Top 5 TV Dads

I did a "top" list a while ago of movie dads, so I thought I would take a shot at naming who I think play the top 5 TV dads. Now--one disclaimer here--this is of the MODERN variety--basically any shows that are from the 80s or beyond...so here goes

5) Eric Camden--7th Heaven. Eric was a father to seven children and a minister at a local church where he spent time helping churchgoers and troubled teens. Each episode took on some moral lesson that Eric’s family had to deal with directly or indirectly. Issues like alcoholism, pre-marital sex, and self injury were dealt with on a regular basis. While some times the stories seemed a bit too "After School Special"ish, Camden's willingness to always do the right thing as a parent is something to take note of.

4) Danny Tanner--Full House. The show that launched the mind-boggling careers of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen as well as several other actors and characters, Bob Saget's portrayal of Danny Tanner, a single father with four girls touched on the perils of single fatherhood, and not necessarily doing it in a serious way, but he always was there for his girls. A bit awkward at times, Tanner's character portrayed the "Average Joe" that drew so many fans to the show.

3) Steven Keaton--Family Ties. Let's face it--he had to be a father to Alex P. Keaton, and that in itself deserves a reward. With four different kids that were so far apart personality-wise and still making the home that it was on the sitcom, Michael Gross' acting was great for this--and yeah, he was a bit beatnik at times, but still a wonderful father.

2) Dr. Jason Seavers--Growing Pains. He didn't have kids that were stereotypes through-and-through, and his profession as a psychologist gave him several chances to relate to his nerdy daughter, aloof oldest son, and entertaining youngest. He always gave his kids a chance to learn and live life, and parented as he needed to.

1) Dr. Cliff Huxtable--The Cosby Show. Bill Cosby's character was certainly an extension of himself, but every kid wanted to have him as a dad--a tremendously fun dad, but he was tough when he needed to be. With such diverse characters as his kids as well as in-laws that married into the family, he was always a class act.

TAGS: 7th Heaven, Bill Cosby, Cliff Huxtable, Danny Tanner, Eric Camden, Family Ties, Full House, Growing Pains, Jason Seavers, Michael Gross, Steven Keaton, Television, The Cosby Show, Top Five Television Fathers, Top Five Tv Dads
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