Our 41 best Father's Day gift ideas for every kind of dad in 2025
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Want to see your dad's jaw drop to the floor on Father's Day?
Silly socks and or a last-minute mug might be your usual M.O., but this Father's Day brings a new opportunity to tap your gifting skills for the guy that got you through life — you know he deserves it.
We've spent hours penning elaborate gift guides for every person in your life, and understand that Father's Day gifting can be particularly tricky, especially if you're dad is the type to insist he doesn't need anything.
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We've scored the internet, sifting through thousands of popular gifts, and enlisted help from dads on the Post Wanted team, to put together a Father's Day 2025 gift guide that has the perfect present to appease any kind of man — whether his favorite activity is snoring, he never stops talking about his favorite sports team, or he can't get enough of his grill this summer.
This year, we've got gifts across every budget, from comfy walking shoes to luxe watches, smartwatches, and more surprises that are guaranteed to make him smile (plus, let you flex your fine taste).
Best for An Active Dad: HOKA Clifton 9
New York Post
Dubbed a 'dad shoe' for a reason, Hoka Clifton 9s offer the cushioned, cloud-like support that he needs to stay on his feet all day. Our Live Events Reporter, Matt Levy, raves about his pair, 'The last thing you'll be worrying about is foot pain or insoles. They're everything you need.' Between the impressive 3mm stack and improved outsole design, you really can't go wrong with Hokas.
Best for The Chef: HENCKELS Forged Accent Razor-Sharp Steak Knife Set of 4
If he watched every episode of 'The Bear,' takes any chance to pull out a recipe book, and slices and dices faster than you've ever seen, he probably would love nothing more than a new knife set. This ravor-shar, ergonomically designed by HENCKELS, boasts exceptional durability and performance.
Best for a Man Who Never Shops: Calvin Klein Men's Cotton Classics 3-Pack Boxer Brief
Amazon
If his underwear drawer could use a restock (it probably does), Calvin Klein has you covered. The classic cotton boxers are a best-seller for good reason. They're soft, breathable, stretchy, and feature a flexible waistband for all-day comfort. Grab them in a three-pack, available in an assortment of his favorite colors.
For the Bookworm: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Amazon
The Kindle Paperwhite is just what the bookworm-dad needs in his life. Light, bright, and slim enough to throw in his carry-on, this e-reader has one the hearts of thousands of Amazon reviewers and is an exceptionally thoughtful gift. You could even step up the gift a notch and pre-load it with his favorite books, so he doesn't have to do any of the heavy lifting.
Best for Any Dad: YETI Rambler 30-Ounce Tumbler
Yeti
Dads never let go of a good YETI, and this may be our favorite one yet. Why? It keeps liquid hot or cold for hours, has a stunning stainless-steel outer shell, and offers a generous 30-ounce capacity, so he should have no problem staying hydrated all day long.
Best for The Music-Loving Dad: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
Amazon
If dad is the type to plug in his headphones and tune out the rest of the world, the Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling muffs will serve him well. These deliver industry-leading noise cancellation for an immersive listening experience that he will love. Plus, they boast 30 hours of battery life, so he can take them on a work trip, no problem.
Best Personalized Father's Day Gift: Custom Coffee Mug
Amazon
We may have made fun of mugs earlier, but a cheesy gift is kind of perfect for the right guy who needs a smile. This customizable option from Amazon is made from high-quality ceramic and is safe in the dishwasher (new parents always appreciate things that are easy to clean).
Best for the dad Who Loves Burgers: Firstgrill Burger Press
Amazon
Since summer is just around the corner, we had to throw a simple grilling gift on this list. Once called the 'most indestructible cooking tool you use,' the cast-iron Burger Press is sure to leave your patties sizzling with perfect marks. It's also under $30 on Amazon, which makes it a great budget-friendly choice, even as a last-minute buy.
Best for the Stylish Dad: Wrangler Authentics Men's Long Sleeve Shirt
Amazon
If you're dad actually has some style, a handsome flannel never disappoints. This lightweight long-sleeve is built with comfort and function first, with brushed polyester, collar lining, and cuff closures. It's available in an array of colors, so you can find one that suits his vibe.
Best First Father's Day Gift: LEGO Speed Champions Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 F1 Race Car Model Kits
LEGO
Commerce Partnership Manager and new dad of one, Frank Massaro, explained that a LEGO set is a great choice for a new dad who could use some stress relief. 'Taking care of a baby requires immense focus and problem-solving skills,' he shared. 'In my free time, it is nice to just look at instructions, turn the majority of my brain off, and build a really cool LEGO set.'
Best for The Coffee Addict: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
Amazon
If you're dad wants to become a seasoned barista, he needs the Breville Barista Express. Between the temperature control and manual steam wand, you know his coffees will taste top-notch. Yes, it's a splurge, but according to reviewers, well worth it. I mean, who doesn't want an all-in-one espresso machine that grinds, doses, and brews in one seamless flow?
Best Last-Minute Father's Day Gift: Concert tickets
Vivid Seats
Naturally, our Live Events Reporter would love nothing more than some concert tickets as a last-minute Father's Day gift. 'There are so many shows coming to NYC this year and I want to go to all of them,' shared Levy. 'The only problem is that Levy doesn't have time to see everything.' Make their problem a little easier by snagging tickets for one of their favorite shows far in advance. You can iron out the details later.
Best for The Hip Dad: Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)
Amazon
Happy Father's Day to all! Over 600,000 satisfied listeners have given these AirPods their stamp of approval, and your dad will be the next. They're a phenomenal choice for any dad, but especially the ones who try and keep up with the trends. If he's always on the go, even better.
Best Gift for The Home Security Guy: Ring Video Doorbell
We all know that dad. The one who always wants to see when the delivery guy shows up, or has to watch the front door when his kids are due back by curfew. The Ring Video Doorbell is the single gift he needs to feel safe, offering motion-detection, real-time alerts, and two-way voice, so he can stay ahead of home security.
Best Gift for Dad From Kids: Rawlings Baseball Glove
Amazon
A baseball glove is a classic gift for a dad, and it's even sweeter when it comes right from his kiddo. Our Live Events reporter seems to agree. According to Levy, there's nothing better than taking your kid to the ballpark: 'I like to bring a mitt to the park in case a foul ball flies my way. There's no better pop than one that casually grabs a ball from the sky and hands it to their kid. And that can easily be you.'
Best Father's Day gift for Grandpa: AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit
As the sign synonymous with lineage, sea goats get down with DNA testing.
Amazon
Something fun for the whole family, but especially for pops — The AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit offers a comprehensive way to explore your heritage and family history. All it takes is a simple cheek swab, and Ancestry's advanced DNA technology opens all the doors to uncovering your unique ancestral story. You might just find a new relative by gifting this grandpa Father's Day gift!
Best for The Fit Dad: Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation (GPS) 40mm
Have a fitness-focused father with lofty goals? Whether he's training for his next marathon or just trying to shed a few pounds, the coveted 2nd-generation Apple Watch is a wonderful gift. This tiny, wearable device tracks your workout performance, heartbeat, and sleep cycles to deliver the most accurate health metrics possible.
Unique Father's Day Gift: Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven
Amazon
Here's something different — the esteemed Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven. With this handy machine, he can whip out wood-fired and stone-baked pies (and save money on weekly pizza delivery). It delivers a powerful blast of searing flame that cooks your pizzas to perfection, so really, it's a gift for the entire family.
Kiehl's
Believe it or not, maintaining a beard is a lot of work. But, Keihl's has him covered. This popular grooming kit comes with everything he needs to look and feel his best, from face wash and shave cream to after-shave gel and face moisturizer. His smooth, refreshed skin will thank you.
Best for The Dad Who Likes Bling: Fossil Nate Men's Watch
Amazon
There's no need to dish out thousands of dollars for a Rolex. This stunning design from Fossil will easily impress him, and won't wallow your bank account, either. The luxe matte black finish is timeless, yet modern, and the classic face has impressed over 20,000 Amazon shoppers.
Best for The Working Dad: Carhartt Lunch Cooler Bag
Amazon
Carhartt is a favorite brand for hard-working guys, dads included. They're lunch cooler selection happens to be top-notch, and this simple tote could seriously transform his lunch breaks. The roomy, insulated main compartment is made with heavy-duty, waterproof fabric to keep his food cool and dry. Not to mention, it's also large enough for a six-pack.
Best for a Dad Who Needs to Relax: Cozy Earth Luxe Bath Robe
Cozy Earth
Multiple Post Wanted members rave about their Cozy Earth bedding and pajamas, but the robes can go unnoticed, too. These make a superb gift for the dad who loves to lounge in style. A blend of cotton and bamboo viscose envelopes the body in immediate warmth, but still makes way for airflow, so he can jump out of the shower feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Best Cool Father's Day Gift: Lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Trouser Warpstreme
lululemon
Another Post Wanted pick is lululemon's coveted ABC trousers, which feature four-way stretch, quick-drying fabric, and hidden snaps to ensure back pockets stay closed and lay flat. 'I've heard nothing but good things about these pants,' Murphy insisted. They are easy to style and wash well, which always makes dad-life a bit easier.
Best for The Stressed Dad: Theragun Mini
Amazon
Take his stress and tension away with a handy tool that thousands of reviewers swear by. Don't let its size fool you, the Theragun Mini massage gun is super-powered, portable, and comes with three high-quality, scientifically designed attachments to target aches and pains. We've reviewed it here and understand the difference it can make.
Best for The Conservative Dad: VIWIS Funny President Trump Mug
Amazon
Your dad? A great dad. Other dads? Losers! If your dad leans to the right, then he might want to sip his morning brew from something that will make him laugh, and hopefully, these presidential puns do the trick. Politics aside, it's made with double-wall insulation to help keep his coffee piping hot or ice-cold, either way he likes it.
Best for The Practical Dad: Courant Catch:3 Belgian Linen Wireless Charging Station and Valet Tray
Amazon
You can't beat a practical gift, and the Courant Catch:3 is just that. This wireless pad offers up to 10W of charging for all his technology — phones, laptops, smartwatches, and more. No cords necessary. It's a brilliant way to keep everything organized, and you'll never have to worry about stealing his charger again.
Best for a Gamer Dad: PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller
Amazon
New father and Commerce Partnership Manager Frank Massaro highly recommends a PlayStation controller for a gamer dad who needs to take down the mental load from time to time. 'There are times when I find myself couch-trapped, because my son has fallen asleep on me. That is usually when I grab the nearest game controller and hop into the latest video game,' he shared.
Best for The Beach Dad: Huckberry Performance Lined Swim Trunks
Huckberry
There's nothing like catching some sun on the beach or taking a swim in the pool on a hot summer day. For a dad who loves to do both, a pair of swim trunks is a wonderful option. Our Commerce Partnerships Manager, Ryan Murphy, loves his pair of ultra-soft, moisture-wicking swim trunks by Huckberry: 'Hybrid shorts for the gym, beach, or just for running errands. Versatility is unmatched!' he exclaimed.
Best for the Tech Dad: Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro Bespoke Edition
Another quality smartwatch to consider, the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro Bespoke Edition offers a range of personalization options so your dad can enjoy a custom experience. The full suite of features doesn't disappoint either; from a sleep tracker and body composition analyses to advanced coaching for forming better habits.
Best Amazon Father's Day Gift: COOFANDY Linen Shirt
Amazon
It's a common conundrum. Dad has no clue what to pack for his upcoming vacation. If he needs a little extra help when it comes to finding the perfect fit for your upcoming trip, we suggest adding this lightweight linen shirt to your cart ASAP. It's available in more colors and prints than we can count, so you should have no problem finding something that suits him.
Best for The Hungry Dad: California Reserve Ribeye
Goldbelly
Golbelly is our go-to store for decadent treats and delicious bites from our favorite cities, and they're steak selection is no exception. This California Reserve Ribeye gift box from Goldbelly would make a splendid gift for the carnivores. Its dry-aged ribeyes are marbled, boneless, and hand-cut, and sourced exclusively from small California producers — perfect even for the pickiest dads.
Best for The Dad Who Loves To Grill: Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill
Amazon
A two-burner propane grill is a no-brainer for the guy who's always standing behind the barbecue. This Weber design offers a compact surface, foldable side table, and porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates. He'll be smitten, and your summer dinners will taste that much better.
Best Space-Saving Fitness Gift: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Amazon
Setting up a home gym isn't always easy, especially if you're working with a tight space. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are a genius hack, offering an adjustable weight range from 5 to 52.5 pounds, so you're dad can get his lifting sessions in without tripping over a bunch of equipment.
Best for The Dad Who Needs Deodorant: Nécessaire The Body Essentials Mini
Necassaire
There's no reason to sweat over the perfect gift. Deodorant is among the more underrated options on this list, but for a certain guy, it's exactly what they need. Our editors rave about Nécessaire's long-lasting deodorant sticks, and the santal scent is supposedly a cult-favorite. With help from the body lotion and wash, this little kit should help him curb unwanted odors and feel like a million bucks.
Best for The Dad Who Travels: trtl Travel Pillow
Amazon
We know catching flights can be exhausting, but with a little help from the trtl Travel Pillow, your dad could be catching some great ZZZ's too. This cushioned, thermal pillow combines bio-blended fabrics, which are cool, comfortable, breathable, and provide excellent thermoregulation. He'll arrive at his destination feeling ready to go!
Best Cheap Father's Day Gift: Hu Keto Friendly Vegan Hunks
Amazon
If he's a total hunk, he's going to love these (and you, for gifting them). Hu's chocolate-covered hunks are editor-tested and absolutely decadent. Sweet, salty, and made without refined sugar, these keto-friendly almond bites are a much healthier take on a traditional sweet treat, so he can also keep his dad bod in check. And, under $20 for a two-pack? Done deal.
Best gift for athletic dad: The Cold Pod Ice Bath Tub for Athletes
Amazon
Dads who prioritize their health will understand the value of a good cold plunge. These were designed for athletes, and the benefits of cold therapy (like reduced inflammation and faster recovery) far outweigh the temporary discomfort of sitting in fridge temps. Plunges can go for well over $1000, but you can snag this one for just over $100 on Amazon
Amazon
Dad, husband, grandfather, or friend — if there's any guy in your life that you care about, he needs one of these. The MANSCAPED Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra is the grooming tool for the man who appreciates the perfect cut. It's designed for groin and body hair, and features skin-safe technology for a smooth, gentle shave. It's also waterproof, so he can you it in the shower when he's in a rush,
Best Gift for The Handyman: DeWalt Max Cordless Drill Combo Kit
Perhaps it's not the sexiest gift on this list, but it doesn't make it any less desirable. The DeWALT Cordless Drill Combo kit is trusted by professionals and ordinary DIY home makeover dads alike. It's easy to use, powerful, durable, and comes with a handy carry bag so he can bring it with him on all his projects.
Best for The Whiskey-Loving Dad: Whiskey Peaks Mountain Whiskey Decanter and Glasses
Does Dad need a drink? If we're placing bets, a whiskey decanter and glass is going to impress almost any kind of guy. But, for the whiskey-loving dad, this charming decanter and set of four whiskey glasses add a touch of adventure to the evening dram.
Best gift under $50: TOLOCO Massage Gun
Amazon
It's not often that we spot a massage tool for under $50 on Amazon. When such a deal does arise, we suggest jumping on it ASAP (perhaps for dad and you). The TOLOCO deep tissue massage gun fits the mark. It's small but mighty, providing a powerful penetration force of 12 mm and speeds up to 3,200 RPM.
Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted.
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.
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All the characters are asking that of each other at different times. So I think so much of the plot is the emotional and psychological unraveling [and] our exposure of the characters to each other. And the web that you talk about is understanding that they're all in it together and their fates are really intertwined, which is the truth of all of us. We spent so much time thinking about the past and the care of each character that having gotten to know them so well, and then getting to understand the actors and what they were bringing to the characters as we approached every moment of revelation, we understood what that might give us access to in the past, the character, and how that might then come to light in that present moment. That was a lot of fun. CORRADO I think also the shame that one thinks is going to do you in, sometimes has that surprising liberation attached to it. I think that was a theme Olivia and I were very interested in exploring and talking about is that we carry this darkness around, and then when you finally expose [it], whether voluntarily or not, there is a freedom to live in a different way. And we can say that that that applies to every single one of our characters too. The narrative centers on these unreliable narrators, given it doesn't seem like anyone is really trustworthy and there are lingering secrets with everyone involved. Can you talk about creating Chloe and Nicky and the conversations you had with Jessica and Elizabeth in who you wanted them to be? CORRADO I think that they are both very different in their process, both incredibly smart and invested in layering and I think sobriety, particularly for the Nicky character. It's complicated. And it's also complicated for how old they are. I think the conversation was always, how do we make them more interesting and the more courageous choice as writers and as actors? What is the most uncomfortable path we can take and can we bear telling it this way? And I think that they were both very committed to that. I think Elizabeth and Jessica were just delightful to get into it with, because they always showed up on set with something that they had been grappling with. It wasn't like they came in and they were like, 'I got it.' They were like, 'Well, what about this? I have this question.' It's hard work, because when you're honest about it, it's uncomfortable. MILCH There was so much mutual vulnerability that was being brought to the process, and that's what makes it messy in the best way, because it makes it human. I think part of what you were pointing out with the web of all of these characters is that nothing is clean. The unreliable narrator, you're never 100 percent honest with yourself, let alone other people. Both Elizabeth and Jessica, they're so smart, and they're such pros. They've been doing it for so long that I think there was so much excitement and they were so down to go to that place of vulnerability. They weren't afraid of the moments of messiness in the characters. That excited them the most. That's the best you can ask for with creative collaborators. We spend a lot of the show taking the time to understand these characters and their choices and peel back their layers. I think it humanized them because you may at first not have sympathy or even know whether you like them based on what we think we know about them. CORRADO But you hope that those two things can exist at the same time. Your heart is big enough that you feel for them. That's the trick of it: to be unlikable in some instances and moments and then all of a sudden break somebody's heart when they're watching you suffer. You also explore Nicky and Chloe's childhood and upbringing and how the both of them had different experiences, especially given their difference in age. Can you talk about how their childhood shaped how they conceived themselves and each other and what you wanted to get across with their backstory? MILCH I think all of us are products of our mother and father, or lack thereof, and our childhoods. It was so important to us, particularly with the sisters, to go back to those original wounds and those original traumas. I think so much of the show is about the stories that we've told ourselves about who we are, about who our siblings are and about what happened. It was really important for us to be able to start interrogating some of those memories and charting the course of our characters, also tapping back into them and understanding them in a different way. I think that happens for a lot of us. I think it's so potent and so powerful to just even see those glimmers and those moments of childhood, because it makes you understand that inside of us we all have the kid version of ourselves still. Getting to access that rawness and that pain directly is so important for our characters and then so important for our audience. We know there's volumes of story about our characters before we met them. So that was something that was so special for us to be able to do. And I think really starts to complete the picture. As you get to know the characters, you start to understand more and you start to understand how they didn't understand each other at a certain point, how they sort of moved away from each other. CORRADO I feel like to meet their parents it all becomes abundantly clear what happens: It's the perfect alcoholic family (Laughs.) As Chloe and Nicky work together to protect Ethan, their bond grows, but it is a slow progress and almost felt like their relationship was strongest when there were secrets. Can you talk about the progression of their relationship and the complexities of that sibling relationship? CORRADO I think it's a push and pull, like five steps forward, six steps back. I think they ultimately have have destroyed the trust between them, and there is this slow rebuilding. But the question remains, can they actually move on from these things that they've done to each other, which are very deep and unforgivable in some ways? Can we forgive, but can I live with you and move forward? MILCH Or how do you embrace the totality of a person, including that that person was capable of hurting you and harming you in that way? Can you hold the truth simultaneously, that they can love you and that they can hurt you so much? That's really family, right? I think when you're with your siblings, you revert back to being kids immediately, and you have all of the stuff that's happened between you in the present. And so I think that Jess and Elizabeth do such an amazing job of getting at that dynamic where there's so much distrust, so many secrets between them, and yet, the second they get with each other, it's the bickering, and it just comes out. We always talk about the moment on the terrace when Guidry, the cop [played by Kim Dickens], comes out, [and they're like], 'She's such a bitch!' Siblings unite talking shit about an outsider. So I think that was also very important to us to find those moments of humor and levity and the dynamic that is unique to sisters. Adam may have been murdered but he's very much a central character. We learn he went with Nicky's sister, is abusive and involved in a shady business. How did you view Adam and the motivations he had with the choices he made when it came to Nicky and Chloe, Ethan and then his career? MILCH Adam also was always so important to us — not necessarily that there were redeeming qualities about him but that we understood him. He was complex and nobody's all bad. In the eighth episode, you meet his mother and get that glimpse into a little bit of what he came from and what he was trying to leave behind. You're sort of starting to understand how does a kid who has a pretty broken background start to try to piece themselves together and have a sense of control? Even when they have demons that either have been passed down to them or have been developed as coping mechanisms. For us, Adam was somebody who really viewed himself as having a profound sense of integrity and belief that there are ways things ought to be. And as you piece the story together, the understanding that when he was with Nicky, it was such an affront to the way that he thought things were supposed to go. When he says in his sort of apparition ghost figure to Chloe in 107: If it wasn't then it would have been another time she [Nicky] was gonna kill him. We also wanted to show that, yes, Nicky was terribly wronged and horrifically set up, and her child was taken from her, but she also was a drunk. Nothing is totally black and white or has 100 percent moral clarity. When he's with Chloe, this is also a life he didn't sign up for. We have that tension between the two of them, of her comfort in the spotlight and his thinking, 'Okay, now I'm with the right sister. This was who I was supposed to be with.' And then, 'Oh no, wait, this also isn't the life that I want, and this is also a life that lacks integrity, and now I'm at this job that she wanted me to be in that is corrupt.' Just trying to tap into the frustration and the resentment and the anger that he felt, never justifying the choices that he made with that anger but trying to know that the underpinnings of it were real feelings that he was having, and how clearly toxic it can be when you don't have the capacity to process those feelings in ways that are that are healthy or safe. That was super important to us as we were building that and, of course, an actor like Corey Stoll, it's very rare to find somebody who could really bring all of that to light. So we were very fortunate to have Corey help tell that story with us. CORRADO We did also want to explore that he was very aware of the fact that he was very damaged and dangerous. And we went through different iterations of how we could share that, whatever that inner struggle was, and we ended up doing it the way we did. We felt like it was very important to fill that color in, because it's very easy to demonize a character, and then when you demonize them, you write them off. So it was so important to understand him and, as Olivia said, not to justify or to excuse but sort of say, 'This guy is tortured. He wants out too.' Each time this violence happened, he swore it would be the last. Ethan goes through it in the series. His dad is murdered; he's accused of the murder; he has a close relationship with both Chloe and Nicky and in the middle of that dynamic. But then learns that his situation could've been different had Adam never lied about Nicky putting him in danger and he's left to reevaluate his life. By the series' end, where does that leave him? Do you think there's any resentment there with him and Chloe? MILCH There's so many heartbreaking realizations about what he's been through. As you said, there's sort of this onion that's being peeled back and I think when you first encounter Ethan, you think, 'This is kind of a spoiled, wealthy kid. He's sweet. I like him. He's a little bit awkward.' And Maxwell Donovan, who plays him, is just so amazing. But when he does get arrested, you think he's capable. He's tall. He could have maybe taken his dad on. And it's very important to have that kind of all play out as you encountered him as a character and looked at him in a new light. But I think exactly as you're saying, there's so much confusion and there's so much that's unknown for him about the truth of his life. There are stories that you tell kids to help simplify things, especially when there's been trauma that has happened to kids when they're little. And I think Ethan was told a certain story that was convenient and direct, even though it was painful, about what happened with Nicky and then he went on to live a very privileged life. Then at this moment of peak adolescence, the rug gets pulled out from under him. In a certain sense, he's going through something quite similar to what Nicky and Chloe are going through; Reexamining his childhood and reexamining the truth of what happened to him and what he can believe. I think all teenagers have that moment where they look at their parents and they realize, 'You are fallible figures. You are not just abstractions of security and authority. You are people capable of making mistakes and of lying and of doing the wrong thing.' And that is unnerving, but you have to sort of process that in order to become an adult. I think he gets the most extreme version of that and the feelings he has toward Nicky of what does it mean to get to know her and then the questioning of: Was I supposed to stay with her? Would I have made more sense if I had grown up in Ohio with Nicky? I think a lot of people, when they find out things about their childhood, start to ask those kinds of questions. How different would I be if it had been different? But I think you were very smart to pinpoint. I think that there is a lot of resentment and anger toward Chloe, particularly at the end, as he sort of realizes a lot of this was a lie, even if some of that was not her fault or her intention. CORRADO What I think Alafair [Burke] set up for us beautifully, too, was the use of the internet as a place to put his anger that does not bring it into real time. It was actually unusually a healthy outlet for him, so he was able to to voice that: accusing of her hypocrisy and all of the things that he hated about her [Chloe] and he wanted to hurt his father. I think that that, to me, is one of his most interesting aspects as a character, because he has that one very sweet facade, but is capable of a lot of things. Like what is there underneath all of that? It's revealed that Nicky was the one to kill Adam. But why do you think she didn't share that especially given Ethan was arrested and on trial for the murder? MILCH I think there's a question you always ask yourself when you're thinking about characters' choices: What if it all went according to plan? We don't believe that Nicky came there with the intention of murdering Adam. She says, 'I'm getting my sister and I'm getting my son, and I'm getting out of here.' So it really was self defense. It was, 'If I don't defend myself, he's gonna kill me. And I know he's capable of that, and he feels justified in doing that, because he's gonna say I was crazy. He's gonna make up some story about what I came here to do.' I think in the aftermath of that, when she gets that call from the police, there's two ways that call is gonna go. She thinks, 'Oh, my God, are they calling me to say we know that you've murdered Adam Macintosh and we're gonna come arrest you?' But they call her and say, 'You now are the legal guardian of your son' and that is the thing that she's wanted more than anything in her life and here it is. So in a weird way, this spur of the moment decision that she had to make gives her the thing that she wants most. And how is she going to deny that to herself? But I think the thing that Elizabeth does so beautifully and is always at play with Nicky is that anxiety and that fear [of] 'I'm going to be found out.' The second she gets to be with Ethan, it's such a balm and salve to her soul of what she's wanted for so long, and she gets to be back with her sister, which as much tension as there is, I think they both did really miss each other. If she turns herself in, she's going to jail. She doesn't get to be with them anymore. How could she choose that after just getting them back? I think she thinks she would never let Ethan go away for it. But is there a way to salvage the possibility that they can all be together? It's not rational but none of it is. That was always Nicky's North Star; getting to be with Ethan and her sister and protecting both of them. And then ultimately Chloe decides she's going to figure out a way to protect her sister and protect her son. CORRADO I think she could find out if Chloe was the enemy or not because she [Chloe] had betrayed her trust and taken so much from her. Coming in with the truth was probably, in her mind, a ticket right to jail. They worked some shit out. At the end, Chloe and Nicky imply that they're going to tell their story in a book after all. What did you want to get across with their decision to do that? CORRADO This is also a way of healing. They're going to tell this story, and they're going to do it together, and the money is going to be life changing, and they'll have a whole new set of lies they need to sort. But it begs the question of what story are they going to tell? It feels like they're forever bonded by secrets and their relationship is strongest when there are secrets. MILCH I think that's exactly right. At the heart of many families, the secrets are what bonds you together. That question of, what story are they going to tell for us? That's sort of the story of the show. It's this love story with these sisters but it's, what story have you told yourself? What story are you telling together? What story are you telling the world and all of those different versions? That's a big question for how they go forward. At the end of the series, we see Jake (Gabriel Sloyer) lying dead on the beach. It seems to be hinted that he was killed by Bill and Gentry, can you confirm that? MILCH To confirm? (Laughs.) CORRADO Confirm or deny (Laughs.) I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something, but it seems there's another mystery to solve! MILCH I think we very much wanted to deliver a very satisfactory ending for the first season and have it feel like you know what happened, like the mystery is solved. But I think that obviously the truth, particularly around these ladies in this family, is things happen. So there certainly is no definitive answer to that. For now. (Laughs.) We also see Detective Guidry aware that despite Bill being arrested for Adam's murder, that's not what actually happened and knows Nicky has something to do with the murder. Is that something that she just will have to keep to herself going forward or do you see a world where she tries to still expose the truth somehow? MILCH You know, you are asking so many wonderful questions about what it might be like to say, continue to tell this story, which is certainly something that we've given thought on our own. And should we be so lucky to continue to get to explore! But yes, I think Guidry, like [with] so many in this story, there's sort of the version that is out in the public, and then the private truth. Even though at the end of the season, so many secrets have been revealed and so many mysteries sort of have been solved, there's now this new set of lies agreed upon, and secrets and choices that have been made that are setting things in motion. She knows something that isn't out there, and what is she going to do with that information? I think that cat and mouse between Guidry and Nicky is such a fun and satisfying dynamic and relationship in the season. So Nicky gets away, but for how long? Well my other question was going to be whether you envision continuing the story for Chloe and Nicky, but I suppose I got my answer. MILCH AND CORRADO (Laughs.) Given the series is called , I think while watching the series the answer to who is actually the better sister can change and be hard to answer. But what is your take on who is the better sister and why? MILCH I think you nailed it. It depends on any given moment. That was, for us, what we were always interested in exploring. That's also true in your relationships, it depends on the day, and we all fuck up, and we all hurt each other, and then we're all the person who needs something, and we're the person who shows up. That was a real guiding light for us in telling the story: All of us are trying to sort of be better than our worst selves, and we don't always succeed. These two sisters think things about each other. The world thinks things about them. And, at different moments, one of them is trying to do the right thing, and one of them has made a mistake, and yet they sort of keep finding each other. CORRADO It was a great opportunity for other characters to comment on how fucked up they were (Laughs.) Like, 'Oh, these sisters…' The surrogate for the audience is not who's better, it's who's worse? (Laughs.) *** All eight episodes of The Better Sister are now streaming on Prime Video. Read THR's interview with Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Studio': 30 Famous Faces Who Play (a Version of) Themselves in the Hollywood-Based Series 22 of the Most Shocking Character Deaths in Television History A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise
