In both sitcoms and dramas, dads are essential characters that often anchor their respective series. The TV dads considered the coolest aren’t necessarily perfect or “cool” by definition, but aremade up of admirable qualities that have earned them respect over the years. In addition to working hard to provide for their families, TV dads like Eric Taylor and Uncle Phil also endow their families with tough love and needed words of encouragement.
Other dads are a bit more quirky, like Gomez Addams and Phil Dunphy, whose fun parenting styles work well within their established family dynamics. Regardless of how strict or easygoing they are,it’s these great TV dads whose words and actions often heavily impact audiences. Their kindhearted approach to parenting and their loving roles in romantic relationships are considered inspirational. Being the head of a family isn’t easy, but these on-screen dads get the job done, inspiring and entertaining audiences in the process.
10Mohan Vishwakumar
Never Have I Ever (2020-2023)
Compared to the other dads mentioned, Mohan Vishwakumar (Sendhil Ramamurthy) doesn’t have as strong of a reputation. He’s featured in a newer show and has a limited number of appearances. However, after audiences watch just a fewepisodes ofNever Have I Ever,it becomes obvious as to why he’s seen as one of the best dads on TV. In the series, Mohan is deceased and only appears through flashbacks or in visions his daughter Devi (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) has of him during particularly rough times.
Mohan, obsessed with tennis icon John McEnroe, who narrates the show, is portrayed as a fun and loving father in the flashbacks. However,it’s in Devi’s visions where his generous spirit truly shines. In times when his daughter is in distress, Mohan is there for her with an optimistic outlook and positive advice that helps her work through the various obstacles in her life.
9Carl Winslow
Family Matters (1989-1998)
A spin-off toPerfect Strangers,Family Mattersis widely remembered for its breakout character outside the sitcom’s main Winslow family.Steve Urkel (Jaleel White) and his iconic catchphrase have become a large part of pop culture, but the show also happens to feature one of the best dads on TV. Carl Winslow (Reginald VelJohnson) is a typical sitcom dad who works hard and is protective of his kids but has a temper at times.
He makes it known that he has his kids' best interests in mind andthere are several instances inFamily Matterswhere Carl has heartfelt conversations with them as he shapes themto be good people. However, it’s Carl’s tense relationship with his neighbor Steve that provides audiences with the most entertainment and highlights Carl’s good nature. The patriarch is regularly annoyed by his neighbor, but their dynamic changes throughout the sitcom’s run, with the latter growing to care deeply about Steve.
8James Evans
Good Times (1974-1979)
One of the many popular sitcoms created by Norman Lear in the ’70s,Good Timeswasa show that helped redefine sitcoms. Centering around a Black family in a poor neighborhood in Chicago,Good Timessaw its characters push through any unfortunate circumstances that came their way. The Evans kids provided the laughs, and their mother, Florida (Esther Rolle), was loving, butthe family member who is undeniably the anchor is the patriarch, James Evans(John Amos).
It wasn’t common to see a character like James on TV shows centered around Black characters. James loved his children, andhis hardworking and serious attitude showed how dedicated he was to improving his family’s life. Unfortunately, behind-the-scenes disagreements led to Amos, and consequently James, being written off the show. James' absence was heavily felt throughout the remainder ofGood Times' run, with the series' ratings declining as a result.
7Eric Taylor
Friday Night Lights (2006-2011)
Set in a small Texas town,Friday Night Lightsfollows the close-knit community of Dillon, who are passionate about their local high school’s football team. The Dillon Panthers are coached by Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler), who is seen as a fatherly figure to his team throughout the show.Coach Taylor’s love is tough, but he frequently shows up for his players when they need him most, including when he helped train Smash Williams after his knee injury appeared to be the end of his football career.
As a father and husband, Eric is also present and considerate. Standoutscenes with his daughter Julie (Aimee Teegarden) see Eric having stern but gentle talks with the teenager who is finding herselfand making many mistakes along the way.Friday Night Lights' series finalefeatures Eric’s most commendable act of love towards his wife, Tami (Connie Britton), when he decides to prioritize her career like she had done for him for so many years.
6Gomez Addams
The Addams Family (1964-1966)
Before Raul Julia took on the famous role intheAddams Family'90s films, John Astin played the role of Gomez Addams in the ’60s sitcom. In everyseries or film based on Charles Addams’New Yorkercartoons,the titular family has macabre interests and is portrayed as being offbeatand quite different from those around them. The family in the sitcom,The Addams Family, is no different and Gomez provides a great amount of comedic bits to the show.
As a family man, he is loving and supportive, though the interests and behavior of his children would stress out any ordinary father. Gomez’s love for his wife Morticia (Carolyn Jones) is deep and serious, even when it’s portrayed to audiences as being somewhat absurd. With the unusual dynamic of the Addams family in mind, Gomez is an admirable father.
5Jack Pearson
This Is Us (2016-2022)
LikeNever Have I Ever’s Mohan,Jack Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia) appears inThis Is Usthrough flashbacks. The non-linear structure of the drama series depicts the Pearson family’s life before and afterthe death of Jack, with his children and wife Rebecca (Mandy Moore) managing to move on. As a father and husband, Jack is not perfect, as his alcoholism causes problems in his marriage. Still, Jack works to become sober and manages to offer his children some effective words of wisdom before dying.
As his kids were growing up, Jack provided them with unconditional love and was sure to spend plenty of time with them. It’s Jack and Rebecca’s parenting habits that influence the ways their children raise their own families inThis Is Us' present timeline. His lasting impact on his children is just one of the many waysJack remained a vital character throughout the show.
4Sandy Cohen
The O.C. (2003-2007)
Living in the high-class world of Newport Beach has its challenges for bothThe O.C.’s teenage and adult characters. Sandy Cohen (Peter Gallagher) is a bit of an outsider. Though he’s married to a Newport Beach local and has worked in the area for years,his priorities and attitude don’t fully align with other residents. This trait of Sandy’s gives him a fresh perspective on life, which helps him be a better father and husband.
Considering Sandy’s generous personality and willingness to help others, it’s no surprise when he takes in the troubled Ryan Atwood (Ben McKenzie) after his mother abandons him. In addition to his biological son Seth (Adam Brody), Sandy is always there for his kids.Whether it’s delivered through witty remarks or serious sit-down conversations, Sandy often provides the boys with sincere bits of adviceto help them through whatever problems arise in their adolescent years.
3Phil Dunphy
Modern Family (2009-2020)
Modern Familyoffers up a few different contenders for great TV dads, and while each father has his strengths, the greatest is certainly Phil Dunphy (Ty Burrell). Other sitcoms have tried their best to perfect the contrasting dynamic between the goofy dad and strict mom, but few are as memorable as Phil and Claire (Julie Bowen).Phil likes to be viewed as a cool and fun dad, preferring to be seen by his kids as their friends rather than their dad.
Still,Phil isn’t strictly puns and magic tricks. He’s aware of times when he’s needed for emotional support. Phil’s vulnerable moments with Claire and his kids typically occur at times when they are feeling doubtful about their abilities.Phil puts aside his silly antics and sincerely reminds his loved ones of their strength and potential in life.
2Philip Banks
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
Getting past his stern exterior, it’s obvious that Philip Banks (James Avery), referred to as Uncle Phil, is devoted to his family and only wants what’s best for them.Uncle Phil’s strict attitude and high temper have become established and well-known traitsof the character. However, it makes sense as to why Phil would be stressed out after his nephew Will (Will Smith) is sent to live in an already full house with his family.
His frustration and lecturing towards his children represent his interest in shaping them into respectable people. Still, Uncle Phil has his sweet moments where his love for his wife and children is made clear. ThroughoutThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s six seasons,Uncle Phil begins to view Will as his own son. The two have several sentimental scenes together, including one in thesaddest episode ofThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Airwhen Will’s father abandons him once again.
1Danny Tanner
Full House (1987-1995)
Full Houseis mostly comedic, but the sitcom does have an emotional premise that acts as the foundation for the relationships depicted on screen. After losing his wife in a tragic accident, Danny Tanner (Bob Saget) is left to take care of his three daughters on his own. Though the task is difficult at times,Danny is kindly supported by variousFull Housecharacters who help raise the children. Still, as a widowed father, Danny proves to be a great dad early on.
The best episodes centered around Dannyhighlight his attentive parenting style. He always made sure to be fully present with his girls, whether it was during playtime or moments of emotional distress. For the latter,Danny often reminded his kids how special they wereto not only him but the world at large. This trait of Danny’s became especially useful as the girls grew and began experiencing peer pressure and bullying.
