Here’s a look back at some of the most iconic TV dads of the ‘80s who struck a good — or at least entertaining — balance between disciplining their kids, listening to their kids and cracking dad jokes.
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The Coolest TV Dads from the 1980s
RoseanneABC
Dan Conner: Roseanne (1988-1997)
Dan wasn’t a doctor, lawyer or CEO. He was a salt-of-the-earth construction worker in blue-collar Illinois who put in long hours to support his wife, Roseanne (played by show creator Roseanne Barr), and their three kids: Becky (the smart, boy-crazy one), Darlene (the sarcastic goth one) and DJ (the annoying little brother). For millions of American viewers, Dan was one of the only relatable dads on television at the time of the show’s premiere in 1988. Witty, endearing and quick to throw a punch to protect his people, Dan was the sort of father his kids could count on for laughter and loyalty. No wonder ABC brought him back for the reboot (The Conners) in 2018.
Married with ChildrenFox
Al Bundy: Married … With Children
Al Bundy may have been a crass, complaining, miserable man, but he was also a good dad to Kelly and Bud — or at least the right dad for them. Sure, he was usually irritated by their sheer presence, but when his kids were really in trouble, he showed up with bail money in hand (both real and proverbial). Underneath all of Al's resentment and disappointment, his sense of duty to his family, including his wife, Peg, was unshakeable.
Growing PainsABC
Jason Seaver: Growing Pains (1985–1992)
Reason No. 1 Jason Seaver was a cool dad? He was a supportive husband. When his wife, Maggie, went back to work as a journalist, Jason moved his psychiatric practice into their home so he could be a full-time dad and part-time professional. (In the ‘80s? How progressive!) Plus, when it came to parenting, Jason wasn’t a lecturer so much as he was a listener, and that went far with his kids, especially the mischievous Mike (played by Kirk Cameron).
Related: Best Shows to Watch as a Family
Family TiesNBC
Steven Keaton: Family Ties (1982–1989)
Steven Keaton was an ex-hippie surviving the Reagan-era 1980s while raising a family that included ultra-conservative son Alex P. Keaton (played by Michael J. Fox). The father-son duo debated everything from communism and gender roles to rule of law and states’ rights, but Steven never let their political clashes turn ugly. He was open-minded, compassionate and respectful; ultimately, he was the sort of father who encouraged his kids to follow their own paths, even if those paths led them directly to Wall Street.
The JeffersonsCBS
George Jefferson: The Jeffersons (1975–1985)
George Jefferson wasn’t the type of father to give his son, Lionel, a pat on the back just for trying. He expected a lot from his only child, especially when it came to his education, because he knew the world was stacked against him as a Black man. But even though George could be tough and overbearing at times, it was clear he was operating from a place of deep love. He wanted his son to “move on up.”
Full HouseABC
Danny Tanner: Full House (1987–1995)
Some might argue that Danny Tanner belongs on a list of the dorkiest TV dads of the ‘80s. (His signature move was, after all, vacuuming.) But here at Parade we give props to a widower and single dad who isn’t afraid to show his vulnerability and soft side. Danny’s genuine devotion to his daughters and ability to deliver a powerhouse heart-to-heart made him one of the most endearing dads of the decade.
Related: Best TV Moms of All Time
Happy DaysABC
Howard Cunningham: Happy Days (1974–1984)
Happy Days was set in the '50s and started in the '70s, but it didn’t end until 1984, so Mr. C, Richie and Joanie’s calm, steady and dependable dad, is making the cut. In addition to being a rock to his own kids, Mr. C turned out to be an incredible support system for Fonzie, proving that a straight-laced, middle-aged hardware store owner could bond with a greaser in a leather jacket after all.
Who's the BossABC
Tony Micelli: Who’s the Boss? (1984–1992)
Tony was a male housekeeper in the ‘80s, which in itself made him a cool guy. He didn’t care if his job made people question his masculinity; he was confident in who he was. On top of that, he was a devoted dad to daughter Angela and as sensitive as he was tough.
Silver SpoonsNBC
Edward Stratten III: Silver Spoons
Edward, a millionaire man-child who owns a toy company and lives in a mansion filled with arcade games, didn’t know he had a son until 12-year-old Ricky showed up at his doorstep. On the surface, Edward wasn't a great dad, at least not at first (he just doesn’t know what the hell he was doing). But over time, he became more responsible, more reliable, more attentive. He became the dad Ricky needed — and without totally losing his goofy side.
My Two DadsNBC
Joey Harris:My Two Dads
My Two Dads follows a young girl who, after the death of her mother, goes to live with two very different men, each of whom might be her father. Joey is the free spirit, the artist, the dad who will never enforce a bedtime. Meanwhile, Paul Reiser plays Michael Taylor, an uptight financial advisor who lives by a schedule. The point of the show is that both men balance each other out and serve a purpose. But only one of them can make the cool list, dad and that man is Joey.
Next: Best Sitcoms of All Time
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