What to Watch

6 Characters Who Felt Like Dads When We Needed One 

by Amber Dowling

We love us a good TV dad. Whether he’s laying down the law, spewing dad jokes or just doing his best to awkwardly love those around him, TV dads are the best. So, with Father’s Day around the corner, we figure why not celebrate those pops and characters that give off dad energy with a trusty list of our faves from STACKTV. Scroll down to see our top picks.

Jerry Smith, Rick and Morty

Given all of the wild adventures that Rick takes Morty on, Morty should be thankful to have someone like Jerry as his father. Sure, he might not be as cool as Rick, and he certainly goofs up from time to time, but at the end of the day, this is a dude who loves his family and considers himself happy to be the patriarch of it. He knows when to put his foot down and when to ignite some good old fashioned family bonding, which makes him a semi-decent role model… at least for a cartoon character.

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@stacktv The gloves are off for James Gunn 😮‍💨 Binge the latest season of #RickAndMorty ♬ original sound – STACKTV

Rob, The ‘Burbs

As a newer father in The ‘Burbs, Rob (Jack Whitehall) wants the best for his family, which is why he moved them to his old neighbourhood. What we really love about the dad though is the way he treats his wife, Samira (Keke Palmer). Many old-school dads complain about watching the kids or changing diapers, but Rob is always there as a partner to Samira and gives her what she needs — whether that’s a date night or time away to investigate the neighbours. And that’s the kind of fatherly example more kids should be around.

@stacktv If anything, he’s under reacting. Binge #TheBurbs ♬ original sound – STACKTV

Detective Alcaras, All Her Fault

When he wasn’t trying to support Marissa (Sarah Snook) throughout the disappearance of her son, Detective Alcaras (Michael Peña) proved he knew what it took to be a good dad at home. As the father to a child with special needs, he was constantly hanging out with his kid when he wasn’t at work, which made him immediately likeable. What was even greater though, was how he called out the toxic men in this series for putting all of the parenting responsibility on the mothers.

@stacktv He clocked Jenny’s husband so fast 😭 Stream #AllHerFault ♬ original sound – STACKTV

Philip Banks, Bel-Air

The original Uncle Phil (James Avery) was one of the best TV dads around, so Philip Banks (Adrian Holmes) had some big shoes to fill on Bel-Air. Thankfully, over four seasons, he delivered. Because this version was a drama, we got to learn even more about this great character. He was still the good-hearted father and uncle who took his nephew in when he got in trouble, but this time around he was also more vulnerable and patient with the kids he was trying to raise to be good humans.

@stacktv An ambitious project. Stream #BelAir ♬ original sound – STACKTV

Scott and Bryan, Renovation Resort

As a father to four, Bryan Baeumler has a lot of experience as a dad. So when he makes those dad jokes to Scott McGillivray and the contestants on Renovation Resort, you know he’s tested them out first. And Scott — also a father of two and famous for his own dad jokes — more than knows how to keep that energy going. Plus, with their contracting experience and genial personalities, Scott and Bryan give us the vibe that they’re the types of dads you can always count on when you have a problem.

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