I have many fond memories of times spent with my Dad -- going to the movies and sneaking M & Ms into the theater, car rides with the windows down blasting Beatles music, and trips to the grocery store to buy junk food that my Mom hates. Family time is very special to me. However, it is not always perfect, especially as it is portrayed on TV. That’s why I enjoy watching TV shows that focus on family time. It always looks so fun and wonderful. Many of the TV shows that I grew up with and watch now focus on family relationships and life lessons. The stories can be so warm and inviting, I just wish that I could pop though the TV screen and into their make-believe lives for just one day. TV Dad’s play a big role in the dynamics of the family. Following is a list of my favorite TV Dads that I enjoy watching and would love to meet.

Danny Tanner (Full House)

Danny Tanner is known for being a clean freak and somewhat of a nerd; however, he is an amazing dad to his three girls - DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle. You can always catch Danny breaking up a fight or resolving a dilemma, which always ends in one of his famous hugs. Danny is focused on teaching his daughters life lessons and protecting them from getting hurt. I always admired Danny and wished that my family could be like the Tanners. I liked it so much that I convinced my family to name our Golden Retriever Comet after their dog.

Danny Tanner quotes:

“Clean is good, and dirt is bad.”

“Just remember, when children seem the least lovable, it means they need love the most.”

“I’m not telling you who to date, I am telling you who *not* to date.”

Ted Mosby (How I Met Your Mother)

Ted Mosby recounts to his children the story of what it took to find true love and how he found their mother. He shares his successes and the barriers of finding “the one.” Ted is known for his great story telling, for being a good friend, and for his persistence in finding his life partner. If I were seeking advice, Ted would probably be the dad I would want to consult. Also, having Ted Mosby as a dad means that I would get to be part of the best clan out there - Uncle Marshall, Aunt Lily, Aunt Robin, and Uncle Barney. Time with this crew means that there is never dull moment. Everyday would be legen— wait for it— dary! Legendary!

Ted quotes:

- “I don’t want to be choosing between two girls. I want to be a completely head over heels idiot for one!”

- “Because somehow I ended up at the right place at the right time. And as a result, my life would never be the same.”

- “There are two big days in a love story: the day you meet the girl of your dreams and the day you marry her.”

Phil Dunphy (Modern Family)

Phil is definitely the dad that makes you laugh. He also makes you take a step back and utter, “did he really just say that?” Phil is a child trapped in a man’s body. He always has a smile on his face and tries to make everyone’s day better. He always looks like he is juggling way too much on his plate. He turns the basics such as work, family and chores into something much more complicated. He is very protective of his two teenage daughters, while at the same time he is focused on pleasing his wife. Despite his good intentions, he is always getting into trouble with his son Luke. Having Phil as a dad would definitely make dinner conversations more interesting and long car rides quite eventful. If you think your parents are embarrassing, imagine having Phil Dunphy as your Dad? Maybe your Dad isn’t so bad.

Phil quotes:

- “Cheerleading in my college was cool. The football players were so jealous they wouldn't even let me and my buddies go to their parties.”

- “I’ve always said that if my son thinks of me as one of his idiot friends, I’ve succeed as a dad.

- “I’m cool dad, that’s my thing. I’m hip, I surf the web, I text. LOL: laugh out loud, OMG: oh my god, WTF: why the face.”

Billy Ray Stewart (Hannah Montana)

Robby Ray was always on the TV in my house while growing up. His southern accent was fun and added extra flair to his personality. Being a single dad to Hannah Montana (Miley) and Jackson was a full time job in itself. He was Hannah Montana’s manager, he cooked, tried to date, watched over his children, and had a funny story to tell. His sweet and lovable, yet protective personality made me want to live in the house with Miley and Jackson. Except now that I see what happened to Miley, I am not so sure (lol).

Robby Ray quotes:

- “Look at the size of this bad boy. We had quite a battle or two. First it was him, then it was me, then it was him, then it was me."

- “ Do you know Achey Breaky Heart?”

- “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.”