Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian opened their doors and welcomed cameras into their home as they prepared to become parents.
The couple has spoken candidly about their decision to create a documentary during one of the most emotional times in their lives.
They explained that they wanted to shine a light on how surrogacy works here in Ireland.
Brian and Arthur’s Very Modern Family aired on RTÉ One on Monday night with viewers glued to their screens across the country.
During the show they got into topics like surrogacy laws in Ireland, having Brian’s sister Aoife act as their surrogate and the fact Aoife’s name is on Blake’s birth cert despite the fact they used a donor egg.
They even went into the delivery room with Aoife giving birth to the couple’s first child as well as an update on how baby Blake is getting on six months later.
Viewers shared their praise for the show on social media, referring to it as “beautiful”, “wonderful” and “emotional”.
Watching #verymodernfamily on @RTEOne now. Just beautiful. It also is a reminder that the triumph of Love is at the heart of so many #LGBT Irish stories. Things have gotten very "shouty" in recent times and we need to remember the message of #Love ultimately does conquer all.
— John Eardly (@JohnJEardly) March 13, 2023
A family made from love❤️
Aoife’s relationship with Brian & Arthur is gorgeous. They both adore their baby. Hopefully it shows how necessary it is to update our laws. I cried & smiled through this fabulous documentary. Well done x #verymodernfamily— Annie Roche (@anyciar) March 14, 2023
What beautiful family little Blake has, her 2 loving proud as punch Dads Brian and Arthur and her her brilliant Auntie Aoife, the love in the documentary stands out above it all #verymodernfamily
— M Fitz 🇮🇪 🌻 (@embeefitz) March 13, 2023
Gorgeous! What lovely dads they are. And Aoife is such a beautiful aunt. There may be something in my eye #verymodernfamily
— maria1976 (@mariahickey1976) March 13, 2023
I’m an emotional wreck after that, better tv than the Oscars 😭🙏🏼 Blake is one lucky little lady 💗 #verymodernfamily
— Sian Cullen (@siancullen5678) March 13, 2023
#verymodernfamily A heartwarming story that love conquers hate and indifference,congratulations to all in the lovely programme,well done,and the best of luck and warmth for all involved.❤️🇮🇪😊
— Shane Mullally (@mullallyshane2) March 13, 2023
#verymodernfamily Such a wonderful story, full of love. Congratulations to Brian and Arthur on the birth of beautiful Blake. What can I say about how amazing Aoife is, they are all lucky to have this fabulous woman in their lives.
— Andrea Kavanagh (@akavo62) March 13, 2023
Speaking to VIP Magazine after the birth of Blake, Arthur told us: “We’ve said before that surrogacy affects all families, not just gay couples, and that’s why we wanted to make our documentary, and put our lives out there.
“We wanted to show people that you can do it, and also try and make some change for other people going forward.”
Brian & Arthur’s Very Modern Family is available to watch on the RTÉ Player
