Thousands of TV shows are based on the background of a family; sometimes they are a perfect bunch and other times, completely dysfunctional. Within them, there's usually a TV dad that acts like an anchor and holds the family together; along with sometimes pulling off his own antics on the side. Here are 6 such wonderful TV dads that found their way into our hearts.
1. Hal Wilkerson, Malcom In The Middle
Raising a brood of 4 children is a tough job and one that Hal just about manages to partake in. With his tough cookie of a wife Lois taking the reins, Hal is the softer one that balances things out. His relaxed approach to parenting often lets things slide, which the kids whole-heartedly support.
2. Jack Pearson, This Is Us
If there's one dad that sets the bar very high, it is Jack Pearson. For Jack, absolutely nothing stands in the way of keeping his family happy; be in forbidden ice-cream runs, supporting his wife Rebecca's career or easing up on curfew. He does have vices but remedies them, all to see his 3 kids, Kate, Kevin and Randall grow up well and make Rebecca smile.
3. Ray Barone, Everybody Loves Raymond
Even though he is stretched between indulgent parents, a competitive brother, a frustrated wife and three kids, Ray Barone continues to a good dad and husband, albeit a lazy one. Between his job and sporting hobbies, he's not the most hands-on father but deep within, he loves his family and knows that they do too.
4. Phil Dunphy, Modern Family
One thing about Phil is established loud and clear from the start; he's not like other dads. To quote Phil - "I'm the cool dad, that's my thang. I'm hip, I surf the web, I text. LOL - laugh out loud. OMG - oh my God. WTF - why the face." He's more like a good buddy to his two daughters, Hayley and Alex and is best friends with his son Luke, with whom he's always working up an invention. Definitely the more lenient of the parents, Phil is the one the kids always turn to.
5. Homer Simpson, The Simpsons
There are many things that Homer is - bumbling, foolish and downright immature but that doesn't make him any less of a father. Much like a fourth child in the Simpson household, Homer is always entangled in schemes or involved in trivial silliness, but where his kids are concerned, he'll do just about anything for them even if that involves leaving his dream job to go back to a soul-sucking but paying one to make ends meet.
6. Philip Banks, The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air
As a dad, Philip Banks is pretty high on the perfect scale. He's strict but not irrational, fun but won't go overboard. He teaches lessons, usually with a practical touch. Carlton, Hilary, Ashley and Will form his brood and never fail to annoy him with their excessive spending, wrecking the house and breaking curfew but Philip always manages to discipline them, with his wife Vivian being the only one to keep him in check.
Who is your favourite dad on TV? Tell us in the comments.
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