Did you catch the buzz about Kayla possibly having a baby in 'Hacks' Season 5? I couldn’t stop thinking about it—and not just because Megan Stalter is so dang funny. There’s something about TV pregnancy storylines that always hits a nerve, right? It’s like, every year, another quirky character is suddenly expecting, and the Internet explodes with theories, memes, and “wait, how did THAT happen?” discussions.
But here’s the twist: for many of us watching, the “surprise pregnancy” isn’t just a goofy plot device or water cooler gossip. It’s a reminder—sometimes bittersweet, sometimes inspiring—that there are so many different ways people build families now, both on-screen and off.
Why Are We So Obsessed With TV Pregnancies?
Let’s be real—these plotlines are everywhere. From Monica’s journey in 'Friends' to more recent twists like Kayla in 'Hacks' (as teased in this IndieWire article), TV writers LOVE to put their characters through the wringer. But I think there’s more going on than just drama for drama’s sake.
These stories strike a chord because pregnancy—especially when it’s not simple or straightforward—feels so personal. It’s messy, it’s vulnerable, and sometimes, it’s a total mystery how people actually make it happen.
But here’s the million-dollar question: What if you want to be a parent, but the “surprise” route isn’t on the table?
The Real-Life Plot Twist: Not Everyone Gets a Storybook Start
I remember a friend saying, after yet another sitcom “oops” baby, “Why doesn’t anyone ever show characters looking at ovulation apps, or ordering donor sperm, or… I dunno, using a kit at home?”
It stuck with me, because for so many people—single parents by choice, LGBTQ+ folks, couples with fertility challenges—TV’s version of the “easy baby” can feel, honestly, kind of alienating.
But in 2025, the world has changed.
- More people than ever are choosing non-traditional paths to parenthood
- At-home insemination is increasingly common (and, yes, TikTok famous)
- There’s a whole world of support, kits, and community out there
What It’s Really Like: A Peek Behind the Curtain
Okay, so let’s talk about what those sitcoms don’t show. It’s not just peeing on sticks and hoping for sitcom magic. It’s:
- Learning about your cycle (and, yeah, sometimes Googling “cervical mucus” at 2am)
- Deciding what kind of donor situation you want
- Choosing between clinics, home insemination, or even asking a friend for help
- Dealing with the emotional rollercoaster of, will this work? Will I be a parent?
I’ve heard from so many people who felt empowered—and overwhelmed—by the sheer number of options. It’s a lot! But it’s also, in a strange way, kind of exciting. You get to write your own story (no sitcom writer required).
Meet the Tools That Make It Possible
Here’s the cool part—the science behind at-home conception has caught up to our modern needs. One company that’s come up again and again in my groups is MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits. They offer discreetly-packaged, reusable kits for all kinds of situations: there’s the CryoBaby for frozen sperm, the Impregnator for low motility, and the BabyMaker for people with sensitivities. No disposable waste, no awkward clinic visits unless you want them.
Their kits aren’t just a gadget—they’re a little bit revolutionary. With a reported 67% average success rate among clients, they’re helping people actually live out those pregnancy plotlines (but with way less slapstick).
Representation (On TV and IRL) Matters—Here’s Why
When TV shows like 'Hacks' even hint that a character like Kayla might get pregnant, it makes a difference. It invites conversations about who gets to be a parent and how families are built. Imagine seeing a character using an insemination kit or comparing donor profiles on TV—how validating would that be?
Until Hollywood gets there, though, it’s up to us to share the real stories. If you’re dreaming of parenthood and wondering if your path “counts”—it absolutely does.
So, What’s YOUR Storyline?
If you take one thing away from all those TV pregnancy plots (and this post!), let it be this: there’s no “normal” way to become a parent anymore. Whether you’re charting ovulation, prepping a nursery solo, or waiting for two pink lines with friends cheering you on, your journey is real and worth celebrating.
And if you’re curious about what at-home insemination actually looks like—or just want to know you’re not alone—check out resources and real talk at sites like MakeAMom. It’s not about the product, it’s about possibility.
What do you wish TV got right about modern parenthood? If Kayla really does go for it in Season 5, what would you want her story to show? Drop your thoughts below—let’s create the kind of representation we want to see!