Celebrate Father’s Day with 13 unforgettable TV episodes that showcase the many sides of fatherhood—from loving to laughable and everything in between!
Father’s Day isn’t just about golf socks and awkward cookout small talk—sometimes the best way to bond with your dad is through a shared TV binge. And whether your dad is goofy, grumpy, or somewhere in between, television has evolved to showcase the vast and varied world of fatherhood in all its glory. From the well-meaning to the wildly inappropriate, these dad-centric episodes capture all the highs and lows of being a father—or a father figure.
We’ve rounded up 13 essential episodes that reflect the full spectrum of TV dads. So grab the remote and maybe a tissue (or a stiff drink), and celebrate the father in your life—by laughing, crying, or just cringing together.
Michael Bluth – Arrested Development
Episode: “The Cabin Show” (Season 3, Episode 1)
The Bluth family is a father-son circus of dysfunction. Michael (Jason Bateman) tries to escape the chaos by bonding with his own son, George Michael (Michael Cera), but ends up entangled in his dad George Sr.’s latest scheme. G.O.B. (Will Arnett) accidentally plans a “son-son” trip with a kid he doesn’t realize is his actual son, and predictably abandons him once he finds out. Michael ultimately attempts to be the better man, but even his father hijacks that plan—literally.
Stream on Netflix
Johnny Rose – Schitt’s Creek
Episode: “Meet the Parents” (Season 5, Episode 11)
Johnny (Eugene Levy) tries to do the right thing by welcoming his son David’s boyfriend’s parents to town—only to accidentally out their relationship. What follows is a masterclass in anxious, lovable dad energy as Johnny tries to patch things up. It all ends with warmth, acceptance, and the reminder that Johnny might just be one of TV’s best dads.
Stream on Hulu or Prime Video
Jim Hopper – Stranger Things
Episode: “Pollywog” (Season 2, Episode 3)
In this heartfelt flashback episode, Hopper (David Harbour) goes from gruff police chief to protective father figure. As Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) pushes boundaries, we see the early building blocks of a makeshift family born from trauma, trust, and a lot of locked doors.
Stream on Netflix
Logan Roy – Succession
Episode: “This Is Not for Tears” (Season 2, Episode 10)
Logan (Brian Cox) is the definition of toxic patriarch. On a yacht full of scheming children, he pressures Kendall (Jeremy Strong) to take the fall for corporate scandal—only for Kendall to finally turn on him in one of the show’s most electrifying moments. If your dad seems difficult, Logan will make him look like a saint.
Stream on Max
Hal Wilkerson – Malcolm in the Middle
Episode: “Rollerskates” (Season 1, Episode 13)
Hal (Bryan Cranston) is usually the household clown, but when he teaches Malcolm to rollerskate, he shows off surprising skills—and even more surprising spandex. It’s a hilarious and oddly sweet look at a dad finding his moment of glory.
Stream on Hulu
Luke Danes – Gilmore Girls
Episode: “Wedding Blues” (Season 5, Episode 13)
Luke (Scott Patterson) may not be Rory’s biological father, but he’s a steadfast figure in her life. When confronted by Rory’s real dad, Luke delivers a passionate monologue that seals his status as the town’s low-key superdad.
Stream on Netflix
Frank Reynolds – It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Episode: “The Gang Gives Frank an Intervention” (Season 5, Episode 4)
Frank (Danny DeVito) is a spectacularly bad dad. He’s chaotic, offensive, and always up to no good—but he’s also the engine of the gang’s worst ideas. This intervention-turned-meltdown is peak Frank, and weirdly bonding in its own way.
Stream on Hulu
Phil Dunphy – Modern Family
Episode: “Good Cop Bad Dog” (Season 2, Episode 22)
Phil (Ty Burrell) takes a stab at being the disciplinarian, and chaos follows. Claire (Julie Bowen) tries to take the “fun parent” reins and fails spectacularly. By the end, the Dunphys prove that every family needs both types—and sometimes they need to switch hats to appreciate each other.
Sandy Cohen – The O.C.
Episode: “The My Two Dads” (Season 4, Episode 9)
Sandy (Peter Gallagher) punches Ryan’s (Ben McKenzie) biological father for being a manipulative jerk. Enough said. But when Ryan says, “My dad is right here,” it seals Sandy’s status as one of TV’s most noble non-biological dads.
Louis Huang – Fresh Off the Boat
Episode: “Louisween” (Season 3, Episode 3)
Louis (Randall Park) loves Halloween and goes to absurd lengths to convert his skeptical wife. It’s a classic silly-dad-versus-serious-mom face-off that ends in sweet compromise—plus a killer vampire costume.
Stream on Hulu
Ron Swanson – Parks and Recreation
Episode: “Women in Garbage” (Season 5, Episode 11)
Ron (Nick Offerman), who hates everything remotely warm or cuddly, ends up babysitting his girlfriend’s kids—and miraculously doesn’t blow it. In fact, he steps up and earns his first “I love you.” Swanson fans, rejoice.
Stream on Peacock
Frank Costanza – Seinfeld
Episode: “The Serenity Now” (Season 9, Episode 3)
Frank (Jerry Stiller) attempts to control his rage with a calming mantra—by screaming it. This hilarious descent into faux-mindfulness ends with Frank being peak Frank: loud, ridiculous, and unforgettable.
Stream on Netflix
Martin Crane – Frasier
Episode: “Our Father Whose Art Ain’t Heaven” (Season 4, Episode 8)
When Martin (John Mahoney) buys a hideous painting to show appreciation, it results in a rare, emotional moment between him and his sons. The episode ends in a tearful group cry that’s weirdly healing—and maybe just what Father’s Day calls for.
Stream on Hulu, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Prime Video
No matter your family dynamic, there’s something on this list that captures the complicated, wonderful, and often hilarious role dads play in our lives. Happy streaming—and happy Father’s Day.
