Best Dads on TV

Most lists of the best fathers on television seem to favor TV dads from the 1950s. While it's true that television has shown us some terrible fathers in recent years, we've also seen several good TV dads. Although they are not perfect, they strive to choose their children's best interests over their own interests and preconceived notions. With that in mind, here are my picks for the five best dads on television in the last few years.

Sandy Cohen (Peter Gallagher, The O.C.)

Biologically, Sandy Cohen has one son, Seth. In his heart, Ryan Atwood is also his son. As a public defender, Sandy was called in to represent Ryan, whose brother had gotten both of them into major trouble with the law. Sandy got Ryan out of juvie, gave him a ride home, and then learned that Ryan's mom had split while her sons were locked up. That's when Sandy decided to take Ryan to his ritzy home in Newport for the night. Although it was supposed to be temporary, Sandy and his wife, Kirsten, eventually agreed that Ryan should live with them permanently.

By bringing Ryan into his home, Sandy gave Seth a brother and the first real friend he ever had; the two boys hit it off immediately despite their drastically different upbringings. Ryan was once a troubled teen from Chino, but thanks to Sandy, he acquired a terrific family and a real chance to succeed. Sandy Cohen truly seems to love both his sons equally. He stands up for them, protects them, and tries to give them the benefit of the doubt when things go wrong, instead of jumping to conclusions.

Stuart Chandler (David Canary, All My Children)

Stuart Chandler was a wonderful dad. Caring, humble, and never judgmental, Stuart had a positive outlook on life and always saw the best in everyone. He gave Scott, his adopted son, unconditional love and support. Stuart set a wonderful example for his son to follow, which makes him one of the best dads on TV. Stuart always had a kind word for those needing encouragement, and he was a positive influence on his friends and family. Although Stuart is gone now, his memory lives on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Ed Grant (Jed Allan, Port Charles)

Ed Grant is an angel--literally. He's one of the supervisors in heaven, where he oversees guardian angels and trainees. He's also the father of another angel, Rafe Kovich. When Rafe sold his soul to the devil--without reading the fine print--Ed's faith in his son prompted him to lay his own soul on the line. Fortunately, Rafe triumphed, as Ed knew he would. Ed seems harsh at times, but he's showing tough love. Ed can be a real pushover for true love, especially when it involves his son. No matter what Rafe thinks at times, Ed always has his son's back.

Tony (Ken Marino, Reaper)

Tony may be a demon, but he's a good dad. Think that sounds crazy? Read on.

Tony became a dad when he decided to protect a baby the Devil wanted to send to hell. The baby was born on earth after her mother, a demon, escaped hell to keep her baby from being born there. According to the Devil, the baby's soul was already doomed. Tony, a reformed demon, doesn't believe that. He took the baby, named her Stevie (after his deceased partner, Steve), and keeps a loving watch over her. Tony sees himself as Stevie's father, and it shows.

Luke Danes (Scott Patterson, Gilmore Girls)

Luke Danes didn't know he had a daughter until she showed up at his diner and took a sample of his hair. The precocious April Nardini needed it for her science fair project, in which she had three DNA samples compared to her own. When Luke learned that he was April's father, he wanted to get to know her. April's mother, on the other hand, felt that Luke was an unnecessary factor in their lives. To Luke's credit, he didn't back down; he stood up for April and for his rights as a father.

These great TV dads have a few things in common. They're all proud of their kids, and they're happy to be dads. They look out for their children and want to remain in their lives through good times and bad times.

Source:

Personal knowledge