You're still obsessed with at least one of these TV dads.
1 of 20
Danny Tanner
Danny Tanner
Jeff Franklin Productions
There’s a reason Danny Tanner was referred to as America’s dad. Everyone loved him. He knew which situations required humor and which required a kind, listening ear. Danny parented an entire generation.
2 of 20
Philip Banks
Philip Banks
NBC/The Stuffed Dog Company
The scene where Will collapses into Philip Banks’ arms will always be one of the most raw and emotional in television. In that moment, Philip was more than just a TV dad.
3 of 20
Phil Dunphy
Phil Dunphy
ABC/20th Century Fox Television
Phil Dunphy might be the goofiest dad in all of TV history but in the best way. We got to watch him see all three of his kids into adulthood, and it was both beautiful and hilarious. Phil is a real one.
4 of 20
Jack Pearson
Jack Pearson
NBC
There’s a reason so many tears were shed throughout This Is Us, and that reason is Jack Pearson. He was one of the most kind and loving dads in all of television history, and his ultimate fate was almost too heartbreaking to bear.
5 of 20
Carl Winslow
Carl Winslow
ABC/CBS
Carl Winslow was a beloved TV dad because he was like any average dad. He was constantly annoyed by something and wanted nothing to do with the neighbor kids. But he had good relationships with his own children and a good reputation in the community.
6 of 20
Mike Brady
Mike Brady
ABC/Redwood Productions
Mike Brady suddenly had to parent twice as many kids as before, but he did it well. The Brady family had some bumps along the way, but they were overwhelmingly open to their new arrangement and new parents.
7 of 20
Tony Soprano
HBO
Tony Soprano wasn’t a great father. He was a poor role model, and his job routinely put his family at risk. But he loved his children, and he was willing to do anything for them, misguided as his actions were.
8 of 20
George Lopez
ABC/Fortis Productions
George Lopez was such a good television character. He was funny and progressive yet grounded and traditional, somehow striking a balance that enticed lots of audiences. On top of it, he was a great dad. He was there for his kids and provided the perfect level of embarrassment for them.
9 of 20
Homer Simpson
Homer Simpson
Fox/20th Century Studios
Homer Simpson is a stereotypical dad, just in animated form. Although, to be fair to dads, most don’t eat nearly as many donuts as Homer.
10 of 20
Sandy Cohen
Sandy Cohen
Fox
Sandy Cohen is the dad to end all TV dads. He had flaws and a past that made him a whole character, but he was a loving and supportive father who was willing to help anyone in need. Sandy Cohen is the dad everyone needs.
11 of 20
Archie Bunker
Archie Bunker
CBS
As problematic as he was, Archie Bunker still has a place in television history. In retrospect, we can honor him for what he was and use what he wasn’t to define characters in the future.
12 of 20
Gomez Addams
Filmways Television
The television world didn’t know what hit it when Gomez Addams hit the screens. He was unlike any character the silver screen had known before, and he proved that staying true to yourself can turn you into an icon.
13 of 20
Eric Taylor
Eric Taylor
NBC
Everyone in small town U.S.A. knows an Eric Taylor, and that’s why he’s such an icon. He was a father to everyone who needed him, and only very special men are capable of holding such a role in their community.
14 of 20
Frank Costanza
Frank Costanza
NBC
Real Seinfeld fans know that John Randolph played Frank Costanza at the beginning of the series, but Jerry Stiller made the character an icon.
15 of 20
Frank Gallagher
Frank Gallagher
Showtime
Frank Gallagher had issues, to say the least. Real people are complicated, and television characters should be, too. Despite his issues, he tried to be as good of a father as he knew how to be. And objectively, some of his antics are entertaining.
16 of 20
Jed Clampett
Filmways
What father wouldn’t pack up his family and move them to Beverly Hills after becoming a multi-millionaire? It’s the only logical option. Was the premise of that series bonkers? Yes, but that only makes Jed Clampett even more of an icon.
17 of 20
Red Forman
Red Forman
Fox
Some of the most iconic TV dads are the ones with obvious flaws because they remind people of their own fathers. How many people in the world can relate to having a father who melted around his daughter but was a bit of a nightmare to his son, just like Red Forman?
18 of 20
Martin Crane
Grub Street Productions
Martin Crane is a rare example of an elderly TV dad whose primary function wasn’t to be a grandpa. He still had to actively father his two adult sons, both of whom had tremendous professional success but needed some personal guidance.
19 of 20
Al Bundy
Al Bundy
Fox
Ed O’Neill became an icon when he played Al Bundy on Married… with Children, and he further cemented his status by playing Jay Pritchett on Modern Family. He knows how to play a beloved character.
20 of 20
Andy Taylor
Andy Taylor
Danny Thomas Enterprises
Audiences loved Andy Taylor because they knew what to expect. His character developed over time, but he went through life with a sense of humor and a few notable catchphrases.
Acacia Deadrick is a South Dakota-based writer who has written for sites such as Nicki Swift, The List, and Glam. She loves music and all things pop culture, and she can be found watching TV, completing a crossword puzzle, or reading in her spare time.