Guys with Kids Episode 1.01 Pilot

Three 30-something guys stand together cheering the New York Knicks at their local sports bar. As their star player hits a shot, the three guys turn in unison for a celebratory chest bump - only to reveal that they each have a young baby strapped to their chests. They're three best friends and neighbors, and they're all coping with the challenges of maintaining their 30-something manhood and being responsible fathers to their young children.

Chris asks for help with a dilemma about raising his baby: the bar doesn't have the whole milk the baby needs. He's afraid if he screws up on a parenting assignment, Sheila, his ex-wife, will come down on him. His buddies, Nick and Gary, tell him to stand firm and not let his ex dominate him. But Chris is hopeless. An attractive woman walks by and comments on how cute Chris' baby is; Chris thanks her as she walks off. Gary and Nick scold him; he needs to introduce himself and offer to buy her a drink. Nick takes care of the introduction and the woman agrees - she just can't resist an adorable baby. Together, the guys seem to be able to figure things out.

Chris asks for help with a dilemma about raising his baby: the bar doesn't have the whole milk the baby needs. He's afraid if he screws up on a parenting assignment, Sheila, his ex-wife, will come down on him. His buddies, Nick and Gary, tell him to stand firm and not let his ex dominate him. But Chris is hopeless. An attractive woman walks by and comments on how cute Chris' baby is; Chris thanks her as she walks off. Gary and Nick scold him; he needs to introduce himself and offer to buy her a drink. Nick takes care of the introduction and the woman agrees - she just can't resist an adorable baby. Together, the guys seem to be able to figure things out.

Later, back at the bar, Chris delivers good news to his buds: not only did he land a date with the woman they met earlier, but also she's taking him to the Knicks game. Gary and Nick are stoked for him - until Chris realizes he told Sheila, his ex, that he's watch their baby that night. Gary, a stay-at-home dad looking after four young kids, tells him to figure it out.

Chris and Nick head back to his apartment where they discover that Sheila has had a key made and let herself in. She immediately begins questioning how he's painted the apartment. Chris asks Sheila if she'd watch the baby while he heads out on his date the next night, but Sheila says no. She's got a date herself, she tells her ex. When Nick pries as to whom she's dating, Sheila sends him off. Chris doesn't believe his ex, but she insists: she's actually got a date with NBA great Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Sheila hand their baby, Ernie, to Chris and heads out. After she's gone, Chris tells his son that he's going to find a sitter.

Chris stops by Gary and Marny's apartment to ask for the name of their babysitter, but they just laugh. With four kids, they have no disposable income to go out. Their four rugrats run wild all around them. Chris heads across the hall to try his luck with Nick. Nick and Emily sit on the couch enjoying their daughter when Chris comes in. They're both excited that Chris has a date and are happy to offer up the name of their sitter; Nick offers to take Chris shopping. And Nick and Emily even have their own night out planned: a swanky soiree school fundraiser themed after the final night of the Titanic.

As they're shopping for a new look for Chris on his big night, the guys get some unfortunate news: the sitter has cancelled. Chris takes it as a sign that he should cancel the date. But Nick insists. Chris will proceed with the date, and he will watch his baby. Nick returns to his apartment with Chris' baby, only to find Emily dressed to the nines. Nick's forgotten that tonight they're booked at the swanky school fundraiser; Sheila's really looking forward to a night out. She ducks across the hall to Marny and Gary's place to commiserate.

Marny has just the antidote: she'll accompany Sheila to the fundraiser while Gary stays at home to watch the kids. The girls leave and the four young boys begin to roughhouse. Par for the course in Gary's world. He packs them all up and heads over to Nick's place. At least they're together.

Chris and his date are standing in line at Madison Square Garden before the game. Suddenly his phone rings. It's Sheila, wondering whether Chris is at home with their baby as she expects. Chris lies and gets off the phone; Sheila vows to go to his apartment to check up on him. Frantic, Chris calls Nick to tell him to bar the door, but Nick and Gary are having so much fun playing with the Wii that no one answers. Chris abandons his date and rushes back to head off Sheila.

Chris makes it back just before Sheila arrives. Gary is washing Ernie in the sink; children are scurrying everywhere, and the floor is a sea of toys and food. Sheila bursts in, incredulous at the shabby care her ex is demonstrating for their baby. Moments later, Sheila's date enters, who is none other than Kareem Abdul Jabbar. The guys are in awe. In fact, Nick is so awestruck, he wants a picture of Kareem pretending to dunk his baby. Chris wants a similar shot - but Sheila puts her foot down. But, for once, Chris stands up to her. Moments later, the NBA great is holding the baby high for the photo opp.

Chris drives his point home: he's perfectly capable of taking care of Ernie - and that Sheila needs to stop smothering them both. Sheila has a glimmer of sympathy, but it's clear she's not ready to trust her ex completely. She reconsiders just enough to give Ernie back to Chris and continue off on her date with Kareem. Gary and Nick congratulate Chris on slaying the dragon - at least for one night.

Later, Emily returns home from the fundraiser to find the apartment romantically lit and her husband in the doorway wearing a tuxedo. Nick explains he's set the apartment up like a romantic scene from the Titanic. It's his way of asking forgiveness for blowing off their date earlier. Emily can't help but forgive him. Nearby, Marny comes home, slightly drunk and in the mood for some love herself. Gary's exhausted but not so exhausted he can't find a little private time with his wife.