Top 10: Comedy Sitcom Dads

Not to say these male role models did a better jobs in raising their adolescent audience. They were probably not much better than dads out fighting real life – with much certainty, a whole lot worse. Displaying poor judge of character, these ten are a bunch of grumpy old men to be fair. Except Bill Cosby of course.

Willie Tanner – ALF

The NBC classic sitcom ALF aired between 1986 and 1990, and as you probably know plots around a furry little alien called Alf who crash lands his spaceship in the Tanner’s resident. Though Alf naturally got all the attention, I must give my salute to father Willie Tanner, played by actor Max Wright. Mr. Tanner belongs to the exception of sitcom dads, who’s characters are actually respectable. He may not be the funniest but every time he had a mano a mano talk with Alf, wearing those huge glasses and sharing his words of wisdom, I couldn’t help but get all warm inside. I can however agree that he sometimes could come off kind of harsh towards Alf. But then again, Alf could be a real bachelor pain in the ass.

Frank Barone – Everybody Loves Raymond

As the sitcom is based on Ray’s real life let’s not hope Frank Barrone is a replica of Raymonds real dad, because let’s face it; Frank is a horrible man. And though Mr. Barone had a few fine moments during the series long life-line, his character showed little hope for improvement. Mean, condescending and simply hilarious.

Frank Costanza – Seinfeld

With a fierce temper George’s father is a favorite character on the Seinfeld show. Frank Costanza is the father, uncle, heck even a relative nobody wants to have. He is however one of the most hilarious parental characters the American sitcom industry has ever produced.

Red Forman – That 70′s Show

Always threatening to put his foot up someone ass, Red Forman won a special place in the hearts of every fan of That 70s Show. Uncommunicative, grumpy and more conservative than family Sunday dinners, Red is a genius creation who became as much a part of the show as any of the other cast members.

Arthur Spooner – King of Queens

Again Sr. Stiller on a brilliant perfomance as the yelling, border-line psychotic father who lives in the basement.

Dr. Dick Solomon – 3rd Rock from The Sun

Although only assigned father figure of the Salomon household, Dr. Dick Solomon is a great addition to the sitcom dad hall of fame with his narcissistic way.

Bill Cosby – The Cosby Show

Nobody can hate Bill Cosby. Sure, Eddie Murphy can make fun of him, but in truth Cosby hasn’t a bad bone in his body.

Al Bundy – Married with Children

Now, Al Bundy can be hated and should be hated, but is all the same loved by a whole generation of TV-viewers. He sort of grow on you, with his initial bitterness in the end transforming into brilliant wit.

Martin Crane – Frasier

In the sitcom Frasier, the two brothers Crane adds enough intellectual and male sensitivity, with father Martin Crane balancing it out with some good ‘Ol American father role modeling.

Who’s the last sitcom dad worthy to be added to this list?

You know what to do. If there is any sitcom father figure I’ve neglected, please comment about it!