Hi all,
As it is Father’s Day coming up I thought I would do a post
on my Top 5 TV Dads! Television is a hugely popular media, where else can you
see a whole range of great day-to-day dad-behaviour?
Over the years I’ve watched A LOT of TV, so it must have
sub-consciously affected my behaviour as a dad. I must have seen many on screen
dads, and I must have taken some of that in myself and affect how I am as a
dad. So when I saw that Currys PC World were looking for bloggers to list their
Top TV dads, what better way to do my own small tribute to them?
1. Karl Kennedy
TV Show: Neighbours
Active from: 1987-2015
Played by: Alan
Fletcher
Occupation: Doctor (at
least he was the last time I watched it, knowing Soaps – he could be anything
by now)
Dad to: Mal, Libby,
Billy, countless other orphans/step-children/foster kids.
Classic Karl quote:
“Of course you can stay here”
Karl is one of longest running dads on TV that I have personally
watched. Whenever I think of a stereotypical dad on TV he comes to mind! I
always think of him as a good dad, not just to his own children, but because of
the many many many other youngsters he has been a father figure to as well over
the many years on the show. Him and Susan were always willing to take in anyone
and look after them. It’s a dream of many a neighbours fan to go to Australia
and meet Karl on the filming set of Neighbours, and get some sage fatherly
advice from him! (I’ve been informed the actor Alan Fletcher is very nice as
well!)
2. Sandy Cohen
TV Show: The OC
Active from: 2003-2007
Played by: Peter
Gallagher
Occupation: Lawyer
Dad to: Seth, Ryan,
Sophie
Classic Sandy quote:
“If you can't tell your dad, who can you tell?”
I loved watching The OC when I was younger, and Sandy always seemed
like the nicest man on the show. Another dad to not only love his own child,
but willing to take in and adopt another youngster who needed his help, and always
give advice and be kind to all the other teenagers on the show. Funny and
likable, but also stern and fair when he needed to be, he is a great example of
an on-screen dad. I like how he is always willing to have a sensible discussion
with his kids on things and try to see and understand their views/opinions.
3. Michael Bluth
TV Show: Arrested
Development
Active from: 2003-2013
Played by: Jason
Bateman
Occupation: Property Developer
Dad to: George-Michael,
the rest of his dysfunctional family
Classic Michael quote:
“Family. Nothing else matters”
One of the funniest shows in recent times, Michael (played by
Hollywood star Jason Bateman) is the main character and dad to George-Michael
(not that one). One of the main themes of the show is Michael dealing with his dysfunctional
family, much to the detriment of his mental health, who in the first episode he
decides to stay around on the behalf of his son, who he wants to grow up with a
family – as he believes family is important for a young boy. He spends much of
the series working hard to make a better living for him, but always has time to
spend with his son and be a good father figure. He does seem to spend most of
the show also being a father figure to the rest of his family members, who all
need looking after as well!
4. Hal Wilkerson
TV Show: Malcolm in
the Middle
Active from: 2000-2006
Played by: Bryan
Cranston
Occupation: I can’t
recall, something in an office!
Dad to: Francis,
Reese, Malcolm, Dewey, Jamie.
Classic Hal quote: “Malcolm
is special? Where do you think that came from?”
A pre-Breaking Bad Bryan Cranston made his name in this comedy,
where he plays a dad to 4 boys (later on 5). Ouch! Although he was the dad of
the family, he was every bit as mischievous and jovial as the boys were, and is
more one of them than an authority figure! (The mum Lois was always in
charge!). I always remember him being a great dad as he was always able to laugh/cry/play
with all his boys, and take part in all their schemes, but then be serious when
he finally needed to be. He always reminds me that being a dad is being a dad,
but you can be a fun dad at the same time!
5. Tim ‘The Tool Man’
Taylor
TV Show: Home
Improvement
Active from: 1991-1999
Played by: Tim Allen
Occupation: TV Show
Host
Dad to: Brad, Randy,
Mark
Classic Tim quote:
“uuuuUUUUUGGHHH”
Another Hollywood Actor, Tim Allen plays the conveniently named Tim
‘The Tool Man’ Taylor, a dad who has his own DIY TV show. He has 3 boys, and
throughout the show he is always spending time with them working on crazy
schemes that involve his terrible building skills - he always has time to spend
with his children trying to help them out. What I like about Tim being a dad,
is that he always goes to his neighbour Wilson (himself a great father figure)
for advice, even though he doesn’t always admit it! Ultimately he wants the
best for his kids and has inspired me to have my own ongoing DIY projects with
my son we can work on together when he is older.