Critics and audiences highlighted the film's "creative recycling" of family tropes, often comparing it to the 1983 American comedy Mr. Mom . It is praised for its ability to bridge generational gaps through shared laughter, focusing on the evolution of fatherhood and the normalization of shifting household roles.
The story follows , a workaholic CEO and computer technician who believes himself to be the "perfect father". Despite his self-confidence, he is largely absent from his children’s daily lives and leaves all domestic responsibilities to his wife, Marisa.
Santiago Segura, Marta González de Vega, and Juan Vera. Key Cast: Santiago Segura as Javier García. Toni Acosta as Marisa. Silvia Abril as Carmen. Leo Harlem as Paco. Wendy Ramos as Rosaura (the maid). Music: Scored by the award-winning Roque Baños . Cinematography: Ángel Iguácel. Box Office and Legacy Father There Is Only One (2019)
The status quo shatters when Marisa, exhausted by Javier’s neglect and patronizing attitude, decides to go on a week-long trip to the Caribbean with her sister-in-law. Javier is left alone to manage the house and their five children: A rebellious teenager. Carlota: A preteen. Rocío and Dani: Young children. Paula: The youngest.
What Javier initially assumes will be a simple task quickly descends into a "spiral of madness," forcing him to finally connect with his children while confronting his own shortcomings. Director: Santiago Segura. The story follows , a workaholic CEO and
The film was a massive hit, grossing over $16 million and becoming the highest-grossing Spanish film of 2019.
A television series based on the films, featuring a different cast, premiered in early 2026. Themes and Reception Key Cast: Santiago Segura as Javier García
Its success launched one of Spain’s most successful modern franchises, with four sequels released or planned as of early 2026: Father There Is Only One 2 (2020). Father There Is Only One 3 (2022). Father There Is Only One 4 (2024). Father There Is Only One 5 (expected 2025).