Classic TV Dads Who Made Us Laugh, Cry and Call Our Fathers

This Father’s Day, we’re flipping through the channels of nostalgia to salute the best dads ever to grace our TV screens.

From small-town sheriffs to bumbling goofballs with hearts of gold, these iconic fathers taught us life lessons, made us laugh until we cried and reminded us that even the clumsiest dads can be heroes.

Whether they were dishing out discipline or dishing up breakfast, these dozen on-screen dads will always have a place in our hearts.

Red Forman – That ’70s Show

Gruff on the outside, soft on the inside. His “foot in your…” lines masked a deep love for his son and his group of goofy friends.

Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor – Home Improvement

Clueless with power tools but full of love for his boys, Tim made grunting lovable.

James Evans Sr. – Good Times

Strong, proud and hard-working — James fought to give his family a better life in tough times.

Steven Keaton – Family Ties

A former hippie dad trying to raise a Reagan-era conservative — parenting was never so politically entertaining.

Philip Banks – The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Strict, sophisticated and surprisingly tender — “Uncle Phil” became the father figure every kid deserves.

Danny Tanner – Full House

The neat freak with a soft side — Danny showed it was okay for dads to hug it out.

Mike Brady – The Brady Bunch

America’s most famous stepdad handled six kids, a dog and a groovy housekeeper with calm authority and a side part.