Television dads from the ’60s and ’70s were often portrayed as wise, authoritative, and the unquestioned heads of their households. They were the ones who dispensed advice, kept their families in line, and ruled with a firm but (usually) loving hand. But looking back, many of their parenting styles and attitudes wouldn’t hold up in today’s world. Whether they were too strict, dismissive of their kids’ feelings, or stuck in outdated gender roles, these classic TV dads would be considered problematic by today’s standards. Let’s take a look at 14 classic TV dads from the ’60s and ’70s who would be problematic today.
1. Howard Cunningham – Happy Days
Howard Cunningham (Tom Bosley) was the lovable dad of Richie and Joanie, but his hands-off parenting style would definitely raise eyebrows today. He often dismissed Joanie’s ambitions while indulging Richie’s adventures, reinforcing the idea that boys had more freedom than girls. His relaxed attitude toward Fonzie, a grown man constantly hanging out with high schoolers, would also lead to some serious social media side-eye. Mr. C meant well, but his old-school values wouldn’t fly in today’s world.
2. Mike Brady – The Brady Bunch
Mike Brady (Robert Reed) was progressive for his time, but his approach to discipline and family matters still had its flaws. He often gave long-winded speeches rather than actually addressing his kids’ concerns, and his parenting style sometimes felt more performative than hands-on. In today’s world, his expectation that Carol handled all the housework while he “brought home the bacon” would definitely be called out. While he had good intentions, modern audiences might find his passive fathering style lacking.
3. Ward Cleaver – Leave It to Beaver
Ward Cleaver (Hugh Beaumont) was the textbook example of the traditional 1950s and ’60s patriarch, and that’s exactly why he’d be problematic today. He expected June to handle everything at home while he provided financial support, never questioning whether their arrangement was fair. His approach to discipline often involved stern lectures rather than real conversations with his kids, reinforcing a strict father-knows-best mentality. Modern parenting has moved toward emotional connection, making Ward’s detached style feel outdated.
4. Steve Douglas – My Three Sons
Steve Douglas (Fred MacMurray) was a single dad raising three boys, which was progressive in its own way, but his parenting methods wouldn’t hold up today. He was incredibly hands-off, rarely getting deeply involved in his kids’ emotional lives. Much of the real parenting was done by the family’s housekeeper, Uncle Charley, reinforcing the idea that raising kids was not a dad’s primary role. In today’s world, Steve would be called out for his distant, work-first approach to fatherhood.
5. George Jefferson – The Jeffersons
George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) was ambitious and successful, but he was also loud, stubborn, and dismissive of his son Lionel’s more progressive views. He frequently belittled his wife Louise, and while it was meant to be humorous, his constant put-downs would be labeled as toxic today. George’s unwillingness to accept change, particularly regarding race relations and gender roles, would make him a controversial figure in today’s social climate. His no-filter approach would keep him permanently trending on social media.
6. Archie Bunker – All in the Family
Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor) wasn’t just problematic—he was designed to be problematic. As the grumpy, bigoted father of the Bunker household, Archie constantly voiced outdated opinions on race, gender roles, and politics. While the show made it clear that Archie’s views were meant to be challenged, today’s social media would have a field day dissecting every offensive remark he made. He’d be the kind of TV dad who’d go viral for all the wrong reasons.
7. Fred Sanford – Sanford and Son
Fred Sanford (Redd Foxx) was hilarious, but let’s be honest—his parenting was questionable at best. He constantly insulted his son Lamont, calling him a “big dummy” in nearly every episode, and rarely gave him genuine encouragement. While it was played for laughs, in today’s world, this kind of father-son dynamic would be seen as emotionally damaging rather than comedic. His over-the-top fake heart attacks to get his way wouldn’t win him any parenting awards either.
8. Darrin Stephens – Bewitched
Darrin Stephens (played first by Dick York, then by Dick Sargent) had one of the most magical wives in TV history, but he spent most of the show trying to stop her from using her powers. Instead of embracing his wife’s abilities, he constantly demanded that Samantha live a “normal” life and downplay who she really was. In today’s world, his insistence that she conform to traditional housewife expectations would spark major backlash. Audiences today would be rooting for Samantha to ditch Darrin and live her best magical life.
9. James Evans Sr. – Good Times
James Evans Sr. (John Amos) was a hardworking, no-nonsense father who cared deeply about his family, but his approach to parenting was often harsh. He relied heavily on tough love and strict discipline, often dismissing his kids’ emotions and dreams if they didn’t align with his vision of success. In today’s parenting culture, where emotional validation is encouraged, his hard-edged style would be seen as too authoritarian. While his struggles as a father were realistic, his refusal to adapt would put him at odds with modern audiences.
10. Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable – The Cosby Show
Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable (Bill Cosby) was once considered the ultimate TV dad, but his character—and the actor behind him—are now mired in controversy. His charming yet strict approach to parenting would seem outdated today, especially his tendency to lecture rather than listen. And given the real-life allegations against Bill Cosby, the character itself has become impossible to separate from his off-screen reputation. What was once a beloved father figure is now a deeply problematic reminder of how times have changed.
11. Jed Clampett – The Beverly Hillbillies
Jed Clampett (Buddy Ebsen) was lovable and kind-hearted, but his old-fashioned, country-style parenting would be seen as outdated today. His approach to raising Elly May often revolved around keeping her from being too independent or modern, reinforcing outdated gender roles. His casual approach to wealth and privilege also wouldn’t sit well in today’s more socially conscious world. While he wasn’t the worst TV dad, his folksy ways would feel out of place in 2024.
12. Major Anthony Nelson – I Dream of Jeannie
Major Nelson (Larry Hagman) had a literal genie at his disposal, yet he spent most of his time ordering her around and insisting she not use her powers. Much like Darrin from Bewitched, he tried to force Jeannie into a traditional, submissive housewife role rather than letting her be her true self. His constant dismissiveness of Jeannie’s abilities and his tendency to take her for granted would definitely make him problematic today. Viewers today would be yelling, “Jeannie, leave him already!”
13. Ricky Ricardo – I Love Lucy
Ricky Ricardo (Desi Arnaz) may have loved Lucy, but his habit of scolding her like a child and trying to control her actions wouldn’t hold up today. His frequent outbursts in Spanish whenever he was frustrated were meant to be comedic, but they often came across as condescending. Ricky’s expectation that Lucy stay in her role as a housewife instead of chasing her showbiz dreams would put him in hot water with modern audiences. He might have been charming, but his controlling nature wouldn’t win him any fans today.
Classic TV dads may have been beloved in their time, but many of their behaviors, attitudes, and parenting styles wouldn’t sit well in today’s world. While these characters shaped decades of television, modern audiences would have a lot to say about their problematic tendencies. Looking back, it’s clear that fatherhood—and TV itself—has come a long way.
