The WHN Guide to TV Dads

They weren't always perfect, but they were ours.

Hi hi hi.

I was trying to figure out what to do as an additional post this week and coming up with…nothing that felt interesting or fun. More often than not, I’m just going with an idea that hits me out of nowhere. I’m sure that’s deeply unsurprising to those of you who’ve been hanging out here for a while.

I, of course, knew that Father’s Day was coming up this weekend (summer, SLOW DOWN!) but wasn’t planning to do anything on that front until the sad news broke earlier this week that Treat Williams died from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident¹.

Treat had many fantastic roles in his career (hello, Hair!), but he also sits in my TV Dads That Made a Lasting Impact on Me Hall of Fame for his role as Dr. Andy Brown on Everwood, which we’ll get to in a second. Obviously, there have been many similar lists compiled over the years, but I figured why not do mine with a lil WHN spin, heavy on the Gen X of it all too². Though much like me, the list will be mildly generationally confused.

Before we get to all these fictional dads, I recognize that Father’s Day might be complicated or hard for some of you—for myriad reasons. I get it. I really, really do. I feel that way about Mother’s Day. Just know I see you and am always around here or in my DMs if you need a friend.

Also, a shout-out to my forever #1, the man, the myth, the legend that is my own dad, affectionately known as Gary G to many of you—whether you’ve had the pleasure of his company or not. To know him is to love him, and to be loved by him is one of the greatest gifts in my life. My parents’ support and belief in me, since the moment I was born, helped build the foundation for everything I’ve ever done.

GG has never stopped being curious about life and music and experiences—truly the embodiment of age just being a number, even when his life over the past 9+ years looked a lot different than how he planned it. I swear he has a more vibrant social life than I do.

We share a deep love of many things, not the least of which is music, especially seeing it live. He embraces my nonsense, but still loves to push my buttons. Very few people can get me as riled up and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love you so much, dad. You are truly one of one.

So Happy Father’s Day, to my dad and all the other dads, dad-adjacent people, and those who just bring paternal energy to others in their lives, in whatever form.

Okay, here we go. In no particular order. I’m feeling sure I will forget someone I adore, but you can help me fill in the gaps.