10 Best "Dad Shows" Of All Time

April 14, 2024, 6:45 p.m.

Movies

10 Best "Dad Shows" Of All Time

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Summary Dad Shows focus on action-packed sequences and tense storylines to engage viewers, regardless of gender or parental status.

Peaky Blinders and Breaking Bad are considered Dad Shows due to their blend of suspenseful crime drama and engrossing storylines.

Shows like MASH and Yellowstone give off Dad vibes with their themes of perseverance, family, and relatable characters.

In recent years, the subgenre of "Dad Shows" in TV has soared in popularity, and some of the best series ever can be placed into this category. Although the definition has fluctuated, Dad Shows typically focus on topics such as seeking justice, violence, spies, and crime, but this has never been an exclusive rule. For a show to be considered a Dad Show, its main function would be to engage viewers with action-packed sequences and tense storylines, just as the very best Dad movies do.

Importantly, a Dad Show can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their gender or parental status. The term "Dad Show" does not mean a show made for the world's fathers, but is more indicative of a certain Dad-ish vibe, however one may interpret that. The following will be ranked on how well each show scratches the Dad Show itch, not on overall quality or success.

10 Peaky Blinders

2013-2022

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buy Not available Not available Not available Peaky Blinders is a historical crime drama created and written by Steven Knight and starring Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill, and Helen McCrory. The television show is based on the gang, Peaky Blinders, a group that banded together after the end of World War I. Cast Annabelle Wallis , Ian Peck , Helen McCrory , Paul Anderson , Cillian Murphy , Ned Dennehy , Aimee-Ffion Edwards , Sam Neill , Sophie Rundle , Tony Pitts , Joe Cole Release Date September 12, 2013 Seasons 6

Peaky Blinders took the world by storm when it first released and introduced Tommy Shelby, played by the now Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy. The crime show was praised for its representation of the British working class and the interesting dynamics that played out between its characters across six seasons. Peaky Blinders also had gripping storylines that consistently engaged audiences, such the battle between Tommy and Sam Neill's Major Campbell that dominated seasons 1 and 2.

Throughout the show, there are plenty of great fight scenes between the Blinders and their rivals, which led to the iconic Tommy Shelby quote, "No f**king fighting."

Peaky Blinders can be considered a Dad Show for several reasons. There are plenty of great fight scenes between the Blinders and their rivals, which led to the iconic Tommy Shelby quote, "No f**king fighting." It can also be defined as such because of the strong theme of family throughout the show and the importance of keeping those you love close.

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9 Breaking Bad

2008-2013

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buy Not available Not available Not available Breaking Bad, created by Vince Gilligan, follows a chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin named Walter White (Bryan Cranston) as he attempts to provide for his family following a fatal diagnosis. With nothing left to fear, White ascends to power in the world of drugs and crime, transforming the simple family man into someone known only as Heisenberg. Cast Dean Norris , Bob Odenkirk , Aaron Paul , RJ Mitte , Anna Gunn , Giancarlo Esposito , Betsy Brandt , Bryan Cranston , Jonathan Banks Release Date January 20, 2008 Seasons 5

Breaking Bad made quite the name for itself when it first released in 2008, and had built up a huge following by the time it ended in 2013. The show's protagonist, Walter White (Bryan Cranston), delved into the world of drug dealing on an empire-level while accompanied by his ex-student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul). Together, the two embarked on a twisted journey filled with death, danger, and doubt as they evolved from small-time cooks to the world's premiere meth manufacturers.

Breaking Bad could be considered a Dad Show because it blends suspenseful crime drama with gangster violence.

While Breaking Bad is a story that carries broad appeal, it could be considered a Dad Show because it blends suspenseful crime drama with gangster violence, all told through the lens of a family man. Walter White lived in fear of being found out by the police, his wife, Skyler (Anna Gunn), and his brother-in-law, Hank (Dean Norris), all the while trying to maintain the facade of a normal father and husband. Breaking Bad is so much more than a typical Dad Show, but it still contains all the components usually associated with that label.

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8 The Man From UNCLE

1964-1968

The American spy fiction TV show The Man from UNCLE followed the lives of Napoleon Solo (Robert Vaughn) and Illya Kuryakin (David McCallum) for four seasons in the 1960s, exploring their careers as international spies for the law-enforcement agency U.N.C.L.E. Although the show didn't run for very long, it was praised for its story-of-the-week format, with each episode focused on a new mission. The Man From UNCLE would also feature some soon-to-be famous faces, including a young Kurt Russell, William Shatner, and Leonard Nimoy.

The Man from UNCLE took a simple premise and made it even more complex and interesting - an essential quality in a Dad Show.

The Man from UNCLE took a simple premise and made it even more complex and interesting - an essential quality in any self-respecting Dad Show. The action-packed sequences, layered with humor, prove just why it was such a hit. Since ending in 1968, The Man from UNCLE has spawned several spinoffs and remakes, the most recent being the 2015 film of the same name, which starred Henry Cavill in one of his best movies.

7 The Boys

2019-

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buy Not available Not available Not available The Boys is a superhero/dark comedy satire series created by Eric Kripke based on the comic series of the same name. Set in a "what-if" world that reveres superheroes as celebrities and gods who experience minimal repercussions for their actions. However, one group of vigilantes headed by a vengeance-obsessed man named Billy Butcher will fight back against these super-charged "heroes" to expose them for what they are. Cast Elisabeth Shue , Jensen Ackles , Goran Visnjic , Jessie T. Usher , Chace Crawford , Dominique McElligott , Laz Alonso , Nathan Mitchell , Aya Cash , Colby Minifie , Karl Urban , Erin Moriarty , Karen Fukuhara , Jack Quaid , Antony Starr , claudia doumit , Tomer Capon Release Date July 26, 2019 Seasons 4

The Boys, based on the comic book of the same name by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, brought a satirical twist to the superhero genre. The show spent three seasons introducing the likes of Homelander (Antony Starr), Starlight (Erin Moriarty), Billy Butcher (Karl Urban), and Hughie (Jack Quaid) to the world, and The Boys season 4 has been scheduled for release in 2024. The Boys has helped to redefine the concept of superheroes, with its "supes" standing apart due to their lack of morals and disinterest in using their powers for good.

The show's use of dark humor, along with its cast's performances, has led to The Boys becoming considered a Dad Show.

The show's use of dark humor, along with its cast's performances, has led to The Boys becoming considered a Dad Show. In particular, Starr's diction and facial expressions deserve immense praise, and his performance as Homelander has pulled in viewers season upon season. The Boys has also featured incredible father-centric storylines, such as the season 3 twist between Homelander and Soldier Boy (Jensen Ackles), and Butcher's unlikely bond with Ryan.

6 MASH

1972-1983

Several decades after it ended, MASH still has one of the best TV show finales of all time. The hit show followed a group of soldiers, including Alan Alda as Hawkeye and Wayne Rogers as Trapper, throughout the Korean War. The hilarious-yet-heartfelt sitcom was praised for the strong friendships it displayed onscreen, especially between Hawkeye and B.J. (Mike Ferrell). One small criticism the show faced was that it ran for 11 seasons, whereas the Korean War in the 1950s lasted for a three-year period.

MASH could be a relatable show for some Dads because they served in the army or perhaps simply because they could see themselves reflected in the characters.

MASH gave off big Dad Show energy because of its themes of perseverance and family. MASH could be a relatable show for some Dads because they served in the army or perhaps simply because they could see themselves reflected in the characters. Although war comedy TV shows have burned out in recent years, largely in an effort to emulate MASH's success, the 1960s progenitor has remained a timeless classic in the genre for Dads and non-Dads alike.

5 Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan

2018-2023

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buy Not available Not available Not available A new adaptation of the popular book series, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan follows the titular character as he goes from CIA analyst to being thrust into the middle of a conspiracy that threatens to uproot the world and its status quo. When Jack stumbles upon strange bank transfers during routine analysis, he's tossed from the comfort of his desk job into the world of action, espionage, and political intrigue to investigate. But, unfortunately, Jack's search for answers will take him to the heart of a dangerous terrorist ring that seeks to destabilize the U.S. and its allies. Cast John Krasinski , Wendell Pierce , Abbie Cornish , Ali Suliman , Dina Shihabi , John Hoogenakker , Noomi Rapace , Jordi Molla , Francisco Denis , Cristina Umaña Release Date August 31, 2018 Seasons 4

Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, based on the Ryanverse novel series, starred John Krasinski as the titular character. The show ended in 2023 and brought Jack Ryan's story to a close after four seasons of the character traveling across the globe, getting caught up in political warfare wherever he went. Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan received praise from critics for its beautiful cinematography and Krasinski's charismatic performance, especially because of how clearly committed to the role he was.

Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, considered to be a staple in the Dad Show subgenre, had many amazing stunts and chase scenes.

Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, considered to be a staple in the Dad Show subgenre, had many amazing stunts and chase scenes. In season 3, for example, Jack Ryan jumped from a helicopter and into the ocean - a sequence that Krasinski performed himself. These tense moments in the show were amazingly framed, and this combination of pumping action with hard-hitting political thriller elements is what makes Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan such a satisfying Dad Show to binge-watch and one of Prime Video's best original TV shows.

4 The Sopranos

1999-2007

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buy Not available Not available Not available Considered to be a quintessential drama series to watch, The Sopranos is a crime-drama series that follows Tony Soprano, who tries to manage the expectations of an Italian-American patriarch while acting as the head of a prolific New Jersey crime family. Burdened by the stress of the expectations thrust upon him, Tony regularly visits a therapist throughout the series run. This helps give context to Tony's actions as a ruthless boss with violent tendencies. Cast James Gandolfini , Lorraine Bracco , Edie Falco , Michael Imperioli , Dominic Chianese , Steven Van Zandt , Tony Sirico , Robert Iler , Jamie-Lynn Sigler Release Date January 10, 1999 Seasons 6

The Sopranos received a huge amount of praise for its use of both comedic and dramatic storylines, resulting in some of the best scenes in TV history. The show famously followed the lives of New Jersey mobster Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) and his family, focusing on his eternal battle between protecting loved ones, fending off rival criminals, and dealing with anxiety attacks. This interesting blend of worlds was what made The Sopranos so engaging, and these elements would ultimately inspire many copycats.

The Sopranos was labeled a Dad Show because it highlighted the struggles of being a father brilliantly.

The Sopranos was labeled a Dad Show because it highlighted the struggles of being a father brilliantly. Although the typical Dad wouldn't be a mobster, hopefully, viewers from all walks of life were able to relate to Tony's struggles. Even in the pilot, the show quickly established itself as a Dad Show by jumping between moments of humor and danger with ease - two integral qualities for the subgenre.

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3 Yellowstone

2018-

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buy Not available Not available Not available Yellowstone stars Kevin Costner and centers on his character John Dutton. Dutton and his family live on a cattle ranch just a few hours away from Yellowstone National Park. The series chronicles the family’s struggle to defend their home from an Indian reservation and land developers. As if their life wasn’t complicated enough, the Duttons also have medical issues, political aspirations, and family secrets stacked against them. Cast Finn Little , Brecken Merrill , Gil Birmingham , Denim Richards , Ian Bohen , Danny Huston , Kelly Reilly , Forrie J. Smith , Cole Hauser , Kelsey Asbille , Wes Bentley , Jefferson White , Kevin Costner , Luke Grimes , Ryan Bingham Release Date June 20, 2018 Seasons 5

Yellowstone provides an interesting new take on TV shows with a Western backdrop. Yellowstone is the story of the Dutton family, the owners of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, the largest in Montana. Although all of the show's stellar characters have enjoyed praise, patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner) remains the standout. Combined with its various prequels, the Yellowstone franchise notably uses a non-linear narrative to jump back and forth in time and engage audiences in a story about the Duttons protecting their land and dealing with conflicts, both with their enemies and internally.

John Dutton was relatable to many Dads because of his strict personality and his determination to keep his family safe.

Despite having a log mansion and his own helicopter, John Dutton is relatable to many Dads because of his strict personality and determination to keep his family safe. Because John is a single father, having lost his wife years prior, audiences were able to gain a deeper understanding of the way his mind worked, which was what made him such an interesting character from the very beginning. Yellowstone season 5, part 2 will be the show's final run, which will surely devastate Dad Show fans.

Related 10 Best Westerns Of The 1990s These are the movies that reignited America's love affair with classic Westerns, as well as neo, revisionist, and anti-Western films during the '90s.

2 The A-Team

1983-1987

The A-Team (1983) Cast George Peppard , Tim Dunigan , Dirk Benedict , Dwight Schultz , Mr. T , Melinda Culea , Marla Heasley , Eddie Velez , Robert Vaughn , John Ashley Release Date January 23, 1983 Seasons 5

When it first aired in 1983, The A-Team introduced some of the most iconic fictional characters of all time. The show followed John "Hannibal" Smith (George Peppard), Templeton "Faceman" Peck (Dirk Benedict), H.M. "Howling Mad" Murdock (Dwight Schultz), and "B.A." Baracus (Mr. T), four former members of a Special Forces unit of the US Army. The show was praised for its hilarious moments, such as Baracus panicking about getting on a plane, but also for its incredible action and violent fight scenes.

Each episode of The A-Team was guaranteed to include explosions, drama, and plenty of laughs.

Each episode of The A-Team was guaranteed to include explosions, drama, and plenty of laughs. The A-Team can be easily considered one of the most "Dad" TV shows to have ever existed, especially because the show doesn't take itself seriously. Over the years, The A-Team has expanded into a huge franchise, spawning the 2010 feature film of the same name and the 2015 reboot TV series, but none of them match the sheer Dad Show appeal of the original.

1 Reacher

2022-

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buy Not available Not available Not available Produced by Amazon Prime Video, Reacher adapts Lee Child's Jack Reacher book series to live-action. The series follows veteran Military Police Officer Jack Reacher as he unravels a dangerous conspiracy in the fictional town of Margrave, Georgia. Played by the towering Alan Ritchson, the titular hero collaborates with officer Roscoe Conklin (Willa Fitzgerald) and Chief Detective Oscar Finlay (Malcolm Goodwin) to clean his name and save Margrave from crime and corruption. Cast Malcolm Goodwin , Maria Sten , Willa Fitzgerald , Bruce McGill , Chris Webster , Alan Ritchson , Anthony Michael Hall , Brian Tee , Johnny Berchtold , Daniel David Stewart Release Date February 4, 2022 Seasons 3

Reacher stands out as the ultimate Dad TV show for several reasons. Based on the Lee Child book series, Reacher sees Alan Ritchson portray the titular role, taking audiences on a journey of fast-paced drama and gripping mysteries. Jack Reacher's extensive military knowledge and quick reflexes provide the show with multiple action-packed scenes, which helped him escape murder charges in season 1 and avenge the death of Calvin Franz (Luke Bilyk) in season 2.

In a nutshell, Jack Reacher essentially fought crime with his fists and enjoyed blowing stuff up.

Reacher's huge success is due to its combination of fight scenes, heart-racing chases, and shootouts. The show's label as a Dad show could also be attributed to Jack Reacher as a character. In a nutshell, Reacher fights crime, beats people bloody, and blows stuff up. Although there have been plenty of great Dad TV shows, Reacher took the number-one spot immediately after it was released, and will likely remain there when Reacher season 3 arrives.