The Classic TV Father You'd Be, Based on Your Myers and Briggs Personality Type

Have you ever watched a TV show and seen a fictional father so familiar in his behavior and mannerisms that you can't help but think, "that's me!" or "that's my dad!"?

Maybe you have a soft spot for Modern Family’s Cameron Tucker because he's the family cheerleader, all heart, humor and relatable flaws. Or perhaps your affinity is for Frank Gallagher from Shameless, in which case we recommend seeking professional help. (Just kidding...kind of).

In honor of Father’s Day, today we're matching famous TV dads to the 16 personality types. Which one reminds you of your old man, or even yourself?

ENTP – Phil Dunphy (Modern Family)  

A fun, playful dad who always has a witty one-liner up his sleeve, Phil Dunphy from Modern Family displays many ENTP traits. He’s creative and unafraid to chase new and uncertain situations, dealing with them on the fly (even when it embarrasses his kids). There’s never a dull moment with an ENTP as your father—even a trip to the supermarket can be a riot. “I’m the cool dad, that's my thang,” Phil says, which he totally isn't, but his awkward attempts to be hip are just so endearing.

ENTJ – Coach Taylor (Friday Night Lights)

The ENTJ personality type is synonymous with leadership and these types don’t take off their coach hats even at home. They are commanding, authoritative and stay calm under pressure, just like Coach Taylor from Friday Night Lights. While not a dad himself, this father figure knows how to push people to achieve their best and instill the good values of determination and hard work. ENTJ dads give their kids pep talks, set high expectations and believe in tough love. But they also support them through all the big tests life throws at them. 

INTJ – Dr. Frasier Crane (Frasier) 

Although he’s not a dad, Frasier Crane is a classic INTJ father figure: logical, strategic and devoted. While absolutely not a hugger, he’s the dad who gives his kids a deep dive into The Art of War as a bedtime story, despite their eye rolls. INTJs have black belts in problem-solving and his kids will run to him any time they need answers to life's big questions (or a reality check). It can sometimes lean toward man-splaining but, just like Frasier, the INTJ dad will argue that he's just trying to help. 

INTP – Ross Geller (Friends)

Ross from Friends is a typical INTP dad: an offbeat and quirky character who bonds with his son Ben by teaching him dinosaur facts and sings Sir Mix-a-Lot’s "Baby Got Back" to make baby daughter Emma laugh. We love his goofy and endearing attempts at parenting, and relate to the super-anxious way he worries when it comes to his kids. INTPs are curious about the world and want to explore it with their children.  This dad will teach his children important lessons, but also allows them to explore their own ideas and interests.

INFJ – Remus Lupin (Harry Potter) 

Explicit INFJ dads on TV are rare, so we turn to books/movies for our example. Remus Lupin, the werewolf Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher in Harry Potter, is a great representation of this type. He embodies the deep care, strategic guidance and emotional insight we expect of an INFJ father, coupled with being a rock for his family (and pseudo-son Harry). This dad is a mentor and protector, making his children feel heard and valued, while always encouraging them to be the best versions of themselves.

INFP – Danny Tanner (Full House)

Danny Tanner is the sweet, generous dad on Full House who strives to remain optimistic throughout life’s challenges. As an INFP, he’s the dad who encourages his kids to be open about their feelings. We loved watching those Full House heart-to-hearts between Danny and his kids! If you’re an INFP dad like Danny, you’re the king of gently nudging your children to find their path, instead of being forceful with them. 

ENFJ – Uncle Phil (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) 

An ENFJ dad is invested in his kids’ growth. He wants them to reach their full potential and will be their biggest cheerleader, much like Uncle Phil, a stand-in father figure to his nephew, Will, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. We see this in how Uncle Phil tries to remind Will of the opportunities he has so he doesn’t squander them. It’s common for ENFJs to put high expectations on their kids and they might be too invested in their children’s decisions and feel personally affronted if their children go against their wishes. But their  intentions are always good and come from a place of love.

ENFP – Steven Keaton (Family Ties) 

Although he can be a bit disorganized at times, Steven is a loving, free-spirited dad who lets his children develop their independence and respects their differences. This is true ENFP: instead of being strong disciplinarians, they thrive on connecting emotionally with their children. ENFP dads like Steven are often non-conformists with strong imaginative skills. They would rather sit and chat with their children than do all the mundane chores around the house. Family time first – the dirty dishes can wait! 

ISTJ – Ron Swanson (Parks and Recreation) 

Dads who love traditions and norms? That’s Ron Swanson, the logical, straight-shooting character whose offbeat humor made us grow to love him on Parks and Recreation. As someone who’s introverted, realistic and makes decisions from a place of logic, Ron displays many ISTJ traits. When you look beyond the gruff exterior, you’ll find someone who’s deeply loyal to those he loves. He’s not a biological dad in the show, but he becomes a father figure to other characters, like April and Lesley, providing them with guidance, support and tough love when it’s needed.

ISFJ – Burt Hummel (Glee) 

Burt from Glee could be described as a man’s man. He displays many ISFJ traits, from his practical way of doing things to his strong sense of responsibility. ISFJ dads are loyal to their families and heavily grounded – they’ll help their kids without drawing attention to themselves. Burt is a single father, mechanic and football fan who struggles to understand his son’s love of music and dance. But he’s always supportive of his son’s passions, even when they don’t align with his traditional values.

ESTJ – Carl Winslow (Family Matters) 

If you’re the type of dad who mutters, “rules are rules” when your kids throw a tantrum, you might feel an affinity with Carl Winslow from Family Matters. As an ESTJ, Carl raises his kids with a strong sense of responsibility, enforcing rules and setting boundaries with a fair and steady hand rather than being overly strict or permissive. Whenever chaos-agent Steve Urkel brings drama into Carl’s plans, Carl has to lay down the law, which is typical of an ESTJ’s need for order, harmony and ritual. 

ESFJ – Cameron Tucker (Modern Family) 

With his big heart and entertaining personality, Cameron from Modern Family is a clear ESFJ: he’s the family’s nurturing force who always goes the extra mile to help them. All he needs are some pompoms because he’s so supportive of everyone. He can be a bit needy and insecure at times, often seeking validation from those around him, especially from his husband Mitchell, which can lead to moments of manipulation or selfishness. These traits add complexity to his character, making him endearing, sometimes frustrating, and always loveable. 

ISTP – Al Bundy (Married… with Children) 

Whenever you tune in for an episode of Married… with Children, the dad, Al, always seems to be vegging out in front of the TV. But beneath all the grumpiness and self-pity (“I’m not a role model. I’m a cautionary tale!”), he genuinely cares for his family and will fiercely protect them when needed. ISTPs find it easier to connect with loved ones through doing rather than talking. If your dad is like Al, he will change your car tire sooner than talking about your bad day. And love you all the same.

ISFP – Tim Taylor (Home Improvement)

Tim Taylor is the sometimes goofy, advice-bearing dad you can admire, especially when he’s using humor to parent his kids. As an ISFP, Tim can sometimes seem remote, which can cause his children to struggle to understand just how loyal and supportive he really is. Strip away his fun-loving layers and you’ll see this ISFP dad as being extremely loving. His heartfelt garage talks with his sons could sometimes be real tearjerkers. 

ESTP – Tony Micelli (Who’s the Boss?) 

ESTPs are dynamo dads: charming, friendly, high-energy guys who keep everyone in the family entertained. Enter Tony Micelli from Who’s the Boss? As a former baseball player, Tony always jumps in to help the children in his life solve problems in practical, spontaneous ways, which is typical of the ESTP dad. HIs character could be one of “macho” male stereotypes, but Tony breaks traditional gender roles by being a stay-at-home housekeeper while raising his daughter, Samantha. He's more devoted than he is tough, and his natural charm and humor made us all wish we had a dad like Tony. 

ESFP – Homer Simpson (The Simpsons) 

There are two ways to look at Homer Simpson as a dad: the flawed, comedic doofus who sometimes makes poor decisions and plays his parenting role for laughs, or the well-meaning loving father who, at key moments, makes sacrifices and shows deep care for his children. ESFP dads are both these things and more. Though it sometimes may seem like they’d rather leave the disciplining to their partners (sorry, Marge!), they will have fun with their children because they have big-kid energy.