15 Best "Dad Shows" Of All Time - Tudo em Smartphone (2024)

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.

15 Band Of Brothers (2001)

1 Season, 10 Episodes

World War II is a subject that seems to be a subject of fascination for “dad” audiences, so it only makes sense that the best WWII series would make for a great dad show. Band of Brothers is a 10-episode miniseries produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks which follows the true story of the soldiers of Easy Company through the events of the war. The story begins in basic training and stretches right to the end of the war.

Band of Brothers changed television in the scale and production value that was used in bringing these epic battles to life. It rivals the battle scenes in any WWII movie while also providing harrowing storytelling in following these soldiers through it all. The show touches on themes of courage and camaraderie among these men while also exploring the idea that these were ordinary people thrown into an extraordinary situation, having to become the best of the best.

14 Justified (2010-2015)

6 Seasons, 78 Episodes

Justified

Based on the fictional stories by Elmore Leonard, Justified is a neo-Western crime drama following the adventures of Old West lawman Marshal Raylan Givens, who is reassigned to his home county in Kentucky after a controversial shooting.

Cast

Jere Burns , Erica Tazel , Timothy Olyphant , Nick Searcy , Jacob Pitts , Walton Goggins , Natalie Zea , Joelle Carter

Release Date

March 16, 2010

Seasons

6

Westerns are another popular genre among “dad shows,” and while there are plenty of great shows set in the Wild West, Justified is a terrific update that captures the genre’s feel with a modern crime approach. Timothy Olyphant stars as Raylan Givens, a US Marshal who sees himself as a cowboy born in the wrong century. Following a showdown with a gangster, Raylan is reassigned to his hometown in Kentucky, where he tangles with the local criminal element, which includes his old friend Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins).

Raylan is the kind of protagonist that dad audiences love. He is a man who is filled with confidence and witty one-liners which are almost as impressive as his quick-draw skills. Boyd also makes for a great anti-hero as the charming outlaw who is much smarter than people give him credit for. There are shootouts and standoffs that add to the thrilling action of the series, but also a great sense of pulpy humor that showcases the sharp dialogue of the show.

13 Sons Of Anarchy (2008-2014)

7 Seasons, 92 Episodes

Sons of Anarchy

Sons of Anarchy, created by Kurt Sutter, follows a notorious outlaw motorcycle club, the Sons of Anarchy, as they confront drug dealers, corporate developers, and law enforcement to protect their livelihoods and their hometown of Charming, CA. Loosely based on William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” Sons of Anarchy explores what happens when the seduction of money and power comes between family. The show follows the Teller and Morrow family legacies, with Jackson ‘Jax’ Teller handling his duties as the V.P. of the club while dealing with the new president – his stepfather – Clay Morrow.

Cast

Kim Coates , Charlie Hunnam , Theo Rossi , Mark Boone Junior , Maggie Siff , Katey Sagal , Tommy Flanagan , Ron Perlman

Release Date

September 8, 2008

Seasons

7

Dads love to cheer for the outlaws so long as they are the right kind of outlaws to follow. Sons of Anarchy brings audiences into the world of a biker gang with the various members participating in criminal activity and contending with their dangerous enemies. However, there are also conflicts among the members of SAMCRO, leading to a lot of drama over the course of the seven seasons.

Sons of Anarchy is filled with flawed and violent characters who are thrilling to follow on the bloody journey through the show. Protagonist Jax Teller is a particularly compelling character as he exhibits the kind of admirable values like protecting his loved ones and punishing the wicked that this type of audience loves. However, he is also brutal in his retribution. It is a Shakespearean epic told with a grittiness that appeals to a mainstream crowd.

12 Bosch (2014-2021)

7 Seasons, 68 Episodes

Bosch

Bosch is a crime drama series created by Eric Ellis Overmyer that ran for seven seasons on Prime Video between 2014 and 2021.The series centers on Harry Bosch, an LAPD homicide detective that is juggling the case of a 13-year-old murder victim while standing trial after murdering a serial killer. After season 7 Bosch was followed by Bosch: Legacy in 2022.

Cast

Titus Welliver , Jamie Hector , Amy Aquino , Lance Reddick , Madison Lintz , Troy Evans , DaJuan Johnson , Mimi Rogers

Release Date

February 6, 2014

Seasons

7

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Tough cops are one of the most common characters in “dad shows”. These have always been characters who appeal to that audience, going back to movie characters as well, like Dirty Harry or Die Hard’s John McClane. The character of Harry Bosch is another character who fits perfectly into this category. Bosch is a character created by crime writer Michael Connelly, appearing in a number of books. He is a driven detective in the LAPD who believes in justice but is willing to bend the rules to bring down his target.

Titus Welliver plays the grizzled detective to perfection, a cop who is intelligent and skilled at his job but is often frustrated with the constraints of the job he feels hold him back from catching the bad guys. It is a hard-boiled series with each season focusing on Bosch’s investigation of one big case. While Bosch ended after seven seasons, it continues with the sequel series, Bosch: Legacy.

11 The Shield (2002-2008)

7 Seasons, 88 Episodes

The Shield

The Shield is a gritty police drama starring Michael Chiklis as Detective Vic Mackey, the leader of a corrupt anti-gang unit in Los Angeles who breaks the law because he thinks it’s the only way to bring criminals to justice. The series ran for seven seasons on FX and received several nominations, including Emmy and Golden Globe nods.

Cast

Walton Goggins , Michael Jace , CCH Pounder , Michael Chiklis , Catherine Dent , Paula Garces , Benito Martinez , Glenn Close , Jay Karnes , David Rees Snell , Kenny Johnson , David Marciano , Reed Diamond , Cathy Cahlin Ryan

Release Date

March 12, 2002

Seasons

7

The Shield introduced another character into the collection of “tough cops” on television, but Vic Mackey challenged the notion of cheering for this kind of character. Mackey is a tough and brutal LAPD detective heading a Strike Team, taking down the city’s most dangerous criminals. However, while Mackey earns and is proud of his reputation of being hard on criminals, he is also a corrupt cop who proves he has no line that he is not willing to cross.

The first scene of The Shield ends with Mackey executing a fellow police officer he suspected of being an informant for internal affairs. From that moment, it is clear that Mackey is not a misguided cop who bends the rules to bring down bad guys, but rather that he is a criminal himself. Yet Mackey is an endlessly compelling cop who the audience can find themselves rooting for at times as he does take down some even worse offenders. In the age of Tony Soprano and the complex TV protagonist, Mackey offered a truly flawed lead character.

10 Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)

6 Seasons, 36 Episodes

Peaky Blinders

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.

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.

9 Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

5 Seasons, 62 Episodes

Breaking Bad

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

Bryan Cranston , Aaron Paul , Dean Norris , Betsy Brandt , Anna Gunn , RJ Mitte , Bob Odenkirk , Jonathan Banks , Giancarlo Esposito , Steven Michael Quezada , Charles Baker , Christopher Cousins , Matt Jones , Michael Shamus Wiles , Lavell Crawford , Jesse Plemons , Ray Campbell , Tina Parker , Carmen Serano , Emily Rios , Krysten Ritter , Laura Fraser , Jeremiah Bitsui , Mark Margolis , Ian Posada , David House , David Costabile , michael bowen , Kevin Rankin , Aaron Hill , Harry Groener , Patrick Sane , Daniel Moncada , Luis Moncada , Marius Stan , Bill Burr , Todd Terry , Jessica Hecht , Tait Fletcher , Rodney Rush , Kaija Roze Bales , Matt Metzler , John de Lancie , Tom Kiesche , Jere Burns , Maurice Compte , Morse Bicknell , Nigel Gibbs , Tess Harper , Raymond Cruz , Max Arciniega , Cesar Garcia , Jesus Jr. , Michael Bofshever , Julie Dretzin , Mike Seal , Christopher Dempsey , Javier Grajeda , Mike Batayeh , Chris Freihofer , Louis Ferreira , Gonzalo Menendez , Jason Douglas , Adam Godley

Release Date

January 20, 2008

Seasons

5

Breaking Bad made quite the name for itself when it was 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 premier meth manufacturers.

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.

8 The Man From UNCLE (1964-1968)

4 Seasons, 105 Episodes

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964)

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is a spy fiction television series that originally aired from 1964 to 1968. The show follows the adventures of Napoleon Solo, an American spy, and Illya Kuryakin, a Russian spy, who work together for the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement (U.N.C.L.E.).

Cast

Robert Vaughn , david mccallum , Leo G. Carroll

Release Date

September 22, 1964

Seasons

4

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 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-)

4 Seasons, 32 Episodes

The Boys

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.

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 5 will bring the series to an epic and bloody conclusion. 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. 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)

11 Seasons, 256 Episodes

M*A*S*H

Originally adapted from the 1970 film of the same name, M*A*S*H encompasses comedy, drama, and everything in between as it follows the lives of army doctors stationed in Uijeongbu, South Korea, during the Korean War.

Cast

Alan Alda , Wayne Rogers , Loretta Swit , Mike Farrell , Harry Morgan , Jamie Farr , David Ogden Stiers

Release Date

September 17, 1972

Seasons

11

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 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)

4 Seasons, 30 Episodes

Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan

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. 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)

6 Seasons, 86 Episodes

The Sopranos

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. 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.

3 Yellowstone (2018-

5 Seasons, 47 Episodes

Yellowstone

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.

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. It will be especially hard to take without Kevin Costner returning.

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2 The A-Team (1983-1987)

5 Seasons, 98 Episodes

The A-Team (1983)

The A-Team is an action-packed television series that aired in 1983 which follows a fictitious group of ex-United States Army Special Forces who work as mercenaries. The team uses their military skills to fight injustice while running from the military for a crime they didn’t commit.

Cast

George Peppard , Dirk Benedict , Mr. T , Dwight Schultz

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. 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-)

2 Seasons, 16 Episodes

Reacher

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

1

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.

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.