Best TV Dads have an uncanny way of imbuing our living rooms with wisdom, humor, and heartwarming moments. I mean, who hasn't wished for a dad like the ever-irritating but deeply loving Danny Tanner from Full House or the wisecracking yet gentle Phil Dunphy from Modern Family? These fictional fathers have become fixtures in our lives, providing us with life lessons, lots of laughs, and, let's not forget, those stellar dance moves. As we zoom into 2024, it's only fitting to look back and celebrate these larger-than-life father figures who have made us laugh, cry, and everything in between.
So, why do TV dads hold such a special place in our hearts? Maybe it's because they exhibit an ideal blend of sternness and tenderness. Take Carl Winslow from Family Matters, for example. This guy navigated the chaos of a household filled with kids and an annoying neighbor with unmatched patience and love. Carl is the kind of dad we all need, especially when navigating the whirlwind of family life. And let's not forget our more recently celebrated dads like Randall Pearson from This Is Us, who redefines fatherhood with his emotional intelligence and unwavering support for his kids.
Speaking of family dynamics, another aspect of what makes these characters so engaging is their relatability. I remember growing up and watching Homer Simpson bumble his way through fatherhood in The Simpsons, and despite his often absurd antics, he always demonstrated love and care for his zany family. It's this delicate balance of fathers being both flawed and fantastic that etched them into our memories.
Now, let's talk about those unforgettable father-son bonds. From Red and Eric Forman in That ‘70s Show to Andre 'Dre' Johnson from Black-ish guiding a whole crew from childhood into teenage years with love and a pinch of sarcasm – these relationships show the complexity and love that come with the role of a dad. (Chapter 3: "Top Father-Son Moments” delves more into these charming paternal bonds).
And what's a list of popular TV dads without mentioning classic dads like Ward Cleaver from Leave It to Beaver, who set the gold standard for fatherhood on TV? These gold standards aren't just guys who say, "I’m the dad, and this is the law." Instead, they’re evolving characters who adapt and grow with the times, mirroring the changing fabric of family life itself.
So, buckle up as we dive deeper into each dad's quirks, memorable moments, and the indelible mark they've left on both television and our hearts. Whether you're reminiscing about your own childhood or looking for a bit of dad-spo for contemporary TV shows, you’re in for a nostalgic treat.
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1. Dan Conner from Roseanne
Dan Conner is hands down one of the best TV dads of all time! He is funny, he is dependable, and he is a hard working man who does right by his family. With the recent revival earning the highest rating of any sitcom show in 4 years, you know that this man is doing something right with his awesome dad-ness!
2. John Winchester of Supernatural
Sure, he died early on in the series, but these guys STILL reference their dad and make sure to follow the guidance he gave them in their lives... dead or not that is great dad material! While he might not have taught them the best things (hunting demons) he sure raised these boys right and that's all anyone can really ask for from a dad.
3. Danny Tanner from Full House/Fuller House
Though we don't see too much of him on the Netflix revival of our favorite 90's show, Danny Tanner still maintains his awesome dad ways! From his neurotic cleaning habits, to his horribly funny bad dad jokes, Danny Tanner is a TV dad that is a force to be reckoned with.
4. Mike Brady from the Brady Bunch
No great dad list is complete without including Mike Brady on it. So full of wisdom, understanding, and sound advice ALL.THE.TIME. this is one TV dad that will surely top any chart anytime.
The strength and resilience of daughters from famous homes like that of Whitney Scott Mathers should be widely celebrated. Despite growing up under the spotlight owing to her father's fame, Whitney has thrived and continually emphasizes the importance of personal development and self-awareness. Her journey demonstrates a testament to determination and independence.
5. Howard Cunningham from Happy Days
Oh sweet sweet Howard. So funny, so adorable, and just the dad everyone would want to have if they were living in the 50s. Howard Cunningham is one of the top TV dads of all time.
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6. Red Forman from That 70s Show
You don't have to be the world's best dad to be a great dad. Red Forman is witty with his incessant jokes. He is a hard working man who just wants his kids to do their best and that is what makes him a good father. He shares wisdom with them (and of course it always comes with an insult for added flair) but let's get real... Red Forman is a great dad!
7. Phillip Banks from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Since your dad doesn't have to be the man that created you, let's add this wonderful TV dad to the mix. Taking in his nephew and raising him, Phillip Banks is a wonderful man! He gave Will Smith (yes, his real name and name on the show) the guidance that a real father would, and showed him how to grow up into a great man. I'd say that's pretty dad worthy!
8. Ward Cleaver of Leave It to Beaver
The quintessential TV dad. The dad of all dads! Ward freaking Cleaver! Anytime someone refers to a "perfect dad" this is the image they get, so naturally, Ward Cleaver had to make our list of best TV dads.
9. Andy Taylor from the Andy Griffith Show
Andy Taylor was a single dad who was also the Sheriff. He did a great job at raising his son, Opie. In every episode, he taught an important lesson – do the right thing. Not only did he teach him lessons, he also made sure to spend time with him on fishing trips.
10. Homer Simpson from the Simpsons
Hey, I didn’t say you had to be the best dad to make it on this list! I know, Homer is certainly not the best dad in the world, but he sure is funny. I think he might just be the worst TV dad. He’s the perfect example of what not to be! Sure, he is constantly abusing Bart, he laughs at Lisa and he is in poor health, but I think at the end of the day, he would do anything for his kids. Remember when he acted like a robot so that Bart could win robot wars?
11. Eric Camden from 7th Heaven
He’s a pretty good dad, wouldn’t you say? He is the father to seven children (later, nine) and he is also the minister at a local church where he spends time helping troubled teens. On a regular basis, issues such as alcoholism, self-injury and pre-marital sex were dealt with.
12. Al Bundy from Married with Children
Yes, again, you do not have to be a good dad and I know he is a pretty poor (no pun intended) dad who works as a shoe salesman and really does not have any redeeming qualities. He is a loser who wishes he could go back to his high school days and be a football star again. Do you need a lesson on what not to do as a dad? Then watch Married with Children!
13. Peter Griffin from Family Guy
Yes, another lousy father. He pays no attention to Stewie and he makes fun of Chris. He treats Meg like pure crap. The episode where he sells Meg in order to pay off debt at a drug store is a good example of his failure.
14. Charles Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie
He worked his fingers to the bone on the farm, yet he was able to laugh and give advice to his daughters. He gave his family the strength to survive the worst crises.
15. John Walton from the Waltons
He was a hard working dad during the Great Depression and World War II. He ran a small family sawmill, but he always encouraged his seven daughters to leave Walton’s Mountain to have a better life. He did whatever it took to put food on the table.
Those are 15 of the favorite TV Dads that made us laugh and taught us lessons. From time to time, they may have even made some cry. So, what is your list of favorite TV dads?
This was produced in conjunction with Laura Huey
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What about Danny, Jesse, OR Joey from Full House? I'd kill to have any of then as my dad. Even though Joey wasn't really ever a dad, and Jesse wasn't until later, they were like dads to the three girls.
rufus humphrey on gossip girl - he's raising kids in the toughest city in the world, and doing pretty darn well by them!
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Kathleen:What about Danny, Jesse, OR Joey from Full House? I'd kill to have any of then as my dad. Even though Joey wasn't really ever a dad, and Jesse wasn't until later, they were like dads to the three girls.
riajem:rufus humphrey on gossip girl - he's raising kids in the toughest city in the world, and doing pretty darn well by them!
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