There are some truly incredible father figures inTV shows.Found family relationships in TV showscreate some rather emotional moments, andit’s always heartwarming to see someone who takes on a parental roledespite having no need to do so.
Father figures come in many forms. Severalgreat TV shows about unbreakable sibling bondssee situations like this, for example. However, not every father figure needs to have a biological or direct familial relation - they can also be mentors, teachers, or friends as well. Regardless of whether or not characters call them dad, these father figures are the best of the best.
10Captain Raymond Holt
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021)
TheBrooklyn Nine-Nineepisodes that focus on Captain Holtprove that although he and Kevin have no children, he is still a brilliant father figure. This is apparent from the pilot, and the ways he tries to make Jake a better person in this episode and throughout the rest of the show highlights the kind of man Raymond Holt is.
10 Brooklyn Nine-Nine Scenes That Prove Captain Holt Was The Show’s Best Character
Despite the array of brilliant characters on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Andre Braugher’s Captain Raymond Holt stands out as the best one on the show.
While Holt is typically a father figure to Jake, whose relationship with his own dad is complex,the police captain serves as a surrogate parent to all of his squad. In fact, Amy frequently refers to Holt and Kevin as their “Dads.”
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Cast
From the creative minds of Dan Goor and Michael Schur comes Brooklyn Nine-Nine, a police comedy series set in the NYPD’s fictional 99th precinct. Headed by the comedically serious Captain Raymond Holt and protagonist Jake Peralta, the detectives of the 99 deal with burglaries, drug deals, and oddities in New York City, occasionally steering into real-world issues surrounding police perception and social concerns in the 2010s and earlier. Each detective has their own unique personality that makes them stand out, creating endearing dynamics that helped the show thrive for eight seasons.
Thebest Captain Holt quotes inBrooklyn Nine-Nineare both hilarious and profound, but most are applicable to a parent-child interaction. What’s so great about this part of Holt’s development, however, is that it’s clear his past grievances with the NYPD and their treatment of him is so impactful that it influences how he deals with his detectives.
9Joel Miller
The Last Of Us (2023-Present)
Joel Miller becoming the surrogate father of Ellie inThe Last of Usis an emotional journey. Considering Joel lost his own daughter, it would be understandable if he decided to steer far away from a lone kid. Despite the risk that he could face the same heartbreak again, Joel steps up and stands by Ellie’s side. While the loss of Sarah is hard enough, Joel’s fatherly instincts don’t waver, andhe simply cannot let Ellie wander alone.
The Last Of Us
The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic drama series set two decades after a global catastrophe. It follows Joel, a seasoned survivor, who is tasked with escorting Ellie, a teenage girl, across a desolated United States, transforming into a harrowing journey of survival and companionship.
Taking Ellie with him doesn’t make sense, but the possibility that her immunity to the infection can help those who are still clinging on to life is something Joel can’t ignore. What Joel does is rather brave, really, but it’s great that his own past grief and haunting memories don’t get in the way of him helping save Ellie, and I can’t wait to see whereThe Last of Usseason 2takes them next.
8Rupert Giles
Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
I have a feeling Rupert Giles doesn’t expect to be a father figure when he becomesSunnydale’s Watcher inBuffy the Vampire Slayer, but I’m sure he wouldn’t have it any other way, either.Giles serves as a mentor to pretty much every member of the Scooby Gang.
It’s hilarious to see his interactions with the teenagers, and the fact there are some negative moments only cements his father figure status even more.
Of course, his role as Buffy Summers’ Watcher is the most important, but he also has a parental relationship with the others, too. It’s hilarious to see his interactions with the teenagers, and the fact there are some negative moments only cements his father figure status even more.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a television series created by Joss Whedon, focusing on Buffy Summers, portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar, a young woman chosen to battle against vampires, demons, and other supernatural forces while navigating the complexities of teenage life.
Giles takes Buffy’s achievements and failures rather personally, which highlights how seriously he takes his job and how much he cares about the titular character. Even thoughGiles leaves inBuffy the Vampire Slayerseason 6, which is a little contradictory of his relationship with Buffy, he still comes back to help save Sunnydale.
7Steve Harrington
Stranger Things (2016-2025)
Steve Harrington’s complex relationship with his own father inStranger Thingsclearly plays a part in how he treats the kids. Steve is often referred to as a “Mom,” and is a motherly, fatherly, and everything-in-between kind of figure, so it doesn’t really matter what we call him - he’s family, simple as that.He has a particularly strong connection with Dustin. Dustin may not get off to the best start with Steve, but it’s beautiful to watch their bond change and progress acrosstheStranger Thingstimeline.
Stranger Things
Stranger Things is a Netflix series set in the 1980s, where the mysterious disappearance of a young boy leads a small town to uncover secret experiments and supernatural forces. A significant focus is on a peculiar girl who may hold the key to the unfolding mystery.
As a teenager, it’s strange that Steve gets so invested in Dustin and the other kids. However, it’s clear by the advice and encouragement he offers them that they’re stuck with Steve, whether they like it or not. The fates of the show’s characters aren’t often happy ones, which makes me worry aboutSteve’s ending inStranger Thingsseason 5. Hopefully, regardless of what happens to him,Dustin will always remember Steve fondly.
6Bobby Singer
Supernatural (2005-2020)
Supernaturalkilling off Bobby in season 7is a heartbreaking moment for all involved, and it’s devastating knowing that the last person in the Winchester brothers’ lives who resemble family is gone. However,even after his death, Bobby finds ways to help out Sam and Deanwhen necessary. Bobby’s relationship with the boys is truly amazing, and Sam and Dean often consider him a better father than John.
Supernatural
Supernatural is a television series that follows brothers Sam and Dean Winchester, who were raised by their father to hunt and combat supernatural entities after losing their mother to a demonic force. Traversing the American landscape in their ‘67 Chevy Impala, they face numerous paranormal threats.
The pair is able to confide in Bobby, share their true selves with him, and feel safe in his presence. Plus, although Bobby is helpful when it comes to demon hunting, their relationship doesn’t entirely revolve around it either, which is a breath of fresh air and allows the Winchesters to have more of a purpose. Even though John didn’t want Bobby to teach the boys more normal life activities, this doesn’t stop him from doing so later on, feeling confident in his decisions over their actual father.
5Mr. Feeny
Boy Meets World (1993-2000)
The words, “I love you all. Class dismissed.” tug on the heartstrings ofBoy Meets Worldaudiences. While Mr. Feeny may be the surrogate father figure to his students, he’s also one to viewers, too. The teacher has an incredible amount of influence on the kids he oversees throughoutall 7 seasons ofBoy Meets World, especially Cory and Eric Matthews, who he lives next door to.
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Feeny’s door is always open, and there is nothing the children can’t come to him about. What’s so great about Feeny is that he knows when something has happened, and sometimes he gets overly stressed when he’s aware of an instance, but nobody has spoken to him about it.
Boy Meets World
In this coming-of-age sitcom, Cory Matthews navigates middle and eventually high school, exploring his relationships with his friends and family and learning life lessons along the way.
This is a sign of a good parental figure. Feeny doesn’t want to overstep, but he can’t help but react to the knowledge of someone he cares about hurting. Being compared to Feeny is the ultimate compliment, so it’s sweet when Topanga compares a grown-up Cory to their teacher.
4Spencer Shay
iCarly (2007-2012)
Spencer may be the eccentric and seemingly irresponsible older brother ofiCarly’s titular character, but the fact he is raising his younger sister is something I think the show doesn’t spend enough time discussing. However, the moment that truly proves the best place for Carly is with Spencer is in the episode “iWanna Stay With Spencer.”Spencer still having Carly’s asthma inhaler, despite her not having an attack for years, is such a little thing, but it shows he’s on top of things when it comes to caring for her.
iCarly
iCarly follows Carly, Sam, and Freddie, three eighth-graders navigating school and adolescence while managing a popular web show. As they balance their everyday lives with newfound fame, they encounter various challenges and adventures, offering a glimpse into the dynamics of friendship and the evolving world of online media.
Spencer and Carly’s relationship with their parents is complicated, and something the original show and reboot don’t provide very good answers about. However, Spencer makes up for this. His wackiness may seem immature, but he isn’t afraid to be a parent when he needs to, especially in the name of Carly’s health or happiness.
3Mr. Moseby
The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody (2005-2008)
Because of Mr. Tipton’s absence inThe Suite Life of Zack & Cody, hotel managerMr. Moseby steps into the role of parent for London. Being a fatherly figure to London is a difficult task for Moseby, especially as he doesn’t want to push the boundaries put in place by his boss, but at the same time, he can’t stand by and let the girl essentially raise herself, either.
The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody is a Disney Channel series starring Dylan and Cole Sprouse as identical twins living in the luxurious Tipton Hotel. The show follows their mischievous adventures as they interact with hotel staff, including Maddie (Ashley Tisdale) and Mr. Moseby (Phill Lewis), as well as guests. It explores themes of friendship, family, and the challenges of growing up in a unique environment.
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody’s PRNDL scenemay be one of the funniest moments in the show, but it also demonstrates just how much patience Moseby has for London. If anything, without Moseby’s influence, it’s likely London would be even more unbearable, out-of-touch, and would struggle to form natural friendships with people like Maddy. What’s really wholesome, however, is that London gives Moseby something else to strive for other than his already hectic job.
2Ron Swanson
Parks And Recreation (2009-2015)
While he becomes a biological father later on,Parks and Recreation’s Ron Swanson also serves as a parental figure way before this. Ron takes on Diane’s daughters like his own very quickly, buthis first fatherly role is to Andy and April, which is apparent in many ofParks and Recreation’s best episodes.
Ron Swanson in the early seasons of Parks and Recreation seems like the furthest thing from a father, but April and Andy’s presence softens him over time.
April and Ron’s ideals are rather similar, something that the head of Pawnee’s Parks department appreciates, and he takes great steps to help her career progression despite his beliefs. Ron sees the good in Andy, too. Ultimately, he likes the pair because he sees the potential they have in derailing the government, but this later changes.
Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation is a television series that premiered in 2009, focusing on Leslie Knope, a mid-level bureaucrat in Pawnee, Indiana. She encounters various challenges from bureaucrats and citizens while striving to beautify the town through her role in the Parks and Recreation Department.
Ron Swanson in the early seasons ofParks and Recreationseems like the furthest thing from a father, butApril and Andy’s presence softens him over time. It’s adorable that he spends their wedding fixing up their home, and he later pays for Andy’s college education, too. Despite becoming a father later on, this doesn’t stop Ron from still being present in Andy and April’s lives.
1Luke Danes
Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
Luke Danes inGilmore Girlsinitially struggles with becoming a father to April, especially because he fails to make Lorelai aware of the young girl’s existence, which is strange, considering how incredible a parental figure he is to Rory. The youngest Gilmore’s relationship with her father is complicated, butLuke is more of a dad to Rory than Christopher, and he frequently proves this throughout the show.
Gilmore Girls
In the fictional town of Star’s Hollow, single mother Lorelai Gilmore raises her high-achieving teenage daughter Rory. Mother and daughter rely on each other throughout their own life changes, romantic entanglements, and friendships.
Even whenLuke and Lorelai’s relationship inGilmore Girlsis on the rocks,the diner owner is still there for Rory. Luke offers advice to Rory about her love life, helps her move into her college dorm, and even fights with Christopher about getting involved in Rory’s business. Luke doesn’t have to take Rory on in his life, or even care about her when he isn’t with Lorelai, but he has zero hesitancy in doing so.
