25 Best TV Dads on Sitcoms Who Always Make Us Laugh
These father figures practically raised us, from 'Family Matters' to 'The Brady Bunch.'
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There's no doubt that a show run by a funny family matriarch is the best (ahem, Ree Drummond's The Pioneer Woman). But dads are also pretty good at teaching a life lesson or two! Plus, there's a good chance they'll do it in an even more cringe-worthy way. Now, Ladd Drummond is just a bit camera-shy for his own show, no matter how goofy he can be—he's also way too busy wrangling cattle. Still, there are plenty of incredible TV dads that are just as silly, prank-loving, and caring.
From classics like The Brady Bunch to modern-day shows like Modern Family, the best sitcom dads always knew just what to say. Their tender moments of guidance streamed right into our living rooms and made millions of hearts swell. So, if you're looking for a great Father's Day or family night activity, tune into one of the best TV sitcoms of all time and get ready to laugh, cry, and cringe. Ahead, you'll find the best famous fathers of all time on sitcoms from the '70s all the way up to today. Who knew we needed the neurotic Danny Tanner from one of the best '90s TV shows, Full House, to show us true parental mediation? Or Louis Huang of Fresh Off the Boat to teach us about fatherly support? Anyone who grew up in the '70s can't deny that Mike Brady set the bar pretty darn high! Here is to all the famous father figures, dad jokes and all.
Tim Taylor from 'Home Improvement'
When Home Improvement debuted in the '90s, it turned into one of the highest-rated sitcoms for the entire decade thanks to the main character. Tim Taylor is the sweetest power tool-loving, accident-prone, fix-it-up kind of dad. As the name of the show suggests, the show is all about fixing problems within the family and home.
Johnny Rose from 'Schitt's Creek'
Eugene Levy received numerous awards for his portrayal of Johnny Rose, and rightfully so! As the "straight man" of the series, Johnny offers a hilarious balance to the antics of his chaotic children and wife. The dynamic with his son, David, is especially sweet to watch since the actors are father and child in real life!
Michael Bluth from 'Arrested Development'
We can't decide who we love more in this series—protagonist Michael Bluth or his eccentric brother-in-law, Tobias! Michael is a dedicated, if at times selfish, father who is in charge of keeping his family's business together. Tobias is a delightfully oblivious parent, and an equally oblivious husband to Michael's sister!
Ray Barone from 'Everybody Loves Raymond'
Ray Barone is an Italian-American everyman who captures the familial dynamics of Italian families perfectly! Ray takes few things seriously, including parenting and his wife's complaints about her inlaws. In addition to Ray, viewers fall for his father, a man who loves his family immensely.
Jim Halpert from 'The Office'
Jim might not become a father until later seasons, but he's just the best! Though we don't see him with his kids much, the way he cares for Pam and his goofy office pranks show that he's top-notch dad material.
Adam Braverman from 'Parenthood'
Adam Braverman is the definition of fatherly care. He goes above and beyond to ensure that his son max, who lives with Asperger syndrome, remains happy and feels supported. (Okay, so what that he's a bit of a cheese ball?)
Al Bundy from 'Married With Children'
Before Ed O’Neill was on our favorite sitcome, Modern Family, he starred in another hit sitcom. Al was constantly committed to providing for his family and taught his kids to commit to anything they go for in life.
Danny Tanner from 'Full House'
The late, great Bob Saget portrayed Danny beautifully. Danny exemplified parenting at its best: He respected his children's boundaries, gave them responsibilities, and related to them on their level.
Mike Brady from 'The Brady Bunch'
Mike Brady is the pioneer of sitcom dads. He gets the 'Father of The Year' award simply for juggling six children, but he also provides the family with a great moral compass.
Ray Campbell from 'Sister, Sister'
Ray reminds us of our own overprotective dads. He teaches his girls beautiful life lessons and experiences a lot of growth himself over the course of the show.
Christopher Julius Rock from 'Everybody Hates Chris'
Julius was inspired by Chris Rock's real-life father, and it shows. He is one of the most devoted, level-headed, and easygoing dads on tv. Anyone whose dad constantly reminds them to turn off lights will relate to Julius' fatherly frugality.
Frank Costanza from 'Seinfeld'
Okay, George Costanza is a bit more of a mama's boy, which makes sense! Frank can be a tough dad, but he's hilarious and thinks the world of his son (even if he shows it in unconventional ways).
Jack Pearson from 'This Is Us'
Unconditional love is the meat and cheese of this character. Jack Pearson stole our hearts from the start with his witty one-liners and the pep talks he gives his kids.
Jason Seaver from 'Growing Pains'
Parents experience growing pains just as children do. Dr. Seaver pioneered the work-from-home dad and breaks up fighting kids pretty well.
Louis Huang from 'Fresh Off the Boat'
Louis Huang treats his employees like family, making him the ultimate father figure. He believes in the good of people, and is always ready to joke around with his children.
Michael Kyle from 'My Wife and Kids'
Talk about dad jokes! Michael is apt to do (pretty good) celebrity impressions, pull pranks, and crack a few one-liners. He's the kind of dad who knows how to use reverse psychology to get his kids in line.
Bob Belcher from 'Bob's Burgers'
Bob! The titular character is possibly the sanest character to walk through his burger joints doors. He provides the backbone of the Belcher family and is always ready with a bit of principled advice.
Phil Dunphy from 'Modern Family'
Phil is the definition of doofy dad. He's silly and sweet, and though he's often a little late to the game, he always provides his children with a safe place to land.
Philip Banks from 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'
Philip Banks is the quintessential '90s dad. Just look at his outfits! Stern but playful, Philip has the incredible ability to bring his unconventional nephew down to earth.
Ron Swanson from 'Parks and Recreation'
Ron Swanson is the sweetest step-dad. Although he claims to hate kids and has a stern demeanor he really takes to Diane's kids. Plus, look at that pose and outfit—peak dad.
Micaela Bahn is a freelance editorial assistant and recent graduate from Carleton College, where she majored in English literature. She loves running, photography, and cooking the best new recipes.
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