TV Single Dads

While TV has more than its share of conventional nuclear families, some of the most memorable series have tinkered with that picture a bit. For more than 50 years, the single dad has been a staple for network viewers, appearing as the central figure in many a popular and long-running show.

Sometimes, parents divorced. Sometimes, mom died. Now and again, mom never showed up in the first place, leaving viewers to their own imagination. (Hey, it’s TV!)

Who are some of the most famous single dads in TV history?

Here’s our list, in order of appearance:

Lucas McCain (Chuck Connors), The Rifleman — 1958-63

Ben Cartwright (Lorne Greene), Bonanza – 1959-73

Steve Douglas (Fred MacMurray), My Three Sons – 1960-72

Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith), The Andy Griffith Show — 1960-68

Jed Clampett (Buddy Ebsen), The Beverly Hillbillies — 1962-71

“Uncle” Bill Davis (Brian Keith), Family Affair — 1966-71

Tom Corbett (Bill Bixby), The Courtship of Eddie’s Father — 1969-72

Fred G. Sanford (Redd Foxx), Sanford & Son — 1972-76

Gov. Gene Gatling (James Noble), Benson — 1979-86

Tony Micelli (Tony Danza), Who’s the Boss? — 1984-93

Danny Tanner (Bob Saget), Full House — 1987-96