38 of the Best TV Dads of All Time
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Sure, I'm a sucker for a female-led TV show, but I can’t deny that Danny Tanner from Full House (played by the late great Bob Saget) taught me more than enough life lessons to qualify as my legal guardian. In fact, there are countless fictional patriarchs who will undoubtedly go down as the greatest father figures I never knew I needed.
Now, this isn't to say that the best fathers are perfect. In fact, you might question a few of my selections on this list, but keep in mind that these dads, while quirky or flawed, have quite a few positive qualities that make them memorable. Be it their goofy sense of humor, their unwavering honesty or their unique approach to teaching the kids important life lessons (*ahem, Michael Kyle*). Keep reading for the 38 best TV dads of all time, including Coach Taylor from Friday Night Lights and Philip Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air…just don’t tell my real dad, OK?
91 Funny Father’s Day Quotes from Famous Dads
1. Danny Tanner (Full House)
ABC
Played by: Bob Saget
TV Kids: D.J. (Candace Cameron Bure), Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin), Michelle (Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen)
When Bob Saget passed away at the age of 65, the world lost a man who brought one of the most endearing father figures to television. As a single dad who loses his wife in an accident and tries to figure out how to raise three young daughters (with the help of some of his loved ones), Danny Tanner taught me to value who I am on the inside, and that it’s perfectly acceptable to ask your guests to remove their shoes at the door. Plus, as far as I'm concerned he's the "raddest, baddest dad a kid ever had."
2. Christopher ‘Julius’ Rock II (Everybody Hates Chris)
CW
Played by: Terry Crews
TV Kids: Drew (Tequan Richmond), Tonya (Imani Hakim), Chris (Tyler James Williams)
Allow me to introduce one of the most down-to-earth TV dads. He's patient, he works extremely hard to provide for his family, and he won't hesitate to lecture them about the benefits of not giving up. Not to mention, his encyclopedic knowledge of grocery prices and penny-pinching ways will make you think twice about splurging on things you don't need. (I know I have.)
3. Jack Pearson (This Is Us)
Ron Batzdorff/NBC
Played by: Milo Ventimiglia
TV Kids: Randall (Sterling K. Brown), Kate (Chrissy Metz), Kevin (Justin Hartley)
Jack Pearson is pretty much your quintessential television dad. Not only is he a selfless provider, but he loves his wife and children unconditionally (literally, his family is his whole world). He’s also one of the only fathers who can reduce us to a pool of tears with his pep talks and witty one-liners. My personal fave? When he encourages Kevin in season two and says, "When I held you for the first time, right here in the hospital, it hit me like a bolt of lightning. You were my purpose. And I swear to you, son, I swear to you, you’ll find yours."
4. Philip Banks (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)
NBC
Played by: James Avery
TV Kids: Hilary (Karyn Parsons), Ashley (Tatyana M. Ali), Carlton (Alfonso Ribeiro), Nicky (Ross Bagley)
He may be Uncle Phil to me (and to Will Smith), but to his kids—Hilary, Ashley, Carlton and Nicky—Philip is the best dad. He also plays the role of patriarch for Will, who, up until he moves to Bel-Air, never had a paternal figure in his life. At times, Uncle Phil’s temper can get high (because how else are you going to keep a house full of kids and an eccentric nephew in line?), but he also has his tender moments—like when he embraces Will after his father walks out on him.
5. Ron Swanson (Parks and Recreation)
NBC
Played by: Nick Offerman
TV Kids: Zoe (Sadie Salazar), Ivy (Rylan Lee), Jonathan (unknown)
Whether he's teaching a student about taxes by eating a chunk of her sandwich or helping a dim-witted employee figure out simple tasks, there's no denying that Ron's fatherly instincts are spot-on. And for someone who famously hates kids, Swanson takes fairly quickly to his girlfriend Diane’s two daughters, Zoe and Ivy. On one occasion, he even stays at the office to babysit the young girls, finding himself way in over his head. However, he eventually gets the hang of things, and the couple ends up having their own child together.
6. Michael Kyle (My Wife and Kids)
ABC
Played by: Damon Wayans
TV Kids: Michael Jr. (George O. Gore II), Claire (Jennifer Nicole Freeman), Kady (Parker McKenna Posey)
Michael Kyle is the ultimate early ’00s dad. From using reverse psychology to playing practical jokes (especially on his son, Junior), he handles real-life issues like a total breeze. For instance, I can still vividly recall how Michael convinces his wife, Jay, to help him prank Junior by intentionally messing with his head after he came home high. And who could forget about Michael's extravagant plot to guilt-trip his son for lying about his grades?
7. Fred Andrews (Riverdale)
CBS Television Studios
Played by: Luke Perry
TV Kids: Archie (KJ Apa)
I’ll try not to get too sentimental on you here. The late actor’s character is pretty much the only parental figure on the show with actual parenting skills and morals. While the others are galavanting around town and hiding secrets from their kids, Fred is the only one who’s actually there for his son and even (literally) takes a bullet for him in season two.
8. Phil Dunphy (Modern Family)
ABC/Tony Rivetti
Played by: Ty Burrell
TV Kids: Haley (Sarah Hyland), Alex (Ariel Winter), Luke (Nolan Gould)
He may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but he’s accepting, understanding and really, really good at pretending to know magic. Plus, he's protective of his girls—as you've probably seen in the episode "Party Crasher," when Phil goes after Haley when she leaves with her awful, older boyfriend. This is the kind of goofy dad I need, not only on my TV screen, but in my everyday life.
9. James Evans Sr. (Good Times)
CBS
Played by: John Amos
TV Kids: J.J. (Jimmie Walker), Michael (Ralph Carter), Thelma (Bern Nadette Stanis)
James Evans Sr. goes above and beyond to provide for his family, even if it means working multiple jobs. Amos told the Television Academy, "[He was] a hard-working, very family-oriented man. He loved his kids. His biggest frustration in his life was not been able to find a steady job so he could support his family in the style that he'd hoped, so consequently...he'd do odd jobs." FYI, let me be clear: James didn’t deserve that fatal season four bombshell.
10. Walter White (Breaking Bad)
SONY PICTURES
Played by: Bryan Cranston
TV Kids: Walter Jr. (RJ Mitte), Holly (Haven Tomlin, Elanor Anne Wenrich, Moira Bryg MacDonald)
It’s not every day that a high school chemistry teacher (diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer) turns to selling methamphetamine in order to secure his family's future. But that’s not why he’s on this list. Yes, Walter White ends up destroying his family and (spoiler alert) ultimately dying a bitter death, but I believe his original intentions are good.
11. Steve Brady (Sex and the City)
HBO
Played by: David Eigenberg
TV Kids: Brady Hobbes (Niall Cunningham)
While I see many (emphasis on many) men throughout the series, Steve is one of the few fathers. And boy is he good with Brady. Miranda even knows how wonderful he is with their young son. In the franchise’s first movie, she writes down “Good father” as a “pro” to decide if she should take Steve back.
12. Cyrus Rose (Gossip Girl)
CW
Played by: Wallace Shawn
TV Kids: Aaron Rose (John Patrick Amedori), Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester)
Sure, it takes Blair a while to come around to her new stepdad, but Cyrus Rose is a Yiddish-speaking ray of sunshine, and has all the qualities you could ever want in a father figure. He quickly grows on everyone and offers some wholesome joy to the Waldorf clan. And in a world where parents are more concerned with their Prada bags and UES galas, Cyrus is the most attentive parent and gives some seriously great advice.
13. Gomez Addams (The Addams Family)
ABC
Played by: John Astin
TV Kids: Wednesday (Lisa Loring), Pugsley (Ken Weatherwax)
Look—I'm not saying I want to drop my life and be a part of the spooky clan (although, it would be cool), but the head of the Addams family is no doubt a loving father. A little unorthodox at times? Sure. But it's clear that he puts the well-being of his children first. (Remember how he comforts Wednesday when she comes home crying after her first day of school?) And of course, no one can rock a dad-stache quite like he can.
14. Adam Braverman (Parenthood)
NBC
Played by: Peter Krause
TV Kids: Haddie (Sarah Ramos), Max (Max Burkholder), Nora (Mia and Ella Allan)
I’ll admit that he has his cheesy moments, but Adam Braverman is all about making sure his son Max (who suffers from Asperger syndrome) remains happy and healthy. Even if that means impromptu hiking trips for some bonding time. Overall, Adam wants to support his family and make sure they know that they are loved and cared for at all times. Krause told TV Guide, "I always felt like—and it's what attracted me to the role—that Adam was a guy who wanted to be the best father, the best husband, the best son, the best brother he could be, and that was enough for him."
15. Eric Taylor (Friday Night Lights)
NBC
Played by: Kyle Chandler
TV Kids: Julie Taylor (Aimee Teegarden)
Coach Taylor is a father both on and off of the field. Not only is he there for his players, many of which lack a stable home, but he is also an attentive father to his teenage daughter Julie. And let’s face it, at times she is a handful. The real reason I love coach so much? He taught me my life motto: “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.”
16. William Hill (This Is Us)
Ron Batzdorff/NBC
Played by: Ron Cephas Jones
TV Kids: Randall (Sterling K. Brown)
He might not have raised Randall, but William Hill deserves an honorable mention. In the short time he knew his son, William did what he could to make up for lost time, like explaining his years-long absence to Randall and baking special brownies with his wife. It's no wonder Jones earned two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.
17. Al Bundy (Married with Children)
Fox Network
Played by: Ed O’Neill
TV Kids: Kelly (Christina Applegate), Bud (David Faustino)
Yup, way before O’Neill got his gig on Modern Family, the actor portrayed one of the ’80s most lovable dads. While Al faces many struggles throughout his life, he manages to get by and provide for his wife, Peg, and his two kids, Kelly and Bud. He also makes sure to teach his children not to expect handouts from anyone and to put their all into everything they do. One of his standout dad moments? When he goes to the bat for Kelly after she catches her boyfriend cheating on her.
18. Bob Belcher (Bob’s Burgers)
Fox Network
Voiced by: H. Jon Benjamin
TV Kids: Tina Belcher (Dan Mintz), Gene Belcher (Eugene Mirman), Louise Belcher (Kristen Schaal)
Bob Belcher is not only tolerant, supportive, loving, principled and grounded, but the father of three is also impressively hard-working when it comes to the family restaurant. Honestly, the Belcher family does a great job of depicting the real-life dynamics of the modern American family. And I could never forget his iconic line: “You’re my family, and I love you, but you’re terrible, you’re all terrible.”
19. Sandy Cohen (The O.C.)
Fox
Played by: Peter Gallagher
TV Kids: Seth Cohen (Adam Brody), Ryan (Ben McKenzie), Sophie Rose (unknown)
Sandy has a wonderful relationship with his biological son, Seth, but he also doesn’t miss a beat taking in—as one of his own—a juvenile teen from (gasp!) Chino, who everyone else abandons. Not to mention, he's been a father figure to other teens in the community. For example, when Alex (Olivia Wilde) is emancipated from her parents in season two, Sandy steps up and encourages her to stop by if she ever needs anything.
20. Tony Soprano (The Sopranos)
HBO
Played by: James Gandolfini
TV Kids: Meadow Soprano (Jamie-Lynn Sigler), A.J. (Robert Iler)
I know what you’re thinking, “How could a dangerous Jersey mob boss possibly make it on this list?” Well, as it turns out, Tony will do absolutely anything for his children (yes, even physically harm someone if he has to). From the outset of the series, Soprano makes sure his kids are taken care of and although I question some (OK, a lot) of his life choices, I still think he earns some major dad points.
21. Frank Costanza (Seinfeld)
NBC
Played by: Jerry Stiller
TV Kids: George Costanza (Jason Alexande)
Let’s face it—George is definitely a mama’s boy. However, at times, he is also a papa’s boy (if that’s even a thing). And while Frank, also known as Mr. Costanza, tends to be on the angrier side, he definitely cares about his son and presents some pretty memorable moments in the hit sitcom. Might I remind you of the time he fights Elaine at the police station for saying George wasn’t “clever?”
22. Homer Simpson (The Simpsons)
20TH CENTURY FOX
Voiced by: Dan Castellaneta
TV Kids: Bart (Nancy Cartwright), Lisa (Yeardley Smith), Maggie (Nancy Cartwright)
Don’t scroll—hear us out. If you can get beyond the fact that he’s a fictional cartoon character, you’ll realize that Homer is a totally a hands-on dad. While he may not be able to give his three kids everything they want (take Bart and his video games for example), he does give them something more important: time and attention.
23. Eddard ‘Ned’ Stark (Game of Thrones)
HBO
Played by: Sean Bean
TV Kids: Robb (Richard Madden), Sansa (Sophie Turner), Arya (Maisie Williams), Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright), Rickon (Art Parkinson)
Sure, his head is ceremonially chopped off (RIP) in season one, but he still manages to raise six badass children. Before he dies, he teaches them to be to be loyal, kind and to never give up. Even if that means (spoiler!) killing your own Aunt to save the seven kingdoms. Bean told Entertainment Weekly, "He’s very honorable, he’s very honest, he’s a man of integrity, and he does the dirty work. He was the first good man in Game of Thrones, and he stayed that way to the bitter end. His sons and daughters have taken those values for themselves, and it’s a much richer show because of that—because of him."
24. Dan Conner (Roseanne)
ABC
Played by: John Goodman
TV Kids: Becky (Lecy Goranson and Sarah Chalke), Darlene (Sara Gilbert), D.J. (Michael Fishman)
Perhaps more than anyone on this list, Dan Conner embodies the typical dad. Like the majority of off-screen patriarchs, he isn’t perfect, but he always tries his best when it comes to his kids. Not to mention, he’s the only one on this list that actually came back from the dead (ahem, The Conners spinoff). Not surprisingly, the role catapulted Goodman to fame during the '90s and earned him seven Emmy nominations.
25. Jason Seaver (Growing Pains)
ABC
Played by: Alan Thicke
TV Kids: Mike (Kirk Cameron), Carol (Tracey Gold), Ben (Jeremy Miller)
First of all, Dr. Seaver makes sure to have a home office so he can always be around his family (now that’s dedication). Second, he serves as a great moderator for the bickering between his three children, and third, the man has a killer head of hair. Best of all? Thicke is a stellar father figure both on- and off-screen. Gold told Today, "He was the patriarch of the Severs, but also of the set. He set the tone and it was just a happy place to be, and he was grateful to be there and he taught us to appreciate being on that set."
26. Floyd Henderson (Smart Guy)
Buena Vista Television
Played by: John Marshall Jones
TV Kids: T.J. (Tahj Mowry), Marcus (Jason Weaver), Yvette (Essence Atkins)
Hear me out: Floyd is one of the most underrated sitcom dads on TV. Can you imagine losing your spouse, managing your own business and single-handedly raising three kids while trying to find a decent person to date—one that all of your kids approve of? That's Floyd throughout the entirety of this show. And yet, he remains the wholesome and caring dad who knows how to balance discipline with love. Talk about impressive.
27. Carl Winslow (Family Matters)
ABC Photo Archive / Getty Images
Played by: Reginald VelJohnson
TV Kids: Eddie (Darius McCrary), Laura (Kellie Shanygne Williams), Judy (Jaimee Foxworth)
The hard-working patriarch is flawed, but he’s still one of the most loving and caring fathers to ever grace my TV screen. He keeps the streets safe by day and always knows how to get his kids in line, whether it's a serious talk about the dangers of drinking or an impromptu lesson about using good judgment. But aside from raising his own children, Carl also has to deal with Steve Urkel’s antics, which require a whole lot of patience. For that alone, he deserves a spot on this list.
28. Ray Campbell (Sister, Sister)
ABC Photo Archive / Getty Images
Played by: Tim Reid
TV Kids: Tamera Campbell (Tamera Mowry), Tia Landry (Tia Mowry)
Sure, Ray could be a bit overprotective, but I always knew his intentions were pure. The successful businessman is not only kind enough to take in his adoptive daughter’s sister and her mom, but over time, he grows to become a wonderful father to both girls, teaching them valuable lessons about maturity and responsibility. In case you need proof, check out this scene where Tamera confronts her biological father. She tells him, "I don't need to take a test to know who my real dad is. My dad is the man who's been here for me all my life. His name is Ray Campbell, and he's all the father that I will ever will ever need."
29. Dre Johnson (Black-ish)
Bonnie Osborne / Getty Images
Played by: Anthony Anderson
TV Kids: Zoey (Yara Shahidi), Junior (Marcus Scribner), Jack (Miles Brown), Diane (Marsai Martin)
He won’t hesitate to give his kids an impromptu lecture on Black history or what it means to be Black in America. While encouraging them to take pride in their roots, he also sets a good example through his career and inspiring work ethic.
30. Louis Huang (Fresh Off the Boat)
Ali Goldstein / Getty Images
Played by: Randall Park
TV Kids: Eddie (Hudson Yang), Emery (Forrest Wheeler), Evan (Ian Chen)
So being practical isn’t exactly his strong suit, but we love Louis for his easy-going nature and contagious optimism. Not only does he support and care for his family, but he also manages to stay positive while dealing with a very controlling partner.
31. Flex Washington (One on One)
CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images
Played by: Flex Alexander
TV Kids: Breanna (Kyla Pratt)
It’s not every day that you see a father agree to become a single dad, even if it means having to sacrifice his bachelor lifestyle. Flex always looks out for his daughter Breanna, and more importantly, he acknowledges his flaws and makes a genuine effort to be a better father. (Remember when he joined Breanna for therapy sessions to avoid making the same mistakes his father made?)
32. Mike Brady (The Brady Bunch)
CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images
Played by: Robert Reed
TV Kids: Greg (Barry Williams), Peter (Christopher Knight), Bobby (Mike Lookinland), Marcia (Maureen McCormick), Jan (Eve Plumb), Cindy (Susan Olsen)
It’s no wonder Mike Brady is named “Father of the Year” after Marcia nominates him on the show. The fact that he manages to support a wife, six kids and a maid is already quite remarkable, but I especially admire his wisdom, calm demeanor and strong moral compass. Where would the family be without him?
33. Burt Hummel (Glee)
FOX/Getty Images
Played by: Mike O'Malley
TV Kids: Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer)
While Glee is characterized by many outrageous characters, Burt is one of the more subdued ones, and also one of the best. A single dad who works as a mechanic and loves football, Burt is always, above everything else, a loving and protective father, especially after his son, Kurt, comes out to him as gay. And their father-son dynamic is still one of the best in TV history.
34. Bandit Heeler (Bluey)
Voiced by: David McCormack
TV Kids: Bingo (unknown), Bluey (unknown)
Sure, Bandit may have some questionable parenting methods—like when he shows favoritism to Bingo in front of Bluey without apologizing in "Mini Bluey." Still, his flaws make him all the more relatable, and it's clear that his heart is in the right place. He makes little sacrifices to ensure that they're happy, he carves out time to play with them and he goes the extra mile to teach them simple lessons. (Remember when he pretends to be a rude kid at the supermarket while leaving Bluey in charge in "Kids"? Classic.)
35. Alan Matthews (Boy Meets World)
ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Played by: William Russ
TV Kids: Eric (Will Friedle), Cory (Ben Savage), Morgan (Lily Nicksay)
I have always admired Alan's wisdom, humility and down-to-earth personality. He isn't too proud to own up to his mistakes and apologize to his kids, and he's quick to celebrate their wins (like when he tells Eric he's proud of him for getting an 1120 on his SATs). But he also won't hesitate to fight for them and their friends—like I've seen countless times in season four's "Cult Fiction." (That scene where he shoves and threatens the cult leader to protect Cory's best friend, Shawn, gives me chills every time.)
36. Jim Hopper (Stranger Things)
Courtesy of Netflix
Played by: David Harbour
TV Kids: Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown)
The Hopper that I met at the beginning of Stranger Things is very different from the Hopper I saw in season four. Seeing him go from a hopeless, apathetic cop to a sympathetic and devoted father figure has been such a fascinating journey, and TBH, Eleven hits the jackpot when Hopper decides to take her in. Understandably, he becomes fiercely protective of El to ensure her safety. So much so that he gets angry with her for putting herself in danger while they stay at his cabin. But even then, he's humble enough to acknowledge his faults and apologize.
37. Phillip Drummond (Diff’rent Strokes)
NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images
Played by: Conrad Bain
TV Kids: Kimberly (Dana Plato), Arnold (Gary Coleman), Willis (Todd Bridges)
The fact that Mr. Drummond keeps his word to his deceased housekeeper and adopts her two sons speaks volumes about his character. The businessman and widower is already raising his own teenage daughter (which is no easy feat), but he also raises Willis and Arnold as if they're his own, even though they have completely different backgrounds. He respects their heritage and nurtures their passions, but he also knows when to put his foot down—like when he grounds Arnold for failing his history test in season three's "Almost American."
38. Johnathan Kent (Smallville)
The WB
Played by: John Schneider
TV Kids: Clark (Tom Welling)
Jonathan is easily one of the best TV dads to grace the small screen. He is stern and compassionate, but most importantly, he passes down his solid morals, teaching Clark the value of kindness, discipline and hard work. Plus, whenever Clark makes mistakes, he is quick to dish out the wisdom. For instance, in season ten's "Lazarus," when Clark confides in his dad about his anger, Jonathan says, "We're all confronted with trials, son. But the true measure of a man is how he chooses to react in the face of those trials."
