TV Dads
The I AM DAD. Podcast is an exploration of insight, information and inspiration for dads, their families, the people who love and those that support them.
Television Dads
The Foundation
"Father Knows Best" (1954-1960): Jim Anderson as the epitome of post-war paternal wisdom and guidance.
1950s
1960s
The Idealized Father
"The Andy Griffith Show" (1960-1968): Andy Taylor as the single dad offering a blend of friendship and fatherhood in small-town America.
Complexity and Humor
"All in the Family" (1971-1979): Archie Bunker introduces a more complex, flawed portrayal of a father.
1970s
1980s
Diversity and Depth
- "The Cosby Show" (1984-1992): Cliff Huxtable as a loving, engaged father, showcasing an affluent African American family.
- "Full House" (1987-1995): Danny Tanner as a widowed father raising three daughters with the help of his brother-in-law and best friend.
Single Fathers and Complexity
- "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" (1990-1996): Uncle Phil as a father figure providing tough love and moral guidance.
- "Home Improvement" (1991-1999): Tim "The Toolman" Taylor, blending traditional masculinity with family comedy.
1990s
2000s
Reality and Relatability
- "Malcolm in the Middle" (2000-2006): Hal as the unconventional, sometimes childlike father in a family of eccentrics.
- "The Simpsons": Homer Simpson continues to evolve, reflecting and satirizing the changing face of American fatherhood.
Modern Families and New Norms
- "Modern Family" (2009-2020): Showcasing a diverse range of father figures including the traditional, the stepdad, and the same-sex couple.
- "This Is Us" (2016-present): Jack Pearson redefines TV fatherhood with a deeply emotional portrayal across different timelines.
2010s