12 TV Dads Who Inspire Us to Be Great Parents

Dads To: Lily

Why They Get Our Vote: It's impossible to pick a favorite between Modern Family's dynamic gay dad duo! Cam's over-the-top personality is the perfect complement to Mitchell's more serious nature. The combo makes for some of the show's most entertaining moments.

Lesson Learned: It's possible to be your partner's polar opposite and still be a great parent.

Source: ABC.com

Dad To: Greg, Peter, Bobby, Marcia, Jan, and Cindy

Why He Gets Our Vote: After falling in love with a woman who had hair of gold, Mike became the provider for six children. Despite a busy job as an architect, he always made sure to spend time with his family and share some much-needed words of wisdom with his kids.

Lesson Learned: Blending two families is not easy, but with lots of love and communication, you can make it work!

Source: ABC

Dad To: Kurt, and stepdad to Finn

Why He Gets Our Vote: He may the quintessential "man's man," working as an auto mechanic and feeling more at home at the football stadium than at the theater, but Burt's steadfast devotion and loyalty to his song-loving son makes him a winner in our books.

Lesson Learned: It's all about acceptance.

Source: FOX

Dad To: Bart, Lisa, and Maggie

Why He Gets Our Vote: His excessive eating, drinking, and belching habits may not win him any Dad of the Year awards, but as far as intentions go, Homer's heart is always in the right place.

Lesson Learned: You can be completely and totally yourself, and still be a good parent.

Source: FOX

Dad To: Sydney and Victor

Why He Gets Our Vote: He took on the role of stay-at-home dad so his wife, Julia, could keep her career as a high-profile lawyer. Not only does he embrace his daddy duties with pride, but he also loves his wife's close-knit (and at times, crazy) family.

Lesson Learned: Sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the ones we love, but it's always worth it.

Source: NBC

Dad To: Haley, Alex, and Luke

Why He Gets Our Vote: Because there is perhaps no other dad in the history of television who tries so hard to be cool for the sake of his kids.

Lesson Learned: You can be a goofy nerd . . . they'll love you anyway.

Source: ABC

Dad To: Mark, Randy, and Brad

Why He Gets Our Vote: Is there a better character out there to be a father to three boys? Tim's penchant for mechanics, building, and all things automotive makes him the ultimate "guy," and his propensity toward accidents makes him lovable . . . and laughable.

Lesson Learned: Befriend the neighbors — where would Tim have been without Mr. Wilson?

Source: ABC

Dad To: Lilly and Jane

Why He Gets Our Vote: As a divorced dad of two girls, Louie comes across his fair share of challenges (hello, puberty!). Yet he tackles each one in a humorous and relatable way. Not to mention, Louis C.K. has proven he's an awesome dad in real life too!

Lesson Learned: Dads are capable of more than we think!

Source: FX

Dad To: Walter Jr. and Holly

Why He Gets Our Vote: Heisenberg has taught us all what not to do as parents. Yes, his intentions started out good — earning a little extra cash to support his family. But eventually the power went to his head, and Walt ended up all by himself.

Lesson Learned: Don't become a drug dealer. . . ever!

Source: AMC