The 20 most iconic TV dads of all time

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Real Seinfeld fans know that John Randolph played Frank Costanza at the beginning of the series, but Jerry Stiller made the character an icon. 

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. 

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. 

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?

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. 

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. 

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.