20 TV Dads Who Gave Us Life Lessons
The on-screen dads instill a strong moral fiber during our downtime on the living room couch.
- Cyra Sanchez
- 5 min read
A moment of silence to our dear father figures who made us realize that life can be a roller coaster ride of lessons. From your classic TV dads to animated and modern depictions of fathers in media. These 20 TV dads are here to share fatherly advice you can take to heart.
1. Rick Grimes (The Walking Dead)
Gage Skidmore on Wikimedia Commons
Like survival, Rick’s unwavering belief in humanity gave us the importance of hope and resilience. He served as a light in the darkest times, showing the sacrifices needed to protect loved ones and the moral complexities of survival.
2. Walter White (The Breaking Bad)
Gage Skidmore on Wikimedia Commons
As troubled as life gets, Mr. White’s descent into the dark world of drugs opens up the consequences of crossing moral boundaries. His intelligence and strategic mind taught us the destructive power of greed.
3. Jim Hopper (Stranger Things)
Gage Skidmore on Wikimedia Commons
A sudden calamity disrupts Hopper’s complacent life, which evolves throughout his supernatural encounters from the upside down. He taught us the importance of protecting loved ones, even at significant personal costs.
4. Cyrus Rose (Gossip Girl)
GabboT on Wikimedia Commons
Being a part of the Waldorf clan with glam and pride on their pillars takes a lot of grit. As the father figure for Blair Waldorf, Cyrus was by far the most attentive parent in the Upper East Side who taught us that boundless affection, warmth, wisdom, and non-judgemental advice could go a long way from being not enough to be more than enough.
5. Gomez Addams (The Addams Family)
ABC Television on Wikimedia Commons
A loving husband and father in an eccentric life and mundane neighborhood. Gomez taught us the importance of individuality, finding joy in the unusual, and cherishing the quirks that make us unique is worth dying for.
6. Phil Dunphy (Modern Family)
Eva Rinaldi on Wikimedia Commons
The unconventional way of parenting Phil has for his children captures the quirkiness of being a modern dad. The goofy and optimistic dad taught us the importance of finding joy in life’s little moments and embracing our inner child.
7. Luke Danes (Gilmore Girls)
Rachel Bloom on Wikimedia Commons
Despite his tough exterior, Luke, one of the beloved stars in Stars Hollow, has a tender heart and a steadfast commitment to his family and friends. He taught us the value of loyalty, honesty, and the importance of being there for the people we care about.
8. Eddard “Ned” Stark (Game of Thrones)
EkieraM1 on Wikimedia Commons
It’s a time when nobles and lords are honored like Ned, who taught us the importance of integrity, justice, loyalty, and never giving up on doing the right things, even when they’re difficult. His character reminds us that true strength lies in one’s moral compass.
9. Danny Tanner (Full House)
Lietmotiv on Wikimedia Commons
Parenthood as a widowed father with three daughters, a house doesn’t feel empty at all with his nurturing nature and meticulous care for his family. He taught us the importance of love, compassion, and the ability to find humor in everyday life.
10. Homer Simpson (The Simpsons)
Alan Nakkash on Wikimedia Commons
The endearing and often bumbling head of the Simpson household has shown us just how vital family, laughter, and unconditional love can be. His intense devotion to his family is a relatable and lovable factor that makes us root for him, flaws and all!
11. Joel Miller (The Last of Us)
Gage Skidmore on Wikimedia Commons
A hardened survivor in a post-apocalyptic world, Joel’s journey with Ellie taught us that we are willing to go to any lengths for the power of love and sacrifice. He showed us that hope and the enduring nature of human connection, even during the tough times.
12. Jack Pearson (This is Us)
Heroes & Villains on Wikimedia Commons
The typical TV dad and a family man we want to have a pep talk with. Jack’s unconditional love for his family brought us to the importance of cherishing the moments with our loved ones.
13. Terry Jeffords (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)
Gage Skidmore on Wikimedia Commons
Terry balances his devotion with work, family, and the firm, gentle giant and devoted family man. He taught us the importance of powerful belief in the potential of others and that there’s always a soft side, even in the most challenging individuals.
14. Uncle Phil (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)
User:BD2412 on Wikimedia Commons
A wise and compassionate judge, Phil is also authoritative. Yet his loving nature and discipline taught us that a balance of soft and hard character can help nurture the family.
15. Moscow (Money Heist)
Ruben Ortega on Wikimedia Commons
A seasoned criminal with a heart of gold, Moscow proved that past mistakes don’t completely define who you are. Family, loyalty, redemption, and putting your loved ones in safety can be enough as a means of living.
16. Bob Belcher (Bob’s Burgers)
FranMoff on Flickr
A creative burger joint owner, Bob is a hardworking and dedicated family man. He taught us that the importance of family, perseverance, and humor can help you go a long way in life.
17. Benjamin Sisko (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)
Terry Robinson on Wikimedia Commons
Personal and professional commitments can be a struggle to manage. But Sisko makes a difference. He taught us the intricacies of raising a child alone and being a commander, which requires balancing logic and emotion.
18. Coach Eric Taylor (Friday Night Lights)
Kristin Dos Santos on Wikimedia Commons
As a father in both personal and work duties, Eric handles it all with commitment. He taught us that raising a community and being a family man requires wise guidance, tough love, perseverance, and hard work.
19. Red Forman (That ’70s Show)
Kristin Dos Santos on Wikimedia Commons
It all says intimidating and a tough exterior, but Red’s way of parenting is a challenging and effective way to discipline. He taught us that being blunt, having a good work ethic, and a touch of humor work in a powerful way.
20. Carl Winslow (Family Matters)
Sidewalks Entertainment on Wikimedia Commons
All’s fair with Carl’s dedication to guiding a community and his family. He taught us that the importance of responsibility, respect, and the value of a strong moral compass guides us to the path of integrity and honor.