Over the years there have been many great TV Dads. And what makes a great TV Dad is their ability to resonate with us on a deeper level than just playing a character on TV. There is something comforting about a TV Dad too. It’s like they say the exact things that we want to hear and at the right time. Based on some deep research on Social Media forums and websites, here is a short and to the point list of the 5 greatest TV Dads of all time.
5. Carl Winslow – Family Matters – Reginald VelJohnson
Family Matters was a sitcom that ran for nine seasons from 1989 – 1998.
Carl Winslow was a fun and lovable TV Dad in this series. He had strong values and was hard working too. And the patience that he had for his neighbor Steve Urkel was inspiring. Family Matters was a staple in the nostalgic TGIF lineup.
4. Danny Tanner – Full House – Bob Saget
Full House was a sitcom that aired for eight seasons from 1987-1995.
Danny Tanner was the glue that held the family together. As a widowed broadcaster, his unwavering love for everyone in his life oozed through the TV screen. Not to mention, he always gave very good advice to his three daughters in the show and to Jesse, his brother-in-law.
3. Al Bundy – Married With Children – Ed O’Neill
Married With Children was a series that was on TV for eleven seasons from 1987 – 1997.
Al Bundy’s fatherly advice was very memorable throughout this entire series. As an unsuccessful and miserable shoe salesman, Al offered what little advice he had to his two kids, Kelly and Bud. A lot of the content in this series was more adult in nature, which broke through the noise of the other family inspired series that were on TV at the time. Al was the kind of Dad you thought you wanted as a kid.
2. Philip Banks – The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air – James Avery
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air was a TV series that aired for six seasons from 1990 – 1996.
One of the most influential TV Dads in history is Phillip Banks. He offered a tremendous amount of life lessons on the show. The enduring but firm way that he gave Will guidance to the way he offered Hillary and Carlton advice. Uncle Phil, as he is more commonly known, says some powerful things during this series.
1. Homer Jay Simpson – The Simpsons – Dan Castellaneta
The Simpsons is an animated sitcom that was released in 1989. It is the longest-running American sitcom with over 33 seasons in the books.
Homer Jay Simpson, son of Mona and Abraham Simpson, husband to Marge Simpson and father to Maggie, Lisa and Bart, has delivered some of the best fatherly advice for decades. The sheer staying power of this sitcom is a testimony to the likability and popularity of Homer Simson as a TV Dad. Homer Simpson is a legend.
Honorable Mention TV Dads
Even though we counted down the top five greatest TV Dads of all time, there are a few more TV Dads that deserve an honorable mention.
Cliff Huxtable – The Cosby Show – Bill Cosby
The Cosby Show was on TV for eight seasons from 1984 – 1992.
Cliff Huxtable made us laugh for years because he emulated what a vast majority of Dads could relate to. There were some serious moments too that dads could also relate to.
Dr. Jason Seaver – Growing Pains – Alan Thicke
Growing Pains was a sitcom that was on TV for seven seasons from 1985 – 1992.
For one hundred and sixty-six episodes, Dr. Jason Seaver showed us how to navigate being a Father to his four kids, Mike, Carol, Ben and Chrissy. He also opened our eyes to a Dad working from home.
Tim Taylor – Home Improvement – Tim Allen
Home Improvement was a sitcom that ran for eight seasons from 1991 -1999.
Tim “The Toolman” Taylor delighted us with his knowledge of power tools, cars and sports. All the while teaching his three sons, Brad, Randy and Mark valuable lessons along the way. His humor added to the depth of his character too.
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