The New Normal (2012)

The New Normal begins with David and Bryan, a gay couple living in Los Angeles, who are eager to start a family. They decide to pursue surrogacy and begin their search for a surrogate mother. They meet Goldie, a single mother from Ohio who is struggling to make ends meet. Goldie is initially hesitant but ultimately agrees to be their surrogate after learning more about their relationship and their desire to have a child.

As the story unfolds, Goldie moves to Los Angeles to begin the surrogacy process. She brings her young daughter, Shania, with her. David and Bryan are excited but also nervous about the journey ahead. They face various challenges, including the disapproval of Goldie's conservative grandmother, who is not supportive of her decision to be a surrogate for a gay couple. This creates tension as Goldie tries to balance her family's expectations with her own desires.

Throughout the series, the dynamics between the characters evolve. David, who is more practical and organized, often clashes with Bryan, who is more free-spirited and impulsive. Their differing approaches to parenting and life create comedic moments but also highlight deeper issues in their relationship. As they navigate the surrogacy process, they also deal with the realities of being a same-sex couple in a society that can be unaccepting.

Goldie's relationship with her daughter Shania is also explored. Shania is initially confused about the situation but gradually becomes more accepting of the idea of having two dads. Goldie struggles with her own insecurities as a mother and her desire to provide a better life for Shania. This internal conflict drives her decisions throughout the series.

As the pregnancy progresses, the characters face various hurdles. There are moments of joy, such as the first ultrasound, but also moments of doubt and fear. Goldie begins to question her decision as she faces judgment from her family and society. David and Bryan also confront their own fears about becoming parents and the responsibilities that come with it.

The series introduces a range of supporting characters, including David's mother, who is supportive of their relationship, and Bryan's mother, who is more traditional and struggles to accept her son's lifestyle. These family dynamics add depth to the story and highlight the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ families.

As the due date approaches, tensions rise. Goldie's grandmother arrives in Los Angeles, determined to stop the surrogacy. This leads to a confrontation where Goldie stands up for her choices, asserting her right to make decisions about her body and her life. This moment is pivotal for Goldie, as she gains confidence in her role as a surrogate and a mother.

In the final episodes, the characters come together for the birth of the baby. The emotional weight of the moment is palpable as David and Bryan prepare to welcome their child. Goldie, despite her fears, is filled with a sense of purpose and love. The birth scene is filled with both joy and anxiety, showcasing the raw emotions of all involved.

After the baby is born, the characters reflect on their journey. David and Bryan embrace their new roles as fathers, while Goldie finds a sense of fulfillment in her decision. The series concludes with a sense of hope and acceptance, as the characters navigate their new normal together, celebrating their unconventional family.

In the final episode of "The New Normal," titled "The Big Day," the story culminates in the wedding of David and Bryan, who are preparing to become parents. The episode explores the emotional highs and lows of their journey, culminating in a heartfelt celebration of love and family.

As the episode begins, David and Bryan are in the midst of wedding preparations. The excitement is palpable, but so are the nerves. They are surrounded by their friends and family, including Goldie, who is the surrogate mother of their child, and her daughter, Shania. Goldie is feeling the weight of the moment, grappling with her own emotions about giving up the baby.

Scene transitions to the wedding venue, where the decorations are being finalized. Bryan is anxious about everything being perfect, while David tries to keep him calm. The couple shares a tender moment, reflecting on their journey together and the love that has brought them to this point. Their commitment to each other is evident, and they are both eager to start their family.

As the ceremony begins, the atmosphere is filled with joy and anticipation. Friends and family gather, and the love between David and Bryan shines through. Goldie, standing at the altar, is visibly emotional as she prepares to hand over the baby to them. The vows exchanged are heartfelt, emphasizing the importance of love, family, and acceptance.

After the ceremony, the reception is a lively celebration. Guests dance, laugh, and share in the joy of the newlyweds. Goldie, while happy for David and Bryan, also experiences a bittersweet moment as she realizes the significance of her role in their lives. She is proud but also feels a sense of loss.

In the final scenes, the couple reflects on their journey, surrounded by their loved ones. They express gratitude for the support they have received and the family they are about to create. The episode ends on a hopeful note, with David and Bryan looking forward to their future as parents, embracing the challenges and joys that lie ahead.

In summary, the ending of "The New Normal" encapsulates the themes of love, family, and acceptance, showcasing the characters' growth and the bonds they have formed throughout their journey. David and Bryan are set to embark on their new life as a family, while Goldie finds peace in her decision, highlighting the complexities of surrogacy and the strength of their relationships.

The New Normal, which aired in 2012, does not feature a post-credit scene in its episodes. The show, created by Ryan Murphy and Ali Adler, focuses on the lives of a gay couple, David and Bryan, who decide to start a family with the help of a surrogate, Goldie, and her daughter, Shania. Each episode concludes with a wrap-up of the main storylines, but there are no additional scenes or content after the credits roll. The series primarily centers on themes of family, acceptance, and the challenges of modern parenting, without the inclusion of post-credit sequences.

David and Bryan encounter numerous challenges on their journey to parenthood, primarily revolving around their surrogate, Goldie. They face the emotional turmoil of navigating the surrogacy process, including the complexities of legal agreements and the financial implications. Additionally, they struggle with societal perceptions and the reactions of their families, particularly from David's mother, who is initially resistant to their lifestyle. The couple also grapples with their own insecurities and fears about being good parents, which adds layers of tension and humor to their experiences.

Goldie's relationship with her mother, Jane, is strained and complicated. Jane's disapproval of Goldie's choices, including her decision to become a surrogate for a gay couple, creates a significant emotional conflict for Goldie. She seeks her mother's approval but also desires to assert her independence and make choices that she believes are right for her. This tension influences Goldie's motivations, as she wants to prove to herself and her mother that she can make a positive impact in the world, despite her mother's judgment.

Shania, Goldie's daughter, plays a crucial role in the family dynamics as she navigates her own feelings about her mother's surrogacy. Initially, she is confused and struggles with the idea of sharing her mother with another family. However, as the story progresses, Shania becomes more accepting and supportive of Goldie's decision, showcasing her growth and maturity. Her interactions with David and Bryan also highlight the evolving nature of family and the importance of love and acceptance, as she learns to embrace her new family structure.

Clay, Bryan's flamboyant and humorous best friend, serves as a source of comic relief throughout the series. His over-the-top personality and witty one-liners provide levity in tense situations, often contrasting with the more serious themes of parenthood and family dynamics. Clay's antics, such as his dramatic reactions to events and his playful banter with the other characters, not only entertain but also highlight the importance of friendship and support in the journey of David and Bryan as they prepare for parenthood.

David's mother, who initially embodies traditional values and is resistant to her son's lifestyle, serves as a foil to the progressive themes of the show. Her character arc is significant as it reflects the generational divide regarding acceptance of LGBTQ+ families. Throughout the series, she experiences moments of growth and understanding, particularly as she witnesses the love and commitment between David and Bryan. Her evolution from skepticism to acceptance illustrates the show's message about the importance of family, love, and the changing definitions of what constitutes a family.

"The New Normal," produced in 2012, is a sitcom that centers around a gay couple, Bryan and David, who decide to start a family with the help of a surrogate mother, Goldie. While the show aims to address contemporary family dynamics and LGBTQ+ themes with humor and heart, it does contain some elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers.

1. LGBTQ+ Themes: The show prominently features a same-sex couple and explores their relationship, which may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable for some viewers, particularly younger children.

2. Sexual References: There are occasional jokes and references to sexual situations and relationships that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

3. Cultural and Racial Stereotypes: The character of Rocky, Goldie's grandmother, often uses humor that plays on cultural stereotypes, which could be seen as offensive or inappropriate.

4. Family Dynamics: The show addresses issues of family acceptance and societal judgment, which may evoke strong emotions and discussions about family structures that some viewers might find challenging.

5. Personal Struggles: Characters deal with personal insecurities, societal pressures, and the complexities of parenting, which may resonate deeply and provoke emotional responses.

Overall, while "The New Normal" is intended to be a light-hearted comedy, its themes and content may not be suitable for all children or sensitive viewers.