It’s Father’s Day Weekend and around this time you’ll see
articles about the best TV dads. Frequent names that make the list are often
familiar, like James Evans, Mike Brady, Cliff Huxtable (regardless of the man
who played him transgressions), Phil Banks, Carl Winslow, Randall Pearson, Jack
Pearson, Andy Griffith, and Richard Cunningham. Throughout the history of TV
there have been several great dad characters, here is a list of ten underrated
TV dads in my opinion.
10. Rome Howard-A Million Little Things
Since A Million Little Things is still on the air Rome’s
story as a father isn’t over, but so far, he has done an exceptional job as a
foster parent to Tyrell. Rome wanted nothing more to be a parent, in case you
haven’t seen the show and want to I won’t give away too much. I will say though
Tyrell came into Rome and his wife’s Regina lives at the right time. Rome has
shown foster parents are just as important and influential as biological
parents.
9. Alan Matthews-Boy Meets World
Alans Matthews wasn’t a hard-nosed dad by any stretch, but he
was a realistic, likeable and caring dad. He worked hard to provide for his
three kids. He even showed them that when your hard work isn’t appreciated,
sometimes you have to step out and take a chance on yourself. Alan also took a
role as a father figure for Corey’s best friend Shawn when he would need it the
most.
8. Keith Mars-Veronica Mars
Veronica Mars overall is a very underrated and
underappreciated show, think it had a lot to do with being ahead of it’s time
and airing on UPN. That’s another story for another day, anyway Keith Mars is a
very underrated dad. A county sheriff who later transitioned to a private
investigator, he encouraged Veronica to use her sleuth skills for causes that
were important. He always stressed to be safe and did everything he could to
protect Veronica. Veronica’s mom left the family before the series started and
it did a good job covering single dads and how hard it can be at times.
7.
Graham Lubbock-Just The Ten Of Us
Just The Ten Of Us is a often forgotten sitcom that was a spin-off
of Growing Pains. The series featured a high school basketball coach along with
his wife raising their eight children. Four of them being teenage girls. Graham’s
daughters also attended the school he coached at which gave him new headaches.
He had to juggle catering to his wife, his children they’re varying personalities
and needs. Budgeting for his family and so much more. Graham Lubbock does not
get talked about enough in the land of TV dads.
6. Phillip Drummond-Diff'rent Strokes
Phillip Drummond was the archetype of the white savior trope often used in television. That doesn't mean he wasn't a damn good dad though. Taking in his former housekeepers sons as her dying wish, he instantly took to the boys and raised them as his own. Providing them with love, care, and guidance as if they were his own. He also was stern when he needed to be, never letting the kids including his daughter get too mischievous.
5. Floyd Henderson-Smart Guy
Floyd Henderson often is overlooked when it comes to TV
dads. That man had a lot on his plate, the widowed father of three kids. He
juggled running a small roofing company, and three very different children with
very different personalities. Child Genius TJ, popular but always looking to
get rich quick Marcus, and activist daughter Yvette. Somehow Floyd kept it all
together, always there for his children to help them in their time of need and
provide advice.
4. Eddie Sutton-Lincoln Heights
Eddie Sutton is an LAPD police officer who moves his family
into his old neighborhood hoping to make a difference. His family doesn’t
initially approve of the move from their comfortable suburban home. Throughout
the series, Eddie helps his family navigate through many challenges while
navigating throughout challenges of his own. Always levelheaded and rarely
losing his composure despite his stressful job and environment. Eddie Sutton is
a very underrated TV dad much like the show is underrated.
3. Pops-The Wayans Bros.
Pops played by the legendary John Witherspoon was often a
highlight of the Wayans Bros. He loved both his son’s and supported them every
step of the way but was not afraid one bit to let them know they were being
stupid etc. Pops also was known for his outlandish style which everyone made
fun of, but he didn’t give a damn. He also felt his sons were never too old for
an ass whipping and often pulled his belt out to beat two grown men.
2. Julius Rock-Everybody Hate's Chris
Julius Rock is probably the father many wouldn’t care to
have as a child, but as an adult would appreciate. He’s one of the cheapest
mofos you ever would want to meet but did what he had to do to support his wife
and three kids. Working multiple jobs to make ends meet and counting every
penny, he does not let a thing go to waste. He may not get you the things you
want, but he will get you the things you need. At the end of the day when you
look at what’s important that’s all that matters.
1. Robert Peterson-Parent'Hood
Robert Peterson is a father of four who is a college
professor. He is a caring but strict father and his imagination is just as
vivid as any child. He often dreams of elaborate scenarios and stories in his
head. A very good and caring man overall he took in a trouble youth and helped
steer him towards a better path. Along with his wife they did the best they
could to give their kids what they could without spoiling them rotten.
Parent’Hood is an underrated sitcom and Robert Peterson is the most underrated
TV dad in my opinion.
