They can be protectors, providers, mentors, or comic relief. They can be quiet sources of strength or gregarious and opinionated. Some show love through big gestures, while others let it shine in small moments. Indeed, fathers come in all forms. And whatever their style, dads help us understand ourselves and the world, and create legacies that ripple through generations.

Last month, we celebrated the moms of UPtv by showcasing the wise, feisty, loving women who lift their families and communities. With Father’s Day upon us, it’s time to turn our attention to a few standout TV dads. We think these fictional fathers do more than just inspire and entertain; they reflect the rich variety of fatherhood we see in real life.

Mike Baxter | Last Man Standing

The Traditional Dad with a Big Heart
Beloved comedian Tim Allen portrays Mike Baxter, the kind of dad who has a “take” on just about everything. He believes in hard work, self-reliance, and speaking his mind. But beneath his sarcastic quips and traditional ideals is a heart that is deeply invested in the people he loves.

Mike works hard to provide for his family, but he is also fully present and attuned to his children’s hearts. He mentors his daughters, supports his wife Vanessa, and never misses a chance to add humor to a serious conversation. Sure, his advice might come with a joke or a challenge, but it always comes from a place of love.

Jack Bartlett | Heartland

The Steadfast Anchor
Jack Bartlett (played by Shaun Johnston) is the gruff but deeply loving patriarch of the Heartland ranch. A former rodeo cowboy, he’s a man of few words but immense integrity and wisdom. He raised his granddaughters Amy and Lou after their mother’s death and has been a constant, reliable presence in their lives, offering guidance, support, and a moral compass. His traditional values often clash with modern ideas, leading to both humorous and poignant moments.

Despite his outwardly tough demeanor, he has a huge heart and is fiercely protective of his family, always putting their well-being first. He’s the rock of Heartland, holding everyone together through thick and thin.

Frank Reagan | Blue Bloods

The Patriarch and North Star
Legendary actor Tom Selleck plays Frank Reagan, the Police Commissioner of New York City and the steady head of the Reagan family. He is the one everyone turns to when life feels uncertain. Frank is consistently forced to navigate complex moral and ethical dilemmas, balancing his commitment to upholding the law with what he holds dearest—his family. He often provides wisdom and guidance to his children during their Sunday family dinners, which serve as the emotional and philosophical core of the show. While he faces immense public scrutiny and political pressure as Commissioner, Frank always strives to do what’s right, even if it’s unpopular. His strong convictions and sense of personal integrity are paramount.

Frank is an emblem of fathers who lead with quiet authority and unwavering values, showing that real strength lies in consistency and moral courage.

Brock Hart | Reba

The Clueless but Loveable Dad
On the surface, Brock Hart (played by Christopher Rich) isn’t exactly a role model. As Reba’s ex-husband and father of their children, he’s a man who often creates (hilarious) chaos without meaning to. But despite his missteps, Brock invariably tries to do the right thing. He is committed to staying connected to his kids and works to create a healthy family, even if it looks different than it used to.

What makes Brock lovable is his willingness to laugh at himself and keep trying. He is awkward, occasionally self-centered, and rarely the wisest guy in the room—especially when Reba is around—but his heart is always in the right place. Brock symbolizes the dads who mess up, own it, and still keep showing up. Sometimes love looks clumsy…but it is love all the same.

Whether they are teaching us to stand tall, to laugh at ourselves, or to try again when we fall short, dads influence our values and personal character in so many ways. It’s reassuring to see that these onscreen fathers really do mirror the complexities of the ones we know in our own lives.

So this Father’s Day, let’s celebrate the many ways fathers shape us. From the stoic to the silly, the steadfast to the surprising, every father has a role to play. And every good dad deserves to be honored.

Happy Father’s Day from all of us at UPtv! We’re proud to feature stories that reflect the guidance, humor, and devotion of great dads.

Melanie Gilbert owns Choral Communications and resides in Atlanta with her husband (and great dad!), daughter, and two cats.