Staying Fit
Throughout television history, on-screen dads have depicted the joys and struggles of fatherhood and shaped American ideals about what it means to be a man and caregiver. So, this Father's Day, what better way to celebrate than by watching these TV dads’ funny, messy and tender stories unfold?
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Andy Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968)
As the town sheriff and widowed single dad, Andy Taylor works hard to keep the residents of Mayberry and his young son Opie out of trouble. Perhaps one of the most easily lovable TV dads, Andy is compassionate and practical, with a strong moral compass and great sense of humor to boot.
Peak dad moment: In the first episode of season 4, Opie raises some baby birds after accidentally killing their mother. He's reluctant to let them go, but a comforting pep talk from Andy about having faith that the birds will be OK on their own becomes Andy's own reflection on fatherhood.
Watch it: The Andy Griffith Show, on Tubi.
Mike Brady on The Brady Bunch (1969-1974)
A widower caring for his raucous blended family and a successful architect, Mike Brady projected a perfect image of a patient, hardworking father during the 1960s as divorces and remarriage rates were on the rise.
Peak dad moment: Mike Brady is so great that Marcia nominates him to be awarded the honor of Father of the Year by the local newspaper. Though the surprise of the award is slightly botched, it still results in a heartwarming moment between stepfather and stepdaughter.
Watch it: The Brady Bunch on Hulu.
George Jefferson on The Jeffersons (1975-1985)
This All in the Family spin-off was one of the first TV series to focus on a successful Black family, helmed by the ambitious entrepreneur George Jefferson, whose dry-cleaning business vaults his family from humble beginnings in Queens to an Upper East Side high-rise. While George was hot-headed, rude and often followed unlikely schemes that ended in comedic failure, he was a devoted father to his son Lionel, committed husband to his wife, Weezy, and hard worker for the good of the family.
Peak dad moment: George Jefferson's famous dance moves, which he begrudgingly launches into during a cocktail party in the first episode of Season 2, would put anyone's “dad dancing” to shame.
Watch it: The Jeffersons, on Hulu.
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