Whether it’s a sitcom or a drama, there have been several great fathers featured on television. Parents in general have been featured throughout the history of TV, especially traditional nuclear families, but there are times when single dads or father figures are highlighted instead. While most are human and portrayed by real life actors, there are also animated dads that make the list. That being said, here’s a list of the best TV dads, ranked.
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10 Burt Hummel - Glee
20th Century Fox Television
Burt was the best father to his son Kurt, and yes, their names rhyme. Burt was a blue collar worker, spending most of his time in the garage, and at first, some might have seen his character as not understanding to Kurt and the lifestyle he was living. However, it quickly became clear that Burt was his son’s number one fan, often going to bat for him, whether that be physically or through his words.
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9 Dre Johnson - Black-Ish
Cinema Gypsy Productions
At times, Andre “Dre” Johnson can be seen as abrasive and quick to anger with his kids, especially his son, Junior. When it comes down to it, Dre is a great father. Dre prides himself on making it big for his kids; having a wealthy lifestyle when he wasn’t able to have that as a child, and his kids often want for nothing. Besides the material aspects of life, when things get serious and discussions of racism in America pop up between him and his children, Dre is careful and level-headed.
8 Bob Belcher - Bob’s Burgers
Fox
Although animated, Bob Belcher is a great example of what a supportive dad is. Throughout the many seasons of Bob’s Burgers, it’s clear that the Belchers run a not-serious way of living, but in return, make up for it with loads of love and hilarious moments. Though Bob often likes to pretend that he doesn’t really know what’s going on with his kids, he’s always there for them no matter what. Fansided comments on the relationship between Gene and Bob, and how it’s often not highlighted, but still, you can feel the bond between father and son when they do share the screen together, and it’s obvious that Bob is a great dad.
7 Carl Winslow - Family Matters
Bickley-Warren Productions
Carl Winslow was a hardworking man for his family, and it was proven throughout each episode. Family Matters was a big show, since the plot revolved around a Black middle class family for nine seasons. Carl was the breadwinner of the family, and took his role seriously, going up in the ranks of the police department before he reached Captain. Carl even sort of adopted neighbor Steve Urkle into the family, albeit reluctantly, proving that he had a big heart.
6 Jack Pearson - This is Us
NBC
Jack Pearson is the epitome of dad goals. Throughout the entire series of This is Us, it’s clear that Jack was the best dad ever to his triplets, Kate, Kevin, and Randall. They all idolized him in their own way, especially after his death, which left each child broken for the longest time. CBR states that Jack’s death was tragic and tugged on several heart strings once it was finally revealed how the fan favorite passed. Jack was not only a great dad, but a great husband; the two went hand-in-hand, as he often went above and beyond for his family.
5 Homer Simpson - The Simpsons
20th Television
Similar to Phil Dunphy, Homer isn’t the smartest man on this list, but he still has a big heart. When he’s not tormenting his family or drinking beer and goofing off, Homer proves to be a steady dad. Even though Homer has strangled Bart more times than one can count, he clearly loves his children in his own special way. When Lisa gained some weight and Marge made a comment about it that offended Lisa, Homer was the parent to save the day and comfort her.
4 Phil Dunphy - Modern Family
ABC
There are plenty of fathers featured in Modern Family, but Phil takes a spot on this list. Throughout the entire show, it’s clear that Phil loves his children more than anything. Phil’s portrayed is kind of air-head and definitely goofy, but when he’s needed, he shows up every single time. He might not be the best husband, since he often flirts with Gloria, but viewers are made aware that he’s the best father. All three of his children; Hailey, Alex, and Luke, have special moments with him throughout the series that are heartwarming and hilarious.
3 Philip Banks - Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
NBC Productions
Philip Banks, otherwise known as Uncle Phil, is the perfect father figure to Will. He makes the list, even though he’s not Will’s biological father, though he’s certainly better than his blood father. In the episode where Will’s father visits and proves that he wants nothing to do with his son, this causes Will to release all the anger he had pent-up in him. When Will breaks down and wonders why his father didn’t want him, Phil is there to comfort him, embracing his nephew as if he were Phil’s own son.
2 Danny Tanner - Full House
Jeff Franklin Productions
A widow at a young age and with three daughters, Danny Tanner was one of the best fathers on television simply because of how loving, caring, and loyal he was. He got help from his brother-in-law Jesse and his good friend Joey, who quickly became father figures in their lives. As the girls grew up, Danny never faltered with his role and constantly was there for his girls no matter the circumstances.
1 Dan Conner - Roseanne and The Conners
Dan Conner was the much-needed pillar in the household of several kids and wife Roseanne. When things became out of control and crazy, Dan was always steady with his wise words and smooth voice. He was a hard worker and the patriarch for the family, and was also the heart when someone needed to cry or just confide in a parent.