Film Appreciation Friday: Our Favorite TV Dads

Father’s Day is this Sunday, and to celebrate we’re giving flowers to some of the most unforgettable dads on television. 

The Full View team has compiled a list of our favorite TV Dads; from sitcoms to prestige dramas, these characters showed us what fatherhood can look like in all its complicated, heartfelt, and heroic forms.

Marcus’ choice: Uncle Phil The Fresh Prince of Bel Air

When it comes to iconic television father figures, few stand taller than Philip Banks. Though technically Will's uncle, Philip embodied everything a father should be: protective, principled, and full of compassion. He didn’t shy away from tough conversations or hard consequences, but he always led with a strong sense of responsibility and justice. Played by the late James Avery, he taught his children about accountability and about how to navigate a world that wasn’t always fair. Uncle Phil wasn’t just a dad; he was a cultural pillar of Black fatherhood on screen, showing that success and tenderness can coexist.

Charles’ choice: Carl Winslow Family Matters

Carl Winslow, the dependable Chicago cop and devoted dad in Family Matters, was the definition of everyday fatherhood. Played by Reginald VelJohnson, Carl brought warmth, discipline, and a dry sense of humor to raising his family, even while dealing with the constant chaos caused by Urkel. He wasn’t flashy, but he was always present, guiding his kids with love, patience, and unwavering values. As one of the most recognizable Black dads on '90s television, Carl showed that great fathers lead by example, and with heart.

Vanessa’s choice: Fred Sanford Sanford and Son

Fred Sanford, the sharp-tongued junk dealer from Watts, Los Angeles, may not fit the traditional mold of a TV dad, but that’s exactly what made him special. A stubborn, but devoted father, Fred always did his best to raise his son Lamont on his own. Their constant back-and-forth was filled with jabs, but also a deep, unshakable bond. He wasn’t always right, but he was always there. And sometimes, that’s the most important part. Fred’s version of fatherhood was gritty and grounded in survival, but through humor, he highlighted the strength, sacrifice, and resilience of working-class Black fathers.

Bri’s choice: Michael Kyle My Wife & Kids

Michael Kyle redefined the sitcom dad in the early 2000s. Played by Damon Wayans, Michael was sharp-witted, playful, and unafraid to challenge traditional parenting norms. Always scheming up “life lessons” for his kids, often with a comedic twist, but what set Michael apart was his ability to balance humor with genuine wisdom. He was teaching his kids to think critically and committed to preparing them for the real world. Michael’s character showcased how humor can be a powerful parenting tool, and how a father’s presence and persistence can shape a household.

Mike’s choice: JameS Evans Sr. Good Times

James Evans Sr. was one of the first working-class Black fathers on television to be portrayed with both gravity and dignity. As the head of a struggling family in a Chicago housing project, James was a man of principle who worked multiple jobs to provide for his wife and children. Played by the late John Amos, his character grounded Good Times with moral authority, unshakable pride, and an enduring love for his family, even in the face of poverty and systemic injustice. James Evans represented a powerful counter-narrative to negative stereotypes, showing that fatherhood is rooted in strength, sacrifice, and presence.

Demetrius’ choice: Joel Miller The Last Of Us (Season 1 specifically)

Joel’s journey in The Last of Us is grounded in grief, but it’s through his bond with Ellie and his role as her father figure that he reclaims parenthood. In a world overrun by chaos, Joel’s protectiveness becomes both a survival strategy and a sign of emotional rebirth. His choices are often morally complex, but they stem from a deeply human place: the desire to keep your child safe. Joel reminds us that fatherhood isn’t about perfection—it’s about love, sacrifice, and fierce loyalty.

Addison’s choice: Jim Hopper Stranger ThinGs

Jim Hopper may have started out as the gruff, emotionally withdrawn sheriff of Hawkins, Indiana, but over the course of Stranger Things, he evolves into one of the most emotionally resonant father figures on television. Haunted by the loss of his biological daughter, Hopper’s unlikely bond with Eleven becomes a second chance at fatherhood. Whether he’s learning to communicate through awkward dad moments, or risking his life to protect the people he loves, Hopper reminds us that healing and connection are possible, even for the most hardened hearts.

These TV dads and father figures represent more than just characters, they reflect the many dimensions of fatherhood. Whether navigating the everyday trials of parenting or fighting to protect their families in extraordinary circumstances, these characters have helped shape our understanding of what it truly means to be a dad.

As we celebrate Father’s Day, we honor not only the dads we see on screen but also the real ones who inspire them. These stories remind us that great fatherhood isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being present. 

Happy Father’s Day from the Full View team!