Cover Can you guess the top TV dads for Father’s Day 2025? (Photo: Getty Images / Jeff Kravitz )
Can you guess the top TV dads for Father’s Day 2025? (Photo: Getty Images / Jeff Kravitz )
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Let’s celebrate Father’s Day by recalling the stories of five dads from our favourite TV shows, from Joel Miller to Phil Dunphy, whom we have grown fond of
It’s difficult to think of a single film or series that features a father with consistently positive traits. Numerous names come to mind. Hollywood is full of fictional father figures who touch viewers’ hearts in a way that resonates long after the story ends.
For example, Phil Dunphy from Modern Family is now fiction royalty—a beloved character that actor Ty Burrell has embodied so marvellously, to the point of winning two Emmy Awards because of it. When we think of Ty, we also think of Phil—the dad who initially seems silly but is ultimately one of the most empathetic characters you could have in your life.
One of his most memorable quotes comes in season four’s second episode, where he watches his eldest daughter, Haley (portrayed by Sarah Hyland), leave their home for college. “Never be afraid to reach for the stars, because even if you fail, you’ll always be wearing a Parentchute,” he tells her.
Above Phil's-Osophy: A hardbound collection of all the life lessons Phil Dunphy (Ty Burrell) has learned
Like Phil Dunphy, many on-screen dads are nothing but green flags. We round up some of the most memorable ones here for Father’s Day.
More from Tatler: Father’s Day 2024: 10 Korean dramas and movies with father figures we love
Pedro Pascal - Joel Miller ‘The Last of Us’
Above The official #TheLastOfUs Season 1 trailer in YouTube
A “best dads” list without Joel Miller from The Last of Us for Father’s Day is like a show without characters, a book without words—incomplete. Joel will do everything to protect Ellie (portrayed by Bella Ramsey) in a post-apocalyptic world, especially after losing his biological daughter, Sarah. She has become his new purpose.
This is most apparent in one of the show’s most touching scenes. At the end of the first season, Ellie thinks it’s all for nothing if she doesn’t die for the cure, and Joel thinks it’s all for nothing if she does. He is selfish to some, but this act is of a father who is devoted to a daughter—willing to sacrifice a lot for their child.
Related: 7 stylish moments of Pedro Pascal, the “internet’s boyfriend”
Robert Reed - Mike Brady from ‘The Brady Bunch’
Above Mike Brady wins "Father of the Year" from the local newspaper!
In The Brady Brunch, Robert Reed’s Mike Brady is introduced as a father to three boys (Greg, Peter, and Bobby) and a stepfather to three girls (Marcia, Jan, and Cindy), all of which he accepts as his own.
Because of the sudden size upgrade, Mike works hard as an architect to provide for his whole family. He’s always busy but finds the time to advise his children. He has a way of gently guiding them to see when they make a mistake, as well as teaching them to take responsibility for their actions.
In case you missed it: Which characters are we looking forward to at ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2?
Andre Braugher - Captain Raymond Holt from ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’
Above Captain Holt as a father figure in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’
Captain Raymond Holt is one of the late Andre Braugher’s best and most popular roles. And why wouldn’t it be? Even if his character is not a traditional dad in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, his care for his whole squad is what makes him the best father figure in their universe—especially to Jake Peralta, portrayed by Andy Samberg.
Holt had the biggest influence on shaping Jake, first as a detective and then ultimately as a father. While Jake started seeing a dad in his new captain very early on, the Captain came into his role as a father figure to Jake as the show progressed.
Laz Alonso - Mother’s Milk from ‘The Boys’
Above We celebrate the legend from The Boys that none of us deserve, M.M. Brush up on all of the best scenes of Mother's Milk
The personification of the term “gentle giant”, Laz Alonzo’s portrayal of Mother’s Milk (or MM) in The Boys is considered one of the best dads in fiction. For context, a superhero named Soldier Boy killed MM’s grandfather. His dad was a lawyer who wanted Soldier Boy to be held accountable.
Because of this, MM dedicated his life to hunting down superheroes. However, unlike some families today, he doesn’t want to pass the grudge down to his daughter—wanting to end a generation of hate. Because of this, he is a man worthy of honour and appreciation for this Father’s Day.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
