13 Most Underrated Television Fathers
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13 Most Underrated Television Fathers

The dads that we don't notice are often the ones that matter the most.

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13 Most Underrated Television Fathers
Caroline Hernandez

Despite most TV parents falling into the categories of lovable and clueless or neglectful and cruel, there are some that deserve to be recognized. Here is the list of the top underrated dads from our favorite television shows, excluding movie fathers, as they deserve a list of their own.

1. Fred Andrews from “Riverdale”

Despite CW’s “Riverdale” is a recent addition into the lives of many, Fred Andrews has stolen our hearts through his caring nature and all be damned good looks. It doesn’t hurt that the rest of the parents on “Riverdale” make him look like a saint. Everyone who watches the hit show has grown to love him and I know that we're crossing our fingers that he will grab a lot of screen time for the renewed season two.

2. Eric Taylor from “Friday Night Lights”


Whether it be with his football players or at home with his wife and two daughters, Coach Taylor takes care of his own. "Friday Night Lights" depicts the beauty in basic life, but the show is more than just sports and Coach Taylor captures that with grace and humility. And even though he makes mistakes along the way, Coach Taylor always tries to do right by his family and by extension, his team.

3. Danny Williams from “Hawaii Five-0”

"Hawaii Five-0's" main focus is on that of Commander Steve McGarett and his task force solving the crime on the island with immunity and means but one would be blind not to notice his partner, Danny Williams. Danny's quick wit, compassion, and kindness will quickly warm the audience. The fact that he moved thousands of miles away from his home that he loved to a place he disdained for his daughter, Grace, really noted his devotion to her and put him in our good graces.

4. Adam Braverman from “Parenthood”


In a show dedicated to the relationship between family, props go to Adam Braverman for taking care of his troubling family chaos seamlessly. Whether it’s his son, Max's Asperger's syndrome or his sister moving back into their parent’s house throwing off the family dynamic, Adam is dependable, smart, and good-natured.

5. Seeley Booth from “Bones”

While "Bones" mostly focused on crime solving, they quickly spiraled into the will-they-wont-they relationship between Dr. Brennan or "Bones" and Booth. Booth's son Parker (from a previous relationship) showed the agent's kinder and parental side. Booth's growing relationship with Dr. Brennan and eventual children, Christine and Hank, ultimately showed his ability to balance his work and family. We might watch "Bones" for the crime but we really stick around to watch the tender moments from the family.

6. Rick Grimes from “The Walking Dead”

We all know that Rick Grimes may not be our first choice as a leader for the zombie apocalypse as he tends to drift off from a leader we would actually follow, but his parenting skills are not in question. Rick always tries to protect and teach his son, Carl who is often misguided and at times morally incorrect. Not to mention care for his daughter Judith, SPOILER ALERT: who he knows might not be his daughter at all.

7. Sheriff Stilinski from “Teen Wolf”

I know most watch "Teen Wolf" for the thrilling chase of the supernatural or let's face it, the smoking hot guys, but the show has its rare moments of both humor and heart-warming family moments. Sheriff Stilinksi's relationship between him and his son, Stiles, is at times funny but also heartbreaking. Still, we all get family feels every time they show up together and we beg for more screen time.

8. Bob Belcher from “Bob’s Burgers”


Most cartoons depict neglectful parents or have none at all, which is why “Bob’s Burgers” is the exception to the rule. Whether it’s running the family business or helping out his three children, Bob Belcher always tries his best for his family even if it entails being publicly humiliated or dealing with a dose of chaos.

9. Mike Heck from “The Middle”

While "The Middle" is similar to most family sitcoms, Mike Heck stands out as one of the best. At times silent and agreeable, Mike usually lets his wife Frankie take the reins but there are rare moments of sentiment and vulnerability that make Mike shine. He doesn't always understand his kids but he tries to help them with honesty and subtle compassion, and isn't that all we can ask for?

10. Prince Charming from “Once Upon a Time”

While "Once Upon a Time" or "OUAT" usually revolves around the savior Emma Swan attempting to save the people of Storybrooke (who are fairy tale characters), the show spreads to tell the story of all the characters and how their relationships intertwine. Prince Charming or David Nolan's love for Snow White or Mary Margaret (double names is too confusing, right?) is something that made the audience fall in love with them and their story. His relationship with his lost daughter, Emma, and newborn son, Neil, is just another reason to love him added to the already high stack.

11. Burt Hummel from “Glee”

I get that most found "Glee" to be either super annoying and unrealistic or catchy and upbeat, but many can remember that the loving relationship between the members of the glee club was encouraging and touching.The relationship between Burt and Kurt is no exception, as despite not having much in common, they share a true and strong bond between them. Burt always sticks by his son's side, whether it's him coming out or being bullied, Burt always tries to protect him. A sentiment that should be noted and greatly appreciated.

12. Phil Dunphy from “Modern Family”

While "Modern Family" tends to depict chaos between the sitcom family, Phil definitely deserves some recognition. Despite his "fun parent" mentality, he knows when it's time to protect his children or when it's time to believe in them. While his wife Claire often notes that he can be childish at times, there is no doubt that he is a devoted family man to his core. Another "Modern Family" member shout-out would be to Cam and Mitchell, fathers who may be seen as the comic relief at points but are caring, supportive and show good values.

13 . Joe West from "The Flash"

Most superheroes tend to have a horrifically sad backstory, and "The Flash" is no exception. When Barry Allen's mother was tragically murdered and his father framed, Barry went to live with the West's. Joe West treated him like he was his own. Joe not only protects his daughter, Iris, but he also takes care of Barry and supports his heroic actions. And while he may not be Barry's real father, he has always been a dad to him.


Bonus:

4 Honorable Mentions for Fatherly Figure Who We Wish had Children of their Own:

1. Alfred Pennyworth from “Gotham”

While most love to say that the Batman works best on his own, we all know that the "Master Detective" would be nothing without his loyal butler, Alfred Pennyworth. The comics made us all fall in love with the way Alfred went from strong but polite butler to caring father figure to "The Dark Knight" and the live action adaptation is no exception. Alfred's guardianship of Bruce shows the development we never go to see of one of the best relationships in comic history.

2. Bobby Singer from “Supernatural”

We all know that Sam and Dean Winchester's father John was a piece of work, but their "Uncle" Bobby was a character that quickly won us over. Whether it was helping out with the family business or making sure the boys took care of themselves, Bobby was a father in every way that mattered and we look forward to the next time his catchphrase "idjit" is uttered on screen.

3. Phil Coulson from “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D”

As a long running field agent and second in command, Phil disciplines his team and leads out their missions. However, his relationship with his team shows that he cares deeply about them and they are more like his family. Agent Coulson often cares more about his people than his mission, his protégée Skye is someone he takes care of and values her well-being. It's safe to say that if you're on a mission, you'd want Coulson to be the man behind you.

4. Wilfred Mott from “Doctor Who

While he does have kids of his own, Wilfred makes the list for his relationship with the Tenth Doctor's fierce and quick-witted redhead companion. Grandfather to Donna Noble, Wilfred captured are hearts with his kindness and silly reindeer antlers, and I could tell you more but his story comes with a twist that I want you to see on your own so you better get to watching!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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