Okay, it’s the dad’s turn. Like the mom’s list, This is a list of movie and TV Dads who are single parents. They have to be single from the very start and not later in the project. If they are no longer single by the end of the project, that is completely fine. Both live-action and animated characters will be included on this list.
#10: Ben Wheeler- Baby Daddy
Baby Daddy was a sitcom on Freeform that centered on Ben, a bachelor living with his best friend and his brother. However, things take a strange turn when a baby (his daughter Emma to be exact) is dropped off at his apartment out of the blue. His ex-girlfriend Angela was more focused on her acting career than her child. Ben is given the opportunity to give up Emma for adoption, but ultimately decides to keep her. Ben’s dynamic with Emma is incredibly sweet and is what mainly earned him a spot on this list. Granted a low placement due to other characters being from more notable shows/movies. Not to mention, it didn’t have the greatest reviews either. But reminders, Baby Daddy also went on for 6 seasons and had 100 episodes as a whole. So I wouldn’t say it went completely unnoticed or unliked.
#9: Ted Kramer- Kramer Vs Kramer
Portrayed by Dustin Hoffman, workaholic Ted Kramer’s life also takes a strange turn when his wife suddenly splits, leaving their son Billy behind with him. Both have issues adapting to this new adjustment, but eventually they’re able to manage and even grow closer as a result. That is until another strange turn occurs and the wife wants Billy back. I’m going to be very honest, I have never seen this movie, and I don’t think I really want to due to the sensitive way it touches upon the lack of consideration for father’s rights. That’s admirable but I think its most likely realistic portrayal would probably piss me off, so I would rather shy away from watching the movie. She does eventually allow Billy to stay with his dad, so at least there’s that. But overall the subject matter is just really upsetting for me.
#8: Professor Utonium- The Powerpuff Girls
I’m not quite sure why Professor Utonium decided to scientifically make a baby instead of adoption (or obviously the natural way), but it was probably the best decision (and mistake) he’s ever made. “Mistake” because he unintentionally added a little something extra to the sugar, spice, and everything nice called “Chemical X”. And thus, the pint-sized female versions of Superman we now know and love as The Powerpuff Girls were born. Professor Utonium in many ways reminds me of my own father. Granted, almost any father character who’s constantly gushing and loving towards their kids will remind me of my dad as that's pretty much him in a nutshell. And shout out to the Professor for managing to not only raise 3 little girls on his own, but raise 3 SUPERHEROES on his own. Being a single parent is hard enough, but raising superheroes, that’s INSANE!
#7: Greg Universe- Steven Universe
I’ve also never watched Steven Universe and I have no interest in it. But it is to my understanding that Greg was involved in a love triangle with Rose Quartz and Pearl. Pearl was confident in her chances with Rose only for Greg to walk away with the win. Greg became a single parent when Rose died in order for their son Steven to be born. Though they describe it as she “gave up her physical form”. Greg’s laid back approach to parenting Steven (yes I’m aware that he predominantly lived with the gems) is pretty idiotic in my opinion. But he means well and is supportive and loving towards his son. Again I’m obviously not the greatest person to judge considering I don’t care enough to watch the show myself to get a better view of him as a parent. He probably shouldn’t be on this list period. But at the end of the day, it’s my list.
#6: Keith Mars- Veronica Mars
The father of the titular character, Keith originally served as the sheriff for the fictional town of Neptune. He was pretty well liked too, that is until a certain incident involving Amanda Seyfried. After her character was murdered, Mars makes a critical mistake by pinning the murder on the victim’s father. That pretty much blew up in his face as he’s fired as a result, his wife leaves him (hence why he’s a single parent), and Veronica is ostracized by her peers. The father-daughter duo have been working together as private investigators ever since. Veronica’s a sweetheart for standing by her father through these controversial times, her own mother didn’t even have enough decency to do that. And it’s insane how one mistake completely destroyed this man and his family’s life. I guess that’s life for you.
#5: Master Splinter- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
If my memory is correct, I believe this is the second time Splinter has been placed on a list. There are of course multiple renditions of Splinter, but the one I am obviously referring to is the 2012 version. Another single dad on this list to raise SUPERHEROES on his own, Splinter is probably one of the most complex characters on the show. He is loving ,caring, and a voice of reason. But he’s also strict and EXTREMELY protective of the turtles, though it’s only because he had already lost a daughter and the woman he loved. Granted he didn’t know his daughter was actually still alive and raised by Shredder. Even though it is favoritism, I adore his relationship with Leo. And lastly, Splinter is a BEAST on the battlefield. I loved Splinter and it was so sad to see him go. Rest In Peace Splinter, you are missed.
#4: Andy Brown- Everwood
Everwood was a drama series on The WB that ran 4 years before being cancelled due to a merger, which also resulted in the birth of the channel we know and cringe at as The CW. Andrew “Andy” Brown is a neurosurgeon who recently became a widow. In the aftermath, he relocated to the titular town with his family, which included his son Ephram and daughter Delia. Despite appearing to be overlooked (at least from my point of view), Everwood does appear to have its fair amount of admirers. That does play a part in why Andy has a high placement on this list. However, I also gave him a high placement due to my sympathy for his current situation. He and his family are obviously going through a loss. And while there are characters on this list who have been through worse, this is a more realistic and non-fantastical portrayal of that struggle.
#3: Goofy- Goof Troop & A Goofy Movie
I actually didn’t realise that Goof Troop only ran for one season. But I think it’s safe to say that for a one-season wonder, this definitely left its mark in the world. Obviously this series centers on Goofy and his son Max as they move to Spoonerville. Though I do believe he’s a lot like his father in many ways, Max surprisingly didn’t inherit Goofy’s clumsy nature. I’ve never watched Goof Troop, but I have seen A Goofy Movie many times. Max does not appreciate his dad enough. Does Goofy try too hard at times, yes. But everything he does is out of love for his child. Goofy eventually learns to step back a little and even live his own life while Max learns to be more appreciative and grateful to have his dad in his life. Goofy is just the sweetest. He’s a total moron, but even in his stupidity somehow managed to be a good dad.
#2: Danny Tanner- Full House
Another widow, with one more to go after this. After his wife Pam is killed in a car accident, Danny has his brother-in-law and best friend move in to help him raise his kids; all girls, DJ, Stephanie and little baby Michelle. Along with Jesse and Joey, Danny’s co-host and Jesse’s future wife Becky would also join the family as well as her and Jesse’s twins. Danny’s love for his girls was always front and center from the very first episode (no pun intended). There’s a reason he’s gone down as one of the most iconic and best dads in TV history. He was genuinely a good father and we all loved him for that. And him being a single father makes us all root for him (at least that’s how I see it). Danny does reappear in Fuller House as well, though his appearance is now bittersweet due to Bob Saget’s unfortunate passing. But yeah, Danny would’ve been an easy pick for #1 if I didn’t love my next pick just a little bit more.
Like always, here are some honorable mentions.....................................
Nick Russo- Blossom 
Robby Ray Stewart- Hannah Monatana
Geppetto- Pinocchio 
Mr. Ping- Kung Fu Panda-del Toro's version is more compelling -He's a sweetheart
Dave Seville- Alvin & The Chipmunks 
Alan Harper- TAAHM
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