In both sitcoms and dramas, dads are essential characters that often anchor their respective series. The TV dads considered the coolest aren't necessarily perfect or "cool" by definition, but are made up of irable qualities that have earned them respect over the years. In addition to working hard to provide for their families, TV dads like Eric Taylor and Uncle Phil also endow their families with tough love and needed words of encouragement.

Other dads are a bit more quirky, like Gomez Addams and Phil Dunphy, whose fun parenting styles work well within their established family dynamics. Regardless of how strict or easygoing they are, it's these great TV dads whose words and actions often heavily impact audiences. Their kindhearted approach to parenting and their loving roles in romantic relationships are considered inspirational. Being the head of a family isn't easy, but these on-screen dads get the job done, inspiring and entertaining audiences in the process.

10 Mohan Vishwakumar

Never Have I Ever (2020-2023)

Compared to the other dads mentioned, Mohan Vishwakumar (Sendhil Ramamurthy) doesn't have as strong of a reputation. He's featured in a newer show and has a limited number of appearances. However, after audiences watch just a few episodes of Never Have I Ever, it becomes obvious as to why he's seen as one of the best dads on TV. In the series, Mohan is deceased and only appears through flashbacks or in visions his daughter Devi (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) has of him during particularly rough times.

Mohan, obsessed with tennis icon John McEnroe, who narrates the show, is portrayed as a fun and loving father in the flashbacks. However, it's in Devi's visions where his generous spirit truly shines. In times when his daughter is in distress, Mohan is there for her with an optimistic outlook and positive advice that helps her work through the various obstacles in her life.

9 Carl Winslow

Family Matters (1989-1998)

A spin-off to Perfect Strangers, Family Matters is widely ed for its breakout character outside the sitcom's main Winslow family. Steve Urkel (Jaleel White) and his iconic catchphrase have become a large part of pop culture, but the show also happens to feature one of the best dads on TV. Carl Winslow (Reginald VelJohnson) is a typical sitcom dad who works hard and is protective of his kids but has a temper at times.

He makes it known that he has his kids' best interests in mind and there are several instances in Family Matters where Carl has heartfelt conversations with them as he shapes them to be good people. However, it's Carl's tense relationship with his neighbor Steve that provides audiences with the most entertainment and highlights Carl's good nature. The patriarch is regularly annoyed by his neighbor, but their dynamic changes throughout the sitcom's run, with the latter growing to care deeply about Steve.

8 James Evans

Good Times (1974-1979)

One of the many popular sitcoms created by Norman Lear in the '70s, Good Times was a show that helped redefine sitcoms. Centering around a Black family in a poor neighborhood in Chicago, Good Times saw its characters push through any unfortunate circumstances that came their way. The Evans kids provided the laughs, and their mother, Florida (Esther Rolle), was loving, but the family member who is undeniably the anchor is the patriarch, James Evans (John Amos).

It wasn't common to see a character like James on TV shows centered around Black characters. James loved his children, and his hardworking and serious attitude showed how dedicated he was to improving his family's life. Unfortunately, behind-the-scenes disagreements led to Amos, and consequently James, being written off the show. James' absence was heavily felt throughout the remainder of Good Times' run, with the series' ratings declining as a result.

7 Eric Taylor

Friday Night Lights (2006-2011)

Set in a small Texas town, Friday Night Lights follows the close-knit community of Dillon, who are ionate about their local high school's football team. The Dillon Panthers are coached by Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler), who is seen as a fatherly figure to his team throughout the show. Coach Taylor's love is tough, but he frequently shows up for his players when they need him most, including when he helped train Smash Williams after his knee injury appeared to be the end of his football career.

As a father and husband, Eric is also present and considerate. Standout scenes with his daughter Julie (Aimee Teegarden) see Eric having stern but gentle talks with the teenager who is finding herself and making many mistakes along the way. Friday Night Lights' series finale features Eric's most commendable act of love towards his wife, Tami (Connie Britton), when he decides to prioritize her career like she had done for him for so many years.

6 Gomez Addams

The Addams Family (1964-1966)

Before Raul Julia took on the famous role in series or film based on Charles Addams' New Yorker cartoons, the titular family has macabre interests and is portrayed as being offbeat and quite different from those around them. The family in the sitcom, The Addams Family, is no different and Gomez provides a great amount of comedic bits to the show.

As a family man, he is loving and ive, though the interests and behavior of his children would stress out any ordinary father. Gomez's love for his wife Morticia (Carolyn Jones) is deep and serious, even when it's portrayed to audiences as being somewhat absurd. With the unusual dynamic of the Addams family in mind, Gomez is an irable father.

5 Jack Pearson

This Is Us (2016-2022)

Like Never Have I Ever's Mohan, Jack Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia) appears in This Is Us through flashbacks. The non-linear structure of the drama series depicts the Pearson family's life before and after the death of Jack, with his children and wife Rebecca (Mandy Moore) managing to move on. As a father and husband, Jack is not perfect, as his alcoholism causes problems in his marriage. Still, Jack works to become sober and manages to offer his children some effective words of wisdom before dying.

As his kids were growing up, Jack provided them with unconditional love and was sure to spend plenty of time with them. It's Jack and Rebecca's parenting habits that influence the ways their children raise their own families in This Is Us' present timeline. His lasting impact on his children is just one of the many ways Jack remained a vital character throughout the show.

4 Sandy Cohen

The O.C. (2003-2007)

Living in the high-class world of Newport Beach has its challenges for both The O.C.'s teenage and adult characters. Sandy Cohen (Peter Gallagher) is a bit of an outsider. Though he's married to a Newport Beach local and has worked in the area for years, his priorities and attitude don't fully align with other residents. This trait of Sandy's gives him a fresh perspective on life, which helps him be a better father and husband.

Considering Sandy's generous personality and willingness to help others, it's no surprise when he takes in the troubled Ryan Atwood (Ben McKenzie) after his mother abandons him. In addition to his biological son Seth (Adam Brody), Sandy is always there for his kids. Whether it's delivered through witty remarks or serious sit-down conversations, Sandy often provides the boys with sincere bits of advice to help them through whatever problems arise in their adolescent years.

3 Phil Dunphy

Modern Family (2009-2020)

Modern Family offers up a few different contenders for great TV dads, and while each father has his strengths, the greatest is certainly Phil Dunphy (Ty Burrell). Other sitcoms have tried their best to perfect the contrasting dynamic between the goofy dad and strict mom, but few are as memorable as Phil and Claire (Julie Bowen). Phil likes to be viewed as a cool and fun dad, preferring to be seen by his kids as their friends rather than their dad.

Still, Phil isn't strictly puns and magic tricks. He's aware of times when he's needed for emotional . Phil's vulnerable moments with Claire and his kids typically occur at times when they are feeling doubtful about their abilities. Phil puts aside his silly antics and sincerely reminds his loved ones of their strength and potential in life.

2 Philip Banks

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)

Getting past his stern exterior, it's obvious that Philip Banks (James Avery), referred to as Uncle Phil, is devoted to his family and only wants what's best for them. Uncle Phil's strict attitude and high temper have become established and well-known traits of the character. However, it makes sense as to why Phil would be stressed out after his nephew Will (Will Smith) is sent to live in an already full house with his family.

His frustration and lecturing towards his children represent his interest in shaping them into respectable people. Still, Uncle Phil has his sweet moments where his love for his wife and children is made clear. Throughout The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's six seasons, Uncle Phil begins to view Will as his own son. The two have several sentimental scenes together, including one in the saddest episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air when Will's father abandons him once again.

1 Danny Tanner

Full House (1987-1995)

Full House is mostly comedic, but the sitcom does have an emotional premise that acts as the foundation for the relationships depicted on screen. After losing his wife in a tragic accident, Danny Tanner (Bob Saget) is left to take care of his three daughters on his own. Though the task is difficult at times, Danny is kindly ed by various Full House characters who help raise the children. Still, as a widowed father, Danny proves to be a great dad early on.

The best episodes centered around Danny highlight his attentive parenting style. He always made sure to be fully present with his girls, whether it was during playtime or moments of emotional distress. For the latter, Danny often reminded his kids how special they were to not only him but the world at large. This trait of Danny's became especially useful as the girls grew and began experiencing peer pressure and bullying.