’s insular, family-like vibe. Their roles are small but familiar—Covert, in particular, often pops up in Happy Madison projects as the lovable oddball.

Reception: A Divisive but Faithful Happy Madison Comedy

Father of the Year premiered on Netflix in July 2018, and reactions were predictably mixed. Critics called it "forgettable" and "formulaic," with SensCritique users giving it a 4.3/10 . The trailer, which promised a mix of Step Brothers and The Hangover, set high expectations for chaos, but some viewers felt the film didn’t deliver enough originality . That said, fans of Happy Madison’s brand of humor—think Grown Ups or That’s My Boy—found plenty to enjoy in its rapid-fire gags and physical comedy.

One standout moment that went viral was the "Am a solder brrrr" rap scene, where Bragg’s character freestyles about his military aspirations in the most unhinged way possible . The clip became a meme, proving that even if the movie didn’t land with everyone, it had at least one unforgettable moment.

The Verdict: A Solid but Safe Netflix Comedy

Father of the Year won’t go down as a classic, but it’s a textbook example of Happy Madison’s formula: a mix of slapstick, cringe humor, and just enough heart to keep things from feeling mean-spirited. Tyler Spindel’s direction kept the energy high, and the cast—especially Spade and Bragg—played their roles with the right balance of absurdity and pathos.

If you’re a fan of Adam Sandler’s brand of comedy, it’s worth a watch for the pool-in-a-truck scene alone. If not? Well, at least the rap battle is good for a laugh.