TV dads can teach us many important life lessons, and the practice has been going strong since the 1950s. When it comes to animated TV dads, such as Homer Simpson from The Simpsons or Peter Griffin from Family Guy. The lessons will be warped concerning that they'll be from animation, but the education behind them is still fundamental.
Since Homer, Peter, Bandit Heeler from Bluey, and other animated TV dads are at the forefront of their respective shows, we're taking a look at what makes them valuable (in their own ways) in their roles. Fatherhood is no easy job, so it's appreciated when the guys give it their all for their kids.
Here are the 5 TV dads that define animated comedy.
Why these 5 TV animated dads rock with their kids
Peter Griffin from Family Guy
Peter is not the most hands-on father regarding his kids; for some reason, he's habitually mean to Meg. However, he bonds with them over their interests, or at least attempts to. In season 2, Peter and Chris connect over the TV show Gumbel 2 Gumbel, but when it gets canceled, they scheme to get it back on the air.
For Meg, Peter helps her become a YouTube star and influencer, which hurts her more as it negatively impacts her health. As for Stewie, the patriarch gets involved with his youngest by engaging in child activities (Peter is a big child anyway) and taking a trip to Disney World in Orlando.
Through each and every one of these experiences, Peter's trademark goofiness is injected, and that makes the material even better.
Hank Hill from King of the Hill
Hank is a hard-working family man from Arlen, Texas, who loves his job as a Strictland Propane assistant manager and his home life. He has a boy named Bobby, whom he describes as " ain't right," but Hank teaches him about budgeting, car repairs, and finding out his son's interests, even if they're not his cup of tea.
Soon enough, we'll be getting a King of the Hill reboot, which I'm excited about, as I love the show and want to see how everyone has evolved since the series finale in 2010.
Bob Belcher from Bob's Burgers
Next up is Bob Belcher. He might be a bit quirky, but he genuinely cares for his kids in a way that's genuinely enduring. He understands their needs and their wants, and while Bob can't afford everything, he tries his hardest to ensure that Tina, Gene, and Louise are fulfilled.
Bendit Heeler from Bluey
Bluey isn't just a kids' show, as several adults love this Australian export, too. As a matter of fact, The Simpsons greatly inspired Bluey's development and story content, except it has been watered down for the younger audiences.
Bandit Heeler, the dad of his two young pups, Bluey and Bingo, is the quintessential TV dad. He's very involved in their childhood games and imaginative play. Each play session is a lesson, as the pups learn through interaction and Bandit's explanations of subjects. He taught his girls about death, helping others, and family values with simple words.
Homer Simpson from The Simpsons
Homer is one of the founding fathers of animated TV dads, so naturally, he's number one on the list. He's not perfect, but we learn to love him for who he is as a person and as a dad. Like many fathers, Homer evolved with the times, and through trial and error, his progress improved.
Despite Bart's antagonizing, Lisa's intelligence, and Maggie's young age, Home connects with his children and tries to learn from them. They're not expecting their dad to be the greatest, but they alway have his love.