For a couple of weeks now, Welcome to Wrexham has played around a bit with its proven TV formula of mixing fifth-tier soccer action, unexpected emotional angles, history and tiny bits of humor that have turned the FX production into a hit. Yet, as the show reaches its climax, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney go back to the basics, even if that includes shedding a light on their own personal lives.

In the series’ earliest episodes, both men shared how -even as relative soccer newbies- their love for sports helped shape their relationship with their parents as it was the one thing they always had in common. That tale will certainly be all too familiar for many men and boys, for whom their favorite sport helped form an unbreakable bond with their fathers, despite their relationship not being everything it could have been on some other aspects.

Unsurprisingly, that is also the case for Reynolds, who in this week’s “Family Business” goes back to those memories with a little help from mama Reynolds, Tammy, as they each expose their takes on the actor’s upbringing. All this makes for a segment that’s incredibly relatable and touching at the same time, with McElhenney getting to share his own background as well.

Actor Rob McElhenney with his two lesbian mothers. — Rob McElhenney with his two mothers

For the 46-year-old McElhenney, his family was certainly less traditional by the 80s’ standards, and possibly only the utmost fans of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia might have known that the actor was raised by two mothers. While clearly Helena (Rob’s biological mother) and Mary did a fine job raising the TV star, the McElhenneys’ story serves to show how far along society has come when it comes to embracing non-traditional parenting and LGBTQ relationships.

With both actors at the peak of their game right now, albeit Mr. Deadpool being quite more famous, it’s a joy to see them continue having their parents as close figures in their lives, with Reynolds tending to have his mother present at many of his premieres. The only sour note comes from Reynolds’ remembering his dad’s death in 2015, and him wishing his old man could see the beautiful dream these two friends have built for Wrexham’s people with the same love for sports his father James instilled in him. Truly beautiful stuff.

Former England international Rob Lee laughing with son and Wrexham midfielder Elliot Lee. — England international Rob Lee and Wrexham AFC Elliot Lee

It’s not all about the owners though, “Big” Ollie Palmer also shares a personal story of his when he and his mother open up about what it was like when his father came out of the closet in a much less acceptable age. The topic surely brings McElhenney and the striker closer together as they each recount what it was like for them, and how that experience shaped the type of parent they want to be for their own children.

The other stories feature Wrexham star Elliot Lee and his dad, former England international Rob Lee, whose spells next to the likes of David Beckham help illustrate how hard it can be to try to follow the footsteps of one’s parents. With even back office employees getting some spotlight, Welcome to Wrexham delivers a heartwarming episode that’s bound to turn on the waterworks for more than one viewer.

Charlie Day and Shaun Harvey drinking in Welcome to Wrexham. — Charlie Day and Shaun Harvey in Welcome to Wrexham.

There is a football season pending though, and “Worst Case Scenario” explains how much is at stake for Wrexham achieving promotion as fans get more insight into the club’s finances. Irish winger Anthony Forde’s and his wife Laura’s battle with a brain tumor raises the emotional stakes in this episode, in spite of Welcome to Wrexham somehow managing to forge its fairytale spin nonetheless.

Forde’s tough times see him take a leave of absence from his footballing duties, yet the player, like almost every Wrexham fan is made feel right at home as the club stand by his side in such a difficult chapter. For him to score the opener in his vital comeback match may sound like fantasy, but the more one looks into Wrexham, the more it seems like every step of the way, every milestone is a reward for the hard work (and millions) Reynolds and McElhenney have put into the team.

Irish player Anthony Forde screaming in Welcome to Wrexham — Irish player Anthony Forde in Welcome to Wrexham

Luigi actor Charlie Day makes a special cameo, yet with everything that’s going on, his appearance comes off as little more than a footnote in these Welcome to Wrexham episodes. Day is told what this goal must mean for Forde, that’s the real story. Welcome to Wrexham feels like playing FIFA or EA Sports FC 24 career at times, only each one of these people is very real.

Having Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney crunch numbers with Humphrey Ker and Harvey reminds viewers that, yes, Wrexham is where it is because of the massive investment the two Hollywood actors have made. That’s most definitely the case, although as many of their incoming signings have said, what’s likely to keep them on the rise is not money, but rather the feel that Wrexham AFC offers people the chance to become part of something special, a story unlike any other seen in football if the Red Dragons ever reach the Premier League.

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