CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN 3: GRANDPARENT MAYHEM (2026)
A Hilarious, Heartwarming Return to the Chaos of Family Life

Cheaper by the Dozen 3: Grandparent Mayhem (2026) brings the Baker family back together for a wild, laughter-filled adventure that proves the chaos of family life never ends. After years of growing up, the twelve Baker children are now adults, and their ever-growing families have turned Tom (Steve Martin) and Kate (Bonnie Hunt) into proud but overwhelmed grandparents. This latest installment is a perfect blend of slapstick comedy, heartwarming moments, and chaotic fun that fans of the franchise have come to expect.
The film kicks off with Tom and Kate grappling with the realization that retirement isn’t as peaceful as they imagined. Instead of enjoying their golden years in peace, they find themselves at the helm of a household filled with their twelve grown children and over thirty grandchildren. The constant noise, pranks, and unpredictable behavior of their family quickly transform their home into a whirlwind of activity, and the Bakker household is once again in complete disarray.

Hilary Duff returns as Lorraine, the glamorous media mogul who has somehow managed to juggle her career while raising a family. Lorraine is the perfect blend of elegance and efficiency, which she relies on to pull off a huge surprise anniversary party for her parents. The idea is simple: celebrate their parents’ long-lasting love and commitment. However, as expected with a family as large and unpredictable as the Bakers, things don’t go according to plan. The chaos that ensues—thanks to over thirty grandchildren, pranks, rivalries, and plenty of sibling squabbles—turns what was supposed to be a heartfelt celebration into a logistical nightmare.
One of the highlights of the film is watching Tom step up as the “grandfather general,” trying to hold everything together as the family’s plans spiral further out of control. Steve Martin’s comedic timing and charm shine through as he takes on the role of the patriarch trying to manage an ever-expanding clan. Martin is effortlessly funny, channeling his character’s frustration and love for his family in ways that resonate with anyone who has experienced the madness of family gatherings.
Meanwhile, Kate (Bonnie Hunt) is as loving and exasperated as ever, serving as the glue that holds the family together. Her dynamic with Tom remains heartwarming, providing a perfect balance to the chaos around them. As the family’s central emotional anchor, Kate’s interactions with their children and grandchildren bring depth to the film’s humor, showcasing how family bonds evolve over time.

One of the funnier subplots involves the competition and rivalries between the siblings, each of whom brings their own unique set of quirks to the table. Lorraine’s glamorous lifestyle contrasts sharply with the more grounded, everyday lives of her siblings, leading to both humorous and touching moments. But it’s the surprise romances that add a fresh layer of excitement, as some of the grandkids—still in their formative years—start experiencing crushes and first loves, adding to the sweet and chaotic tone of the movie.
What Cheaper by the Dozen 3 does best is remind us of the power of family and the love that binds them all together, no matter how messy things get. The chaos, though overwhelming at times, is ultimately a symbol of how deep love can run. The movie highlights how families, no matter how big or disjointed, have a unique way of supporting each other, even when things seem impossible.
As always, the humor is family-friendly, filled with pranks, physical comedy, and lighthearted moments that offer a sense of nostalgia for longtime fans of the series. The film’s energy never flags, with each scene moving briskly to keep up with the chaotic whirlwind of family dynamics.

In conclusion, Cheaper by the Dozen 3: Grandparent Mayhem (2026) delivers what fans love about the franchise—wild, family-oriented comedy, heartfelt moments, and a cast of lovable characters who make the madness of family life both hilarious and endearing. With a fantastic ensemble cast, a perfect blend of comedy and emotion, and a storyline that will have you both laughing and crying, this film is a fun and heartwarming addition to the Cheaper by the Dozen saga. The madness may never end, but one thing’s for sure: there’s always room for one more in the chaos.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 – A side-splitting, heartwarming film that captures the lovable chaos of family life.Cheaper by the Dozen 3: Grandparent Mayhem (2026) brings the Baker family back together for a wild, laughter-filled adventure that proves the chaos of family life never ends. After years of growing up, the twelve Baker children are now adults, and their ever-growing families have turned Tom (Steve Martin) and Kate (Bonnie Hunt) into proud but overwhelmed grandparents. This latest installment is a perfect blend of slapstick comedy, heartwarming moments, and chaotic fun that fans of the franchise have come to expect.