Tag: The Cosby Show

In honor of Father’s Day, the best TV dads are…

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on June 13, 2014.

Since I picked the best TV moms for Mother’s Day, it’s only fair I pick the best TV dads for Father’s Day.

My top picks are:

Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable, “The Cosby Show“

Not only was this a breakthrough show for African-Americans on TV, it featured one great dad. He’s so great, in fact, he’s No. 1 on the “50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time” list by TV Week.

Dr. Huxtable knew how to be tough, but he could always make his kids laugh.

He poked fun at his kids too, especially his son, Theo, including the time when Theo begged to get his ear pierced.

All fun aside, he taught his children how to love and how to grow.

Danny Tanner, Jesse Katsopolis and Joey Gladstone, “Full House“

With this ’90s sitcom, it was impossible to pick just one of these three “dads.”

Danny was the biological dad, Jesse was the uncle and Joey was the lifelong friend. They all took care of Danny’s three children when his wife died.

Danny needed Joey and Jesse. He needed support.

The trio worked together, balancing each other out.

Phil Dunphy, “Modern Family“

Phil might not know how to be the best dad, but he tries.

And he tries with flair.

He’s not afraid to be a dork or to be vulnerable.

Plus he wants to help, even if it’s in a quirky way. I would love to have his “Phil’s-osophy” book.

Burt Hummel, “Glee“

On Glee, it’s crystal clear how much Burt loves his son, Kurt, because of the journey Burt has taken on the show.

Viewers saw him accept his son, who is gay; stand up for his son; and even learn the “Single Ladies” dance as a high school graduation gift.

The scenes Burt and Kurt have together always bring a smile to my face or a tear to my eye.

Other notable fathers include:

Obviously there are many more great TV dads. Let me know your favorites in the comments.

Also, don’t forget to tell the father figure in your life how much you appreciate him.

The best TV moms are…

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on May 8, 2014.

In honor of Mother’s Day 2014, I thought this would be a good opportunity to pick the best TV moms.

My top picks are:

Lorelai Gilmore, “Gilmore Girls“

I’ve already talked about my love for  “Gilmore Girls” before, but I am a big fan of the character Lorelai.

She’s a fun mom. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of the Gilmore Girls movie nights or the all-night junk food binges?

But she’s also a tough mom. Lorelai could be blunt with Rory, her daughter whom she had at 16, and she wasn’t afraid to tell her to be careful.

Clair Hanks Huxtable, “The Cosby Show“

Clair Huxtable balanced it all. She was a lawyer, a wife and a mom to five children.

The Cosby Show was one of those great, almost timeless family sitcoms. And Clair was a mom who kept everyone together.

She laughed with her children, taught them life lessons and still made time to poke fun at her husband, playfully, of course.

Rebecca Katsopolis, “Full House“

Rebecca Katsopolis was the woman needed to balance out all the men on this ’90s family sitcom.

Before she was a mom to twins Nicky and Alex, she became a stand-in mom for D.J., Stephanie and Michelle, her co-host Danny’s three daughters.

Rebecca taught D.J. how to properly apply make-up and offered to take Stephanie to a mother-daughter slumber party.

She was the mom they needed when Danny was unsure how to proceed. And viewers loved her for it.

Amy Matthews, “Boy Meets World“

Amy took care of three somewhat-wild children, and her husband, who sometimes made rash decisions. And she managed to be honest with her children about growing up.

Most of all, she took Topanga and Shawn in as her own.

Other notable mothers include:

Obviously there are many more great TV moms. Let me know your favorites in the comments.

Also, don’t forget to tell the mother in your life how much you appreciate her.