Summary
Many modern TV shows feature terrible fathers, showcasing a more edgy and poignant storytelling style.
TV shows like The Simpsons, Shameless, and Arrested Development feature some of the most notorious fathers in television history. These dads exhibit a range of negative characteristics, including ignorance, laziness, neglect, and even abuse. As a result, their children suffer from significant harm and emotional trauma.
While classic TV sitcoms such as Leave It to Beaver and Father Knows Best depicted an idealized family with a wise and nurturing patriarch, contemporary television shows have taken a different approach, portraying some truly dreadful fathers. With sitcoms becoming edgier and dramas growing more poignant, the television landscape now offers a diverse range of storytelling, including a wide array of father figures.
Nevertheless, there are still numerous shows that present the father figure in a positive light. Series like This Is Us and Modern Family offer a modern yet optimistic perspective on masculinity and fatherhood, yielding distinct outcomes. However, there is also a darker side to these shows, exposing the absolute worst fathers on television.
10 Homer Simpson (The Simpsons)
9 Frank Gallagher (Shameless)
Homer Simpson, the quintessential example of a dysfunctional TV father, particularly in animated sitcoms, is far from being the epitome of parental excellence. While it is evident that he harbors genuine affection for his children, his ignorance and laziness hinder his ability to connect with them on a deeper level. The show's most captivating episodes often revolve around the clashes between Homer and his daughter Lisa, as their perspectives rarely align. Rather than prioritize his own offspring, Homer frequently becomes preoccupied with satisfying his insatiable appetite or pursuing get-rich-quick schemes. Furthermore, as a form of punishment, he has a regrettable tendency to resort to physically choking his son.
Frank Gallagher, portrayed by William H. Macy, is not only an inadequate father but also a deeply flawed individual. This irritable addict not only fails to bring any positive influence to his children's lives or society as a whole, but he also fails on multiple fronts as a parent. Shameless centers around the notion that Frank is an absolute train wreck incapable of providing for his family, a premise that the show successfully depicted throughout its 11-season run. Despite offering glimpses of character development that evoked empathy, Frank's despicable treatment of his children remains entirely unjustifiable.
8 George Bluth Sr. (Arrested Development)
Despite being arrested at the beginning of season one, George Bluth Sr. managed to maintain his status as a horrendous father throughout Arrested Development. While neither parent in the Bluth family is particularly nurturing, George takes the prize for being one of the most inadequate parents in television history. Neglectful during their childhood and burdening them with his own misdeeds as adults, George ran his family in the same careless manner in which he ran his business, leading to disastrous consequences. Although George may not exhibit outward cruelty towards his children like some other characters on this list, he is arguably the least affectionate, often giving the impression that he doesn't even genuinely like most of his offspring.
7 Frank Reynolds (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia)
Frank Reynolds had little involvement in his children's upbringing, prioritizing extramarital affairs and questionable business ventures over spending time with them. However, he unexpectedly resurfaced, expressing a desire to be a part of their lives. While initially appearing positive, it was soon discovered that Frank was not their biological father. Nevertheless, he continues to intrude upon their lives, acting as an unpredictable force of chaos, regardless of his children's wishes. Throughout the series, his increasingly self-centered and unhinged behavior has only brought confusion and turmoil to his children.
6 Tony Soprano (The Sopranos)
From an external perspective, Tony Soprano presents himself as a responsible father figure. He fulfills his role by providing for his family, encouraging his children's extracurricular pursuits, and desiring their personal success. However, delving deeper into Tony's character unveils a disturbing reality. Tony emerges as a racist, homophobic, and bigoted individual, fiercely protective of his children, yet determined to impart his twisted worldview upon them. While initially, Meadow and AJ, Tony's offspring, appear to have the potential for promising futures independent of their father's criminal empire, the progression of the show gradually exposes their inability to evade the sinister influence cast by their paternal figure.
5 Walter White (Breaking Bad)
Walter White, the protagonist of the hit show Breaking Bad, vehemently denies being a bad father. He consistently asserts that his every deplorable act is committed in the interest of his family's well-being. However, the truth is far from this justification. In reality, Walt's motives stem from his personal desires, with his family conveniently serving as a scapegoat. He harbors a possessive love for his family, viewing them solely as an extension of himself. Consequently, he takes offense when his son, once referred to as Walt Jr., no longer wishes to be associated with his father.
4 Barry Berkman (Barry)
Despite his limited screen time as a dad, Barry Berkman proved himself to be a rather incompetent father. The show takes a leap forward in the second half of season four, showing Barry living in hiding with Sally and their son. Although Barry prioritizes raising his son, his parenting skills are woefully inadequate. In an effort to shield his child from the world's horrors and his own troubled past, Barry brings up a sheltered and easily influenced child, who, like his father, will struggle to establish his own identity.
3 Logan Roy (Succession)
Logan Roy, the CEO of Waystar Royco, has proven to be an unyielding force. Throughout his lifetime, he has caused irreparable harm to both the world and his own children. Whether it be his abandonment of Connor during his formative years, the false promises he made to a hopeful seven-year-old Kendall, his dismissal of his daughter Shiv solely because of her gender, or even the physical abuse he inflicted upon Roman, Logan's actions have undoubtedly solidified his position as an incredibly flawed father. While many are quick to criticize the Roy children for their shortcomings, it is essential to acknowledge that their struggles stem from the long-lasting trauma imposed upon them by their own flesh and blood.
2 Tywin Lannister (Game of Thrones)
1 Leland Palmer (Twin Peaks)
Similar to Logan Roy, Tywin Lannister possesses immense power and has tragically destroyed his children's lives. Tywin is a complex character, but undeniably wicked. Despite his obsession with bloodlines and legacy, Tywin consistently disregards his children, never taking them seriously. This is particularly true for Tyrion, whom Tywin openly resents for merely existing. While other fathers on this list have exhibited disdain for their offspring, Tywin is the sole individual who attempted to murder one of his own, without any hint of remorse.
The initial 17 episodes of Twin Peaks focused on the enigma surrounding the murder of Laura Palmer. In a shocking twist, it was revealed that her own father, Leland, was responsible. For years, he had been subjecting her to abuse, and when she resisted allowing the malevolent spirit of Bob to possess her, he ultimately took her life. While it is evident that Leland committed most of these atrocities under Bob's influence, the film Fire Walk With Me blurs the boundaries, suggesting that Leland possessed an inherent darkness. Leland is a complex and tragic character, but his qualities as a father are undeniably abhorrent.
