The Ten Worst Dads in Television History

Many of us really lucked out in the dad department. We had men who were loving, supportive and fulfilled their responsibilities very well. We were lucky kids in that we had good dads. These guys are examples of dads who don't fit those criteria, in no particular order.

1. Homer Simpson- The Simpsons

Yeah I know this is the obvious first choice because of his long tenure in our living rooms and his high profile, but he has earned it. He does show glimpses of being a good father, but he is so self-absorbed his first instinct in usually wrong.

2. Peter Griffin- Family Guy

Peter is all that Homer is, taken to the extreme. He is concerned only with his happiness and comfort and doesn't care who is hurt by his poor decision making. The guy doesn't even seem to notice that his youngest son is bent on killing his mother and taking over the world. Talk about obtuse...

3. Tony Soprano- The Sopranos

I have no doubt that Tony loves his kids, but any guy who makes his living as a criminal doesn't have the best interests of his family at heart.

4. Al Bundy- Married With Children

Al is the prototypical neanderthal. He detests being a husband and a father and would much rather spend his time reading Biguns magazine and sitting on his couch than spending time reading to his kids.

5. Archie Bunker- All in the Family

Not much needs to be said about Archie. He is a legend. He hates everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or gender. Not exactly a great role model. Besides, his daughter grew up to be....Sally Struthers!

6. Stan Smith- American Dad

My personal worst nightmare for a father. A hyper-patriotic, gun-toting, flag-waving CIA agent dad. The guy idolizes Reagan for Pete's sake. That alone puts him on the list.

7. Steve Keaton- Family Ties

The anti-Stan Smith. Steve is a tree hugger through and through. That's not the reason he's on the list. It's that he somehow raised Alex P. Keaton- a Stan Smith in training.

8 & 9 Beavis' Dad and Butthead's Dads- Beavis and Butthead

Although we never actually got to see these guys- until the movie anyway- they obviously didn't do such a swell job with their spawn. My guess is the guys were out of there soon after the boys were born.

10. Dr. Benton Quest- Jonny Quest

Any dad who would repeatedly place his son in dangerous situatuions doesn't have his child's best interests in mind. It was fun to watch though.

Despite the negative aspect of making this list, I still happen to like most of the guys on this list. In fact, some of them even end up showing glimpses of good father ability. I just wouldn't want to be their kids.