There are some truly incredible father figures in Found family relationships in TV shows create some rather emotional moments, and it’s always heartwarming to see someone who takes on a parental role despite having no need to do so.

Father figures come in many forms. Several great TV shows about unbreakable sibling bonds see situations like this, for example. However, not every father figure needs to have a biological or direct familial relation - they can also be mentors, teachers, or friends as well. Regardless of whether or not characters call them dad, these father figures are the best of the best.

10 Captain Raymond Holt

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021)

The Brooklyn Nine-Nine episodes that focus on Captain Holt prove that although he and Kevin have no children, he is still a brilliant father figure. This is apparent from the pilot, and the ways he tries to make Jake a better person in this episode and throughout the rest of the show highlights the kind of man Raymond Holt is.

While Holt is typically a father figure to Jake, whose relationship with his own dad is complex, the police captain serves as a surrogate parent to all of his squad. In fact, Amy frequently refers to Holt and Kevin as their “Dads.”

The best Captain Holt quotes in Brooklyn Nine-Nine are both hilarious and profound, but most are applicable to a parent-child interaction. What’s so great about this part of Holt’s development, however, is that it’s clear his past grievances with the NYPD and their treatment of him is so impactful that it influences how he deals with his detectives.

9 Joel Miller

The Last Of Us (2023-Present)

Joel Miller becoming the surrogate father of Ellie in The Last of Us is an emotional journey. Considering Joel lost his own daughter, it would be understandable if he decided to steer far away from a lone kid. Despite the risk that he could face the same heartbreak again, Joel steps up and stands by Ellie’s side. While the loss of Sarah is hard enough, Joel’s fatherly instincts don’t waver, and he simply cannot let Ellie wander alone.

Taking Ellie with him doesn’t make sense, but the possibility that her immunity to the infection can help those who are still clinging on to life is something Joel can’t ignore. What Joel does is rather brave, really, but it’s great that his own past grief and haunting memories don’t get in the way of him helping save Ellie, and I can’t wait to see where The Last of Us season 2 takes them next.

8 Rupert Giles

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

I have a feeling Rupert Giles doesn’t expect to be a father figure when he becomes Sunnydale’s Watcher in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but I’m sure he wouldn’t have it any other way, either. Giles serves as a mentor to pretty much every member of the Scooby Gang.

It’s hilarious to see his interactions with the teenagers, and the fact there are some negative moments only cements his father figure status even more.

Of course, his role as Buffy Summers’ Watcher is the most important, but he also has a parental relationship with the others, too. It’s hilarious to see his interactions with the teenagers, and the fact there are some negative moments only cements his father figure status even more.

Giles takes Buffy’s achievements and failures rather personally, which highlights how seriously he takes his job and how much he cares about the titular character. Even though Giles leaves in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 6, which is a little contradictory of his relationship with Buffy, he still comes back to help save Sunnydale.

7 Steve Harrington

Stranger Things (2016-2025)

Steve Harrington’s complex relationship with his own father in Stranger Things clearly plays a part in how he treats the kids. Steve is often referred to as a “Mom,” and is a motherly, fatherly, and everything-in-between kind of figure, so it doesn’t really matter what we call him - he’s family, simple as that. He has a particularly strong connection with Dustin. Dustin may not get off to the best start with Steve, but it’s beautiful to watch their bond change and progress across the Stranger Things timeline.

As a teenager, it’s strange that Steve gets so invested in Dustin and the other kids. However, it’s clear by the advice and encouragement he offers them that they’re stuck with Steve, whether they like it or not. The fates of the show’s characters aren’t often happy ones, which makes me worry about Steve’s ending in Stranger Things season 5. Hopefully, regardless of what happens to him, Dustin will always Steve fondly.

6 Bobby Singer

Supernatural (2005-2020)

Supernatural killing off Bobby in season 7 is a heartbreaking moment for all involved, and it’s devastating knowing that the last person in the Winchester brothers’ lives who resemble family is gone. However, even after his death, Bobby finds ways to help out Sam and Dean when necessary. Bobby’s relationship with the boys is truly amazing, and Sam and Dean often consider him a better father than John.

The pair is able to confide in Bobby, share their true selves with him, and feel safe in his presence. Plus, although Bobby is helpful when it comes to demon hunting, their relationship doesn’t entirely revolve around it either, which is a breath of fresh air and allows the Winchesters to have more of a purpose. Even though John didn’t want Bobby to teach the boys more normal life activities, this doesn’t stop him from doing so later on, feeling confident in his decisions over their actual father.

5 Mr. Feeny

Boy Meets World (1993-2000)

The words, “I love you all. Class dismissed.” tug on the heartstrings of Boy Meets World audiences. While Mr. Feeny may be the surrogate father figure to his students, he’s also one to viewers, too. The teacher has an incredible amount of influence on the kids he oversees throughout all 7 seasons of Boy Meets World, especially Cory and Eric Matthews, who he lives next door to.

Feeny’s door is always open, and there is nothing the children can’t come to him about. What’s so great about Feeny is that he knows when something has happened, and sometimes he gets overly stressed when he’s aware of an instance, but nobody has spoken to him about it.

This is a sign of a good parental figure. Feeny doesn’t want to overstep, but he can’t help but react to the knowledge of someone he cares about hurting. Being compared to Feeny is the ultimate compliment, so it’s sweet when Topanga compares a grown-up Cory to their teacher.

4 Spencer Shay

iCarly (2007-2012)

Spencer may be the eccentric and seemingly irresponsible older brother of iCarly’s titular character, but the fact he is raising his younger sister is something I think the show doesn’t spend enough time discussing. However, the moment that truly proves the best place for Carly is with Spencer is in the episode “iWanna Stay With Spencer.” Spencer still having Carly’s asthma inhaler, despite her not having an attack for years, is such a little thing, but it shows he’s on top of things when it comes to caring for her.

Spencer and Carly’s relationship with their parents is complicated, and something the original show and reboot don’t provide very good answers about. However, Spencer makes up for this. His wackiness may seem immature, but he isn’t afraid to be a parent when he needs to, especially in the name of Carly’s health or happiness.

3 Mr. Moseby

The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody (2005-2008)

Because of Mr. Tipton’s absence in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, hotel manager Mr. Moseby steps into the role of parent for London. Being a fatherly figure to London is a difficult task for Moseby, especially as he doesn’t want to push the boundaries put in place by his boss, but at the same time, he can’t stand by and let the girl essentially raise herself, either.

The Suite Life of Zack & Cody’s PRNDL scene may be one of the funniest moments in the show, but it also demonstrates just how much patience Moseby has for London. If anything, without Moseby’s influence, it’s likely London would be even more unbearable, out-of-touch, and would struggle to form natural friendships with people like Maddy. What’s really wholesome, however, is that London gives Moseby something else to strive for other than his already hectic job.

2 Ron Swanson

Parks And Recreation (2009-2015)

While he becomes a biological father later on, Parks and Recreation’s Ron Swanson also serves as a parental figure way before this. Ron takes on Diane's daughters like his own very quickly, but his first fatherly role is to Andy and April, which is apparent in many of Parks and Recreation’s best episodes.

Ron Swanson in the early seasons of Parks and Recreation seems like the furthest thing from a father, but April and Andy’s presence softens him over time.

April and Ron’s ideals are rather similar, something that the head of Pawnee’s Parks department appreciates, and he takes great steps to help her career progression despite his beliefs. Ron sees the good in Andy, too. Ultimately, he likes the pair because he sees the potential they have in derailing the government, but this later changes.

Ron Swanson in the early seasons of Parks and Recreation seems like the furthest thing from a father, but April and Andy’s presence softens him over time. It’s adorable that he spends their wedding fixing up their home, and he later pays for Andy’s college education, too. Despite becoming a father later on, this doesn’t stop Ron from still being present in Andy and April’s lives.

1 Luke Danes

Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

Luke Danes in Gilmore Girls initially struggles with becoming a father to April, especially because he fails to make Lorelai aware of the young girl’s existence, which is strange, considering how incredible a parental figure he is to Rory. The youngest Gilmore’s relationship with her father is complicated, but Luke is more of a dad to Rory than Christopher, and he frequently proves this throughout the show.

Even when Luke and Lorelai’s relationship in Gilmore Girls is on the rocks, the diner owner is still there for Rory. Luke offers advice to Rory about her love life, helps her move into her college dorm, and even fights with Christopher about getting involved in Rory’s business. Luke doesn’t have to take Rory on in his life, or even care about her when he isn’t with Lorelai, but he has zero hesitancy in doing so.