20 Amazing Sitcom Dads You Secretly Wished Were Yours

Having a good dad is important when you are a kid. There is a lot of stuff that your dad (or surrogate dad) can teach you and it's important to acknowledge him properly. Because we all grew up watching way too much TV, we probably spent a fair amount of time with some fictional dads.

Let's give some recognition to those TV dads who brought us so much joy over the years! There are a bunch of great dads, and some so-bad-they-are-good dads that we all grew up with who deserve as much praise as we can give them.

Check out this list to see if your favorite TV dad from your childhood made the cut!

1. Phillip Banks - Fresh Prince of Bel Air

Better known as Uncle Phil, but he was the best of the best as far as surrogate dads go. Sure, he was a perfect father to his four kids, but he also accepted Will as one of his own. Did they have their issues? Of course. But if you didn't sob when he comforted Will after his real dad left then I'm sorry to say you may not have a heart.

2. Tim Taylor - Home Improvement

So, Tim Allen may be a little more controversial now a days, but back in the 90s Tim Taylor was one of the coolest dads on TV. He taught his kids super fun car skills and did his best to make their lives better. Could he have tried to be a little more careful, sure, but not all of us can be graceful.

3. Danny Tanner - Full House

Sure, he had a lot of help, but Danny Tanner was still one of the best dads ever. No one could give a more heartwarming speech while violins playing in the background than this guy.

4. Hal - Malcolm in the Middle

He had a lot of kids to handle, and all of them were their own version of a handful. While his wife did most of the harsh disciplinary actions, he was still around and was such an interesting character. Not to mention, he was GREAT on roller skates.

5. Dan Conner - Rosanne

It's so great that he is going to be back for the reunion that is coming this fall. It just wouldn't be the same without him. Dan and Rosanne are one of those iconic pairs that TV that are just one of the best parenting pairs.

6. Steven Keaton - The Facts Of Life

Every TV sitcom needed a good dad, and Steven Keaton was excellent. He loved his son even though he had opposing views which is really the sign of a good parent!

7. Al Bundy - Married...With Children

Okay, so he may not have been perfect. He was a little crude, a little rude, and absolutely a lot to handle, but he was still providing for his children and there when they needed him.

There are even more amazing dads on Page 2! Click to the next page to see more of your favorites!

8. Mike Brady - The Brady Bunch

He has so many kids to take care of but he manages to do it all with a big ol' smile on his face. How can anyone be that happy all the time?

9. Charles Ingalls - Little House on the Prairie

The Ingalls family had a very different life from any of us, but that didn't stop us from watching the reruns over and over. Their life was so interesting and it always felt so idyllic.

10. George Jefferson - The Jeffersons

After movin' on up, the Jeffersons proved that their family was one of the greatest in television history. Sure he was opinionated with some problematic views, but he was super clever and did the best he could for his family.

11. Martin Crane - Frasier

Martin Crane raised two very bright boys, bother VERY different from himself. Through the show we learn that their mother was more similar to Frasier and Niles, but Martin is still an amazing dad even though he has so little in common with his kids. He also is an excellent pet-parent to Eddie.

12. Darrin Stephens - Bewitched

So Darrin may have been recast at one point, but he was a great partner for Samantha. I mean, how well would you be able to handle a family member (or several) with magic?

13. Alfred Pennyworth - Batman

So, every time the original Batman series would play in reruns it was clear that Alfred was really running the show. Sure, Batman and Robin had a parental-ish relationship, but obviously Alfred was the real dad in that house. He took care of everyone and made sure they did the right thing.

14. Red Foreman - That 70s Show

He was harsh to Eric, but he was still a good dad. He maybe could have avoided the obvious favoritism, but at least he still meant well for poor Eric. Not to mention how he took in Hyde even when he had no where else to go. That's just impressive!

There are more great dads where that came from! Click to the next page to see the rest of the best and also to vote for the best TV dad!

15. Carl Winslow - Family Matters

He put up with so very much more than most dads have to deal with. How would your dad react if Steve Urkel  was constantly in your house? Exactly. This man was a saint.

16. Frank Costanza - Seinfeld

I mean, he helped create George Costanza so maybe it's not the greatest of choices but he did everything he could (probably)!

17. Alan Matthews - Boy Meets World

Seriously just one of the best TV families out there. The whole gang is great and the dad does a great job of help Corey through the troubling years of adolescence.

18. Tony Micelli - Who's the Boss?

This show had an interesting dynamic because it was two families coming together and he got to be both the real dad and kind of a step dad. And he did a great job!

19. Gomez Addams - The Addams Family

No matter which version of this you watched the original or "The New Addams Family", Gomez was a pretty interesting character. He was a good dad in that he let the kids kind of live their life, but he also was great because he showed them just how important it was to have a good relationship with your partner. Him and Morticia are just SO in love it's outrageous.

20. Hanibal - The A-Team

He was like the dad of the group, they may not have been his real children but he took care of them as if they were. He knew exactly how to get everyone to do what they needed to do and was always making the best plans ever.

Who was your favorite TV dad?

Share your favorite TV dad in the comments!

There were also a lot of amazing dads in cartoons. Check out this list of the 12 best cartoon dads and see if your favorite made the list.