From sitcom families to teen dramas, TV has birthed some of the most iconic parents of all time. Some are the kinds of moms and dads who drop life-changing advice like it’s a no-brainer. Others? Well, let’s just say if they were real, you’d be calling Child Protective Services.
These are my picks for TV parents who were so amazing, they deserve an award — and the ones who are so catastrophically bad, they need to be locked away in TV jail for good.
Let’s start with the best:
1.
Burt Hummel from Glee was the ultimate TV dad. His unconditional support for Kurt’s sexual identity was both heartwarming and groundbreaking for its time. He wasn’t afraid to stand up for his son, but he also knew when to step back and let Kurt figure out life on his own.
2.
Bob and Linda Belcher from Bob’s Burgers might’ve ran a struggling burger restaurant, but they were rich in love. These two let their kids be unapologetically themselves and always encouraged their quirks. They’re the most wholesome parents ever.
3.
Sandy and Kirsten Cohen from The O.C. were cool, calm, and collected. While they had their ups and downs, love was always the key to holding them together. When it came to Seth, they set well balanced boundaries while giving him the perfect amount of guidance to go on his way.
4.
Stef and Lena Adams Foster from The Fosters were two moms raising a full house of biological, adopted, AND foster kids. These two put in the WORK and always did it with class, heart, and grace.
5.
Kitty and Red Forman from That ’70s Show were the parenting dream team. Red’s eternal grumpiness paired with Kitty’s sassy remarks combined for the ultimate parenting sandwich.
6.
Alan and Amy Matthews from Boy Meets World shared some of the most real and grounded advice on TV. Plus, they somehow survived having Eric as a son without completely losing their minds. That alone deserves some extra points — that boy was a living hazard.
7.
Uncle Phil from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air stepped in as a father figure to Will and gave us some of the most emotional TV moments of all time. Strict? Yes. But deeply loving and caring at the end of the day? Also yes.
8.
Claire and Phil Dunphy from Modern Family were part helicopter parents and part hot mess, but somehow, it worked out beautifully. These two balanced out constant chaos while raising three (mostly) functional kids. Plus, their marriage proved that being a little weird together is the secret to success.
9.
Cate and Paul Hennessy from 8 Simple Rules raised three teenagers like bosses. They were a fun, relatable couple to watch, and always worked through things with love, patience, and a whole lot of humour. While Paul’s passing (on the show and John Ritter in real life) was heartbreaking, it brought an incredibly raw layer to their story. It reminded viewers of his legacy as a father figure both on screen and in real life.
10.
Frank and Monica Gallagher from Shameless were the kind of parents who probably shouldn’t have been left alone with a goldfish—let alone six kids. Frank was a selfish disaster, while Monica completely abandoned her kids. These two only showed up whenever they needed money or help, and never to actually step up to be parents.
11.
The parents from Victorious were actually non-existent…Tori and Trina practically raised themselves. They received no advice, no boundaries, no effort. Honestly, the parents felt more like one-off guest stars than actual characters.
12.
Clifford Blossom from Riverdale was evil, manipulative, and always involved in some shady business. He literally had a part in a drug smuggling operation. We know how his story ended but still — TO JAIL YOU GO SIR.
13.
Byron and Ella Montgomery from Pretty Little Liars were a textbook definition of suburban neglect. While Aria dealt with a manipulative stalker, literal murderers, and imminent danger, these two were missing in action. Plus, they didn’t take much action against a teacher grooming their child…which is a whole other level of weird.
14.
Homer Simpson from The Simpsons is loveable, but a HORRIBLE dad. He literally strangled his own son, framed his wife for a DUI. The list of his bad dad moments goes on and on AND ON.
15.
Peter Griffin from Family Guy was technically “there,” but he endangered his entire family on a daily basis and continued to think it was funny. He’s VERY far from the model parent.
16.
Lucille Bluthe from Arrested Development was hilarious but despicable. She picked favourites, relentlessly insulted her kids, and had zero shame about it. Honestly, she’s so iconic in her awfulness that she almost gets a pass. Almost.
Who do you think are the best and worst TV parents of all time? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!