7 TV Dads to Celebrate This Father's Day
They may not have raised us, but these TV dads hold a special place in our hearts.
As Father's Day nears (this Sunday!), we're hoping you've already gotten the special dads in your life a thoughtful gift and are getting ready to enjoy the holiday. Here at L'OFFICIEL, the holiday has gotten us in our nostalgic moods thinking of not just our memories of our own dads growing up, but also our favorite dads whom most of us will never meet—the dads we grew up watching on TV.
While we may already have our fair share of terrible dad jokes, bear hugs, and hopefully, great advice from our own fathers, there is still something quite sentimental about the fictional dads on our favorite television shows who we watched while we were growing up. Though it may sound silly to be emotionally attached to a fictional character, we're betting there are already a few of your own personal favorite small-screen dads you're thinking of right now. Join us on a light-hearted trip down memory lane as we explore the primetime dads that still warm our hearts.
Mr. Rogers
First up on the list is Mr. Rogers—who always had a closet full of cardigans and would switch from his outside shoes to his inside shoes every day. While he didn’t have his own kids in the show, he talked to the audience like they were his kids, teaching them about life along the way.
Phil Dunphy
Next up, Phil Dunphy from Modern Family. Sure, he’s such a dorky, clumsy character, but he’s also such a massive sweetheart, with an optimistic life outlook and dad jokes galore. While the show is no longer on the air, you can still get your Phil fix on Hulu.
Red Forman
Next up: Red Forman from That '70s Show. Despite calling his son, Eric, and his friends “dumbasses" and having a tough, sarcastic exterior and constant criticism, his good character is shown as he essentially serves as a father figure to the kids in his basement. He shows them genuine care and concern but also keeps them in check by threatening to put his “foot in their asses” when they make mistakes.
Ross Geller
Another amazing TV dad? Ross Geller from Friends is an ode to single dads everywhere. Not only is he really smart and quirky, but he accurately portrays the hardships of fatherhood.
Homer Simpson
Homer Simpson—a very clumsy character. But a character who remains devoted to his wife and children (in a hilarious way!), winning places in the hearts of many along the way.
George Lopez
Even though George Lopez in the George Lopez show didn’t have his own father figure, he successfully raised a family the only way he knew how: trial and error. He was humble, committed to his family, a hard worker, and appreciated life regardless of its challenges.
Burt Hummel
Next up? Glee’s Burt Hummel. Burt, whose son is gay, is a great example for parents everywhere that they need to love their kids unconditionally, despite their differences. And throughout the show, fans get to witness Hummel's character development in a genuine and heart-warming way.
