Watch Becoming Us

Becoming Us is an American reality television series that premiered on June 8, 2015, on FreeForm. The show follows the life of Ben Lehwald and his family as they navigate their way through a challenging period of change and growth. The central theme of the show revolves around the issues faced by Ben and his family after his father reveals that he is transgender and is planning on undergoing gender reassignment surgery. The series follows Ben as he adjusts to the reality that his father is transitioning into a woman named Carly, while also dealing with his parents' divorce, and the unexpected arrival of a new stepmother named Danielle.

The show primarily focuses on Ben, who is a teenager adjusting to numerous changes in his life, including his own evolution from a troubled teenager to a more mature and self-assured adult. Viewers get an inside look into Ben's day-to-day struggles and triumphs, including his relationship with his father, who is now his stepmother, and his new stepmother Danielle.

Carly, Ben's father turned stepmother, is also a central character in the show. Carly first appears as a man in the early episodes of the series before she begins hormone therapy and eventually underwent gender reassignment surgery. As Carly undertakes this life-changing journey, viewers are given a rare glimpse into the complexities of gender transition and how they can impact the lives of those closest to the transitioning individual.

Along with Carly and Ben, Becoming Us also features other members of the Lehwald family, including Ben's mother Suzy, who is learning to come to terms with her ex-husband’s transition. Suzy is initially shocked by Carly's decision but gradually begins to accept and support her as they work together to co-parent their children.

Finally, the series also introduces viewers to Danielle, Ben's new stepmother. Danielle is introduced midway through the show and becomes a prominent figure in Ben's life as she marries Carly and helps her through her transition.

The show's overarching theme is one of self-discovery and growth, as Ben, Carly, and the other members of the Lehwald family learn to navigate the complexities of their evolving relationships. The show highlights their struggles, triumphs, and the pivotal moments that helped shape their journeys.

Becoming Us is a compelling and engaging show that humanizes the issues of gender transition, divorce, and family dynamics. By providing an unfiltered and honest look into the lives of the Lehwald family, the show challenges many of the preconceived notions about gender, the family structure and highlights the unique challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with gender reassignment.

Overall, Becoming Us is a well-crafted series that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. The show's articulate storytelling, relatable characters, and poignant themes make it one of the best family-oriented reality shows on television today.

Becoming Us is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between June 8, 2015 and on FreeForm