Who’s Your Daddy: Our Favorite TV Dads

When you picture a TV dad, who comes to mind first? The wise advice-giver who somehow always knows the right thing to say? The stern disciplinarian who grounds you one minute and sneaks you ice cream the next? The lovable goofball who falls asleep in his recliner mid-baseball game? Or maybe the guy who spends half his life rolling his eyes at his “crazy” family—yet wouldn’t trade them for the world? Trick question. The answer is all of the above.

For decades, television has given us an entire wardrobe closet full of dads—some buttoned-up and earnest, some hilariously clueless, and others so cranky you wonder how their blood pressure survived a single season. From Ozzie Nelson’s squeaky-clean sweater vests, to Mike Brady’s groovy dad lectures, to Archie Bunker’s armchair grumbles, to Homer Simpson’s “D’ohs!”—our favorite small-screen fathers have reflected not only their times, but also the evolving (and often contradictory) idea of what “dad” means in American culture.

And that brings us to one of the greats: Dan Lauria, best remembered as Jack Arnold, the tough-but-tender dad on “The Wonder Years.” I recently had the honor of sitting down with him for a two-part podcast interview, and it got me thinking about just how much these fictional fathers shaped us. They weren’t just TV characters; they became the surrogate dads who taught us lessons, made us laugh, and reminded us (sometimes begrudgingly) that family really is everything.

So grab your remote, settle into that favorite chair (bonus points if it squeaks like Archie’s), and join me as we revisit the best, the worst, and the funniest TV dads of all time. By the end, you just might be able to answer the ultimate question: Who’s your daddy? (And if your first thought was Pedro Pascal… well, join the club.)

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ANDY TAYLOR (ANDY GRIFFITH)

Sheriff Andy Taylor, played by Andy Griffith on “The Andy Griffith Show” (1960–1968), was the wise, steady heartbeat of Mayberry, North Carolina. A widower raising his son, Opie, with the loving support of Aunt Bee, Andy managed to balance parenting, policing, and community with a style that was more homespun wisdom than handcuffs. His calm, common-sense approach to law enforcement made him the kind of sheriff every small town dreamed of—fair, approachable, and just folksy enough to feel like family.

Of course, Griffith himself was much more than just Mayberry’s sheriff. With his warm Southern drawl and that unmistakable gruff-but-friendly voice, he carved out a remarkable career on stage and screen—earning a Tony nomination, shining in films like “A Face in the Crowd” (1957) and “No Time for Sergeants” (1958), and later winning over a whole new generation as TV’s sharp-as-a-tack lawyer “Matlock.” But for me, growing up as a city boy, Andy Taylor always seemed like the ultimate country dad—down-to-earth, relaxed, and exactly the kind of father figure you’d want guiding you through small-town life.

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MIKE BRADY (ROBERT REED)

Mike Brady wasn’t just the dad who kept the Brady kids in line—he was the calm, moral compass of the grooviest household on TV. As an architect, he built more than houses; he built values, guiding six kids with equal parts discipline and patience while letting them learn from their own mistakes. He wasn’t afraid to set rules, but he always did it with warmth, wisdom, and those unforgettable late-60s/early-70s fashions that made him the coolest dad on the block. Watching reruns of “The Brady Bunch” felt like stepping into a technicolor world where Mike Brady was the steady hand every family wished they had at the helm.

Behind the scenes, actor Robert Reed took Mike Brady just as seriously as we did. He clashed with producers when he felt storylines weren’t up to par, determined to keep his TV family grounded in quality storytelling. Reed played Mike from 1969 to 1974 and even reprised the role for reunion specials, but he also showed off his range with acclaimed performances in “Medical Center,” “Rich Man, Poor Man,” and “Roots,” which earned him three Emmy nominations. Still, no matter how many awards or dramatic roles he earned, for generations of viewers Robert Reed will forever be remembered as the loving, wise, and wonderfully groovy dad who made the Brady home feel like America’s home.

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HOWARD CUNNINGHAM (TOM BOSLEY) 

Howard Cunningham—better known as “Mr. C” thanks to Fonzie—was the ultimate TV dad of the 1950s (and the 1970s, when “Happy Days” actually aired). He embodied the perfect blend of reason, tradition, and warmth, offering stern but fair guidance to Richie, Joanie, and the rest of the gang. Whether he was giving fatherly advice at the dinner table or stepping in to keep the peace when teenage shenanigans got out of hand, Mr. C always had a calming presence. Strict when he needed to be, kindhearted at his core, he became the steady, good-natured dad that everyone—viewers and characters alike—could rely on.

The man behind the father figure, Tom Bosley, turned Howard Cunningham into one of television’s most beloved patriarchs, even earning an Emmy nomination for his work. Beyond “Happy Days” (1974–1984), Bosley’s career was impressively varied: he voiced the animated dad in “Wait Till Your Father Gets Home,” narrated “That’s Hollywood,” played Sheriff Amos Tupper on “Murder, She Wrote,” and donned the collar as “Father Dowling.” But no matter how many roles he took on, for kids like me growing up, Mr. C was the TV dad we all secretly wished lived on our block—always ready with a firm word, a warm smile, and just the right touch of humor to keep the Happy Days rolling.

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JOCK EWING (JIM DAVIS)  

Jock Ewing was never going to win “Father of the Year,” but he sure made for unforgettable television. As the patriarch of the “Dallas” clan, Jock was a tough, old-school Texan who played favorites like it was a competitive sport—dotting on Bobby, but butting heads with Gary, and keeping a wary distance from his ruthless eldest, J.R. He left most of the emotional heavy lifting to his saintly wife, Miss Ellie, while he focused on oil, power, and control. Yet, beneath that gruff exterior, he had flashes of heart—especially when it came to his granddaughter Lucy, whom he spoiled rotten, or when he opened his arms to his illegitimate son Ray Krebbs, proving that even a hard-nosed oil baron had room in his heart for family.

Behind the larger-than-life role was actor Jim Davis, whose career stretched far beyond Southfork Ranch. Long before “Dallas,” Davis cut his teeth in Westerns and B-movies, sharing the screen with Bette Davis in “Winter Meeting” (1948) and riding through countless episodes of “Death Valley Days,” “Gunsmoke,” “Wagon Train,” and “Laramie.” He starred in the adventure series “Rescue 8” and even saddled up alongside John Wayne in “Rio Lobo” and “Big Jake.” By the time he donned Jock Ewing’s Stetson in 1978, Davis had carved out a rugged career as Hollywood’s go-to tough guy. But it was as the fiery, flawed patriarch of the Ewing empire that he cemented his legacy—a father who might not have been perfect, but sure knew how to keep audiences hooked week after week.

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JAMES EVANS SR (JOHN AMOS)

James Evans Sr. on “Good Times” was the kind of dad many kids in the city during the 1970s knew all too well: tough, hardworking, and deeply devoted to his family. Living in the Chicago projects, he carried the weight of financial struggle on his shoulders while never wavering in his commitment to raising his children right. James was loving, but make no mistake—he didn’t hand out free passes. Respect, responsibility, and honesty were the cornerstones of his parenting style, and he wasn’t afraid to lay down the law to keep his kids on track. Yet beneath the strict exterior, his fierce love for his family was always clear, making him one of TV’s most relatable and unforgettable dads.

Behind that powerhouse role was actor John Amos, who made it his mission to shatter negative stereotypes by showing a strong, caring, and realistic image of Black fatherhood. His career didn’t stop in the Evans household—Amos became an entertainment icon. He was the adult Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries “Roots,” squared off with Bruce Willis in “Die Hard 2,” and showed his comedic chops in “Coming to America” and its sequel. On television, he popped up everywhere from “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” to “The West Wing” to “The District.” With Emmy and NAACP Image Award nominations to his name, Amos proved he could do it all—comedy, drama, action—while leaving behind a legacy of one of TV’s greatest dads.

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CHARLES INGALLS (MICHAEL LANDON)

Charles Ingalls on “Little House off the Prairie” was the kind of dad who seemed to do it all—hardworking, spiritual, affectionate, and always putting his family first. He wasn’t just a provider; he was a man of deep integrity who cared just as much about his children’s morals as he did about putting food on the table. And when the long day’s work was done, Charles could pick up his fiddle and fill the little house with music, laughter, and joy. Sure, the Ingalls family faced financial struggles and plenty of prairie hardships, but “Pa” always stood tall, a well of strength and optimism that kept his family’s spirits alive.

And let’s be real—can you even imagine hauling your family across the country in a covered wagon, braving rough terrain, building your own home from scratch, and then raising three daughters (plus Albert, their adopted son) on the wild Midwest prairie? The man deserved a medal just for surviving that! Luckily for viewers, Michael Landon made it all look effortless. Already beloved as Little Joe on “Bonanza,” he cemented his place in TV history as Charles Ingalls on “Little House on the Prairie,” and later as the angelic Jonathan Smith on “Highway to Heaven.” A true television icon, Landon graced the cover of TV Guide a whopping 22 times—second only to Lucille Ball. Decades later, reruns keep his legacy alive, proving that Charles Ingalls is still one of America’s most beloved TV dads.

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JACK ARNOLD (DAN LAURIA) 

Jack Arnold on “The Wonder Years “was the kind of dad who could silence a room with just one look. Stern, tough, and shaped by the grit of the Great Depression and his service in the Korean War, Jack was the very definition of a no-nonsense father. He worked hard, provided for his family, and expected his kids—especially Kevin—to toughen up and do the right thing. But beneath that gruff exterior was a man with a good heart, a deep sense of duty, and an unwavering love for his family. For many viewers, Jack was the quintessential “scary dad” who wasn’t cruel, just commanding—a figure so authentic that audiences swore he could have been their own father.

Dan Lauria’s pitch-perfect portrayal didn’t just make Jack Arnold a TV legend—it launched him into a career packed with memorable roles. After “The Wonder Years,” he showed up in blockbusters like “Independence Day,” took on NASA as James Webb in HBO’s “From the Earth to the Moon,” and starred in sitcoms like “Sullivan & Son” and dramas like “Pitch.” And now, he’s pulling back the curtain on his years as Jack in a two-part conversation on Hollywood Obsessed podcast, episodes 133 & 134. With heartfelt stories, plenty of laughs, and reflections that hit home, it’s a must-listen for anyone who grew up with the Arnolds in their living room. Enjoy!

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TONY SOPRANO (JAMES GANDOLFINI) 

Tony Soprano on “The Sopranos” was the ultimate contradiction of a TV dad—equal parts protector, provider, and walking nightmare. He adored his daughter Meadow and showered his family with material comforts, yet when it came to being emotionally present, especially for his son A.J., Tony often fell short. His selfishness, volatility, and emotional unavailability made him maddeningly inconsistent as a father. Add in the fact that his “day job” involved mob hits, racketeering, and the occasional panic attack, and you’ve got a dad who could terrify you one minute and make you laugh the next. He wasn’t exactly father-of-the-year material, but he was unforgettable—proving that even mob bosses can struggle with curfews, teenage rebellion, and family dinners gone wrong.

James Gandolfini turned Tony Soprano into one of television’s greatest, most groundbreaking characters. His performance redefined what a TV antihero could be, earning him three Emmys, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Golden Globe, while cementing “The Sopranos” as one of the most influential series in history. Beyond the mob world, Gandolfini shined in films like “True Romance,” “Get Shorty,” “Crimson Tide,” and charmed audiences with unexpected turns in “Enough Said.” Still, for millions of fans, he’ll always be Tony—the flawed, fearsome, yet strangely relatable “monster dad” who forever changed the way we think about family drama.

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JACK PEARSON (MILO VENTIMIGLIA)

Jack Pearson on “This Is Us” may have lived in the late 20th century, but he easily became the most adored TV dad of the 21st. Fans were smitten from the very first episode—yes, the one where he bared his butt right before “the Big Three” arrived—and over six seasons, Jack cemented himself as the gold standard of fatherhood. He was empathetic, devoted, and endlessly optimistic, always putting family first while showing it was okay for a dad to wear his heart on his sleeve. But Jack wasn’t perfect—he wrestled with alcoholism and the scars of his own father’s failings—making his quest to be better all the more inspiring. Even after his tragic death in a house fire, his love, lessons, and legacy remained the compass guiding his children through adulthood, proving that Jack Pearson was more than a dad—he was a symbol of hope.

The man behind the myth, Milo Ventimiglia, has built a career just as impressive as Jack’s legacy. After an early appearance on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” he charmed audiences as Jess on “Gilmore Girls,” flexed his superpowers as Peter Petrelli on “Heroes,” and reached new heights as Jack on “This Is Us”—a role that earned him three Emmy nominations. Ventimiglia’s range spans television and film, from crime thrillers like “Mob City” to heartfelt dramas like “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” not to mention stepping into the ring as Rocky Balboa’s son in “Rocky Balboa” and “Creed II.” Whether he’s playing a brooding bad boy, a reluctant hero, or the most beloved dad on TV, Milo Ventimiglia continues to win over audiences, one unforgettable role at a time.

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JOHNNY ROSE (EUGENE LEVY)

The prize for most beloved TV dad goes to none other than Johnny Rose of “Schitt’s Creek.” At first, Johnny was the kind of father who seemed more comfortable in boardrooms than family rooms—slightly snobby, a little clueless about his kids’ lives, and more than a bit out of touch thanks to his privileged background. But over six seasons and 80 heartfelt, hilarious episodes, he transformed into the anchor of the Rose family. His calm business logic, quiet humor, and growing warmth made him the steady hand David and Alexis needed, and by the end, he was not just their father but their biggest champion. Fans laughed with him, cried with him, and yes, cried again when the series ended—because saying goodbye to Johnny Rose felt like saying goodbye to our own family.

The man behind the iconic dad is Canadian treasure Eugene Levy, a comedy legend who has been delighting audiences for decades. Known for playing lovable oddballs, Levy has racked up four Emmys, a Grammy, a SAG Award, and even the honor of being named a Companion of the Order of Canada. He made his mark co-writing and starring in Christopher Guest’s cult classics like “Best in Show” and “A Mighty Wind,” and won over a whole new generation as the awkward-but-sweet dad in the “American Pie” films. But it was “Schitt’s Creek,” which he co-created with his real-life son Dan, that gave Levy his greatest career resurgence and earned him a 2020 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Today, fans can still catch him on “The Reluctant Traveler” or voicing animated favorites like “Finding Dory”—but for many, he’ll always be Johnny Rose, the dad who made us laugh, cry, and believe in second chances.

Honorable Mention: TV Dads We Learned Something From

Not every TV dad fit the mold of wise, gentle fatherhood—but each left us with lessons that stuck. Rob Petrie (The Dick Van Dyke Show) reminded us that laughter and love go hand in hand, even when work and family collide. Ricky Ricardo (I Love Lucy) showed us the value of patience (and a good conga beat) when married to a whirlwind like Lucy. George Jefferson (The Jeffersons) taught us ambition, hustle, and how to move on up without losing your swagger.

Blake Carrington (Dynasty) proved that even billionaire dads can get tangled in family drama, money can’t solve everything, and parenting in a mansion is still parenting. Archie Bunker (All in the Family) forced America to confront uncomfortable truths, showing that even the most stubborn dad could learn and grow. Fred Sanford (Sanford and Son) turned father-son bickering into comedy gold, while Al Bundy (Married… with Children) gave us the anti-dad who, in his misery, somehow made us appreciate our own families more.

Ray Barone (Everybody Loves Raymond) was the sportswriter dad who, despite his constant squabbles with family, showed us the importance of humor, patience, and putting loved ones first. Andre Johnson (Black-ish) taught us that fatherhood is also about legacy—balancing tradition with progress while raising kids to be proud of who they are.

Homer Simpson (The Simpsons), for all his bumbling, donut-loving ways, reminded us that love, laughter, and being present matter more than perfection. Dan Conner (Roseanne) embodied the working-class dad who faced life’s struggles with humor, grit, and unconditional love, making him one of the most relatable TV fathers of all time.

We also learned from George Lopez (George Lopez), the wisecracking dad who navigated cultural identity and family life with resilience and honesty. Dr. John Robinson (Lost in Space) showed us the courage of a father willing to do anything to protect his family—even across galaxies. Louis Huang (Fresh Off the Boat) brought warmth and optimism, reminding us that encouragement and positivity go a long way in parenting. And finally, Phil Dunphy (Modern Family) taught us that being a dad means embracing your goofy side, staying curious, and always leading with love.

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Some facts in this post were sourced from IMDb and Wikipedia.

Don’t miss my fascinating two-part interview with Jack Arnold himself Dan Lauria on the latest episodes of the Hollywood Obsessed podcast! Bursting with exclusive stories, behind-the-scenes surprises, and plenty of laughs, it’s a conversation you won’t find anywhere else.

Listen now and get inspired:

Episode 133 – HERE

Episode 134 – HERE