The dads of 1990s and 2000s sitcoms vary in personality and depth. Some aren't too involved in their families' lives, but others try their best to understand what everyone is going through. It's great when sitcom dads can be smart and sensitive, but by nature, they're also supposed to be funny.
Many dads from network television to cable offer a combination of emotional understanding and regular wit. Going back to television in the 90s and 2000s, there are some fantastic fathers, and these are the funniest of them all!
Danny Tanner (Full House)
Full House (1987-1995) would be a very different show without Danny Tanner (Bob Saget), the widower who accepts some much-needed help after his wife dies. Danny can be an intense person by nature, which plays out humorously onscreen. The dad is raising three young women with the help of his best friend, Joey, and his brother-in-law, Jesse.
Between the Tanner girls and the dynamic of the three dads, Danny has plenty of opportunities to be his neurotic, cheesy self. He makes viewers laugh in the homiest, most comforting way.
Sam McGuire (Lizzie McGuire)
Robert Carradine starred as Lizzie's dad, Sam, on Lizzie McGuire (2001-2004). Sam works during the day, although no one knows exactly what he does. On evenings and weekends, he can be seen bumbling through various projects around the house, getting into mischief with his baseball friends, or even trying to hang out with Matt and (occasionally) Lizzie. Sam has a heart of gold, and he is just oblivious enough to be funny without being incompetent.
Alan Matthews (Boy Meets World)
Boy Meets World (1993-2000) managed to pull just enough family time into the mix of friendships and romantic relationships that the show also portrayed. Though he has his serious moments, Alan Matthews (William Russ) can also be goofy and fun-loving. He wants to teach his kids that hard work matters, but time with loved ones is also paramount.
Alan keeps his word with Amy and the children, which helps strengthen his marriage and parenting skills. Fans will never forget all the fun moments with him, like his and Amy's nicknames, Bam-Bam and Pooh Bear.
Steve Stevens (Even Stevens)
On Even Stevens (2000-2003), the parents don't usually take center stage. However, Steve Stevens (Tom Virtue) gives the show its signature parental charm. The busy lawyer and his senator wife, Eileen, are involved in their children's lives without hovering.
Steve makes time with his kids a priority but knows to give them some space as they solve their problems. Aside from his frantic outbursts, usually due to Louis's mishaps, Steve has some great comedic moments woven throughout the series. One of the best is in "Luscious Lou," when Steve dons his old wrestling uniform for the whole neighborhood to see.
Carl Winslow (Family Matters)
Carl Winslow (Reginald VelJohnson) is a police officer, a father, and the involuntary best friend of Steve Urkel on Family Matters (1989-1998). Carl's comedy often comes through when he is in a scene with Steve or with his direct and wise wife, Harriette. The dad is prone to lose his cool too often, but he makes a great punchline and also tries to teach his kids a thing or two about being responsible, upstanding citizens.
Tim Taylor (Home Improvement)
Tim "The Toolman" Taylor (Tim Allen) ran the "Tool Time" show in Detroit with Al Borland (Richard Karn) on Home Improvement (1991-1999). Tim's storylines throughout the series often bring out his flaws and personal growth as a husband and father.
Portrayed by a well-known comedian and actor, Tim is hilarious to watch and perfect for the sitcom format. His own misunderstandings and shortcomings are fodder for some of the funniest moments on a show which still manages to be lasting and heartwarming.
Victor Baxter (That's So Raven)
Victor Baxter on That's So Raven (2003-2007) was played by Rondell Sheridan, a comedian, director, photographer, and actor. Sheridan's role as Victor is one of the most important on any Disney Channel sitcom.
This dad is a chef who leads by example in teaching his kids to work hard for their dreams. When Victor isn't running The Chill Grill, he's cooking up something amazing at home, where he often walks right into laughable situations with Tanya, Raven, and Cory.
Ray Campbell (Sister, Sister)
Sister, Sister (1994-1999) brought a new kind of blended family to television. Ray Campbell (Tim Reid) and his daughter, Tia, meet Tia's biological twin, Tamera, at the mall with her mother, Lisa. It doesn't take too long for Ray and Lisa to see how important it is for their girls to finish growing up together. This means that the two separate, adoptive families live together in Ray's home.
As he tries to put up with Lisa's habits, Ray is hilarious to watch and is a genuinely interesting character. He runs a thriving limousine service in Detroit and still puts his relationship with his daughter first, even when it means that he dusts off his old cheerleading chops to coach the C squad.
Ray Barone (Everybody Loves Raymond)
The main character of Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005) is Ray Barone (Ray Romano). He has a beautiful wife, Debra, three adorable kids, and a nosy family that loves to pay him unexpected visits. Ray's biggest downfall is that he sometimes tries to take shortcuts to make everybody around him happy and still get what he wants in life. Usually, Ray's problem-solving methods backfire, leading to hysterical situations that unfold by the end of each episode.
Marty Crane (Frasier)
It's not only the dads of young families who are noticed for being funny! Marty Crane (John Mahoney) lives with his son, Frasier, in Seattle during the run of Frasier (1993-2004). Marty is known for his outdated recliner, his trusty dog, Eddie, and his quick wit and ability to bring his haughty sons back down to Earth. Even when Niles and Frasier frustrate him to no end, Marty loves his sons and wants the best for them.