Who was the better sitcom dad, Red Forman or Al Bundy?

Who was the better sitcom dad?

  • Red Forman

  • Al Bundy

Results are only viewable after voting.
Al Bundy was funny but kinda one dimensional. Red was both nuanced and even more funnier. I also like Kurtwood Smith more as an actor.
 
My logical brain says Red but my nostalgic heart says Al. Love them both and what they brought to their respective shows.

As a kid I'd probably rather have Al because I could generally fuck off and do whatever I want. But as an adult I'd rather have Red because while he was a no-nonsense hardass, he actually parented (even if he could be harsh).

Confused Curb Your Enthusiasm GIF
 
I feel like Al didn't need to intervene much with Bud compared to Red with Eric. Both Kelly and Laurie were tramps but I still think Kelly pulled herself out of it well.

Al definitely represents a more hands off parenting style, but I think he wades in with his fists more than Red ever needed to.
 
George Cooper



But if I had to choose between the two of them. I'll say Al as he is winning at life.
 
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Married with Children was ahead of its time in a lot of ways. Red was more stubborn and fatherly, but Al Bundy would kick anyone's ass that messed with his kids. And did so on multiple occasions.

Al is the much cooler dad I'd want to have a beer with.
 
Red cared, I think Al did not.

Red told the kids to not be stupid.

Should be noted I have watched these shows.
 
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Little Mac said:
Bouncing Season 5 GIF by Sony Pictures Television
excited married with children GIF



Al Bundy. Poor bastard deserves it.
Click to expand...
Rumor has it that he got it, after the show ended. An Ed O'neill tell-all biography would likely be AMAZING.

I also firmly hold that Modern Family is a MwC sequel. I wish they could have had more overt casting to reinforce the idea.
 
I feel so bad for anyone named AL, since all I can see is "AI" now.
 
Every character on Married with Children is like a cartoon caricature of a 1980's archetype. Al Bundy gave you classic lines of dialogue like this:



Red Foreman is a little more grounded in comparison.

It's hard to compare the two characters, because of how different the dynamics for the show are. Married with Children was shameless in how it presented itself. It was also an early Fox show and was going 'gonzo' for ratings.

That's 70's Show came out when Fox was much more established as a network. It still has some of that satirical comedy present in Married in Children, but goes for a 1970's nostalgia thing.

I like both shows for different reasons. Al Bundy will always be the more iconic character, as he dominated the show. Red was a supporting character.
 
AlphaDump said:
Married with Children was ahead of its time in a lot of ways. Red was more stubborn and fatherly, but Al Bundy would kick anyone's ass that messed with his kids. And did so on multiple occasions.

Al is the much cooler dad I'd want to have a beer with.
Click to expand...
This.
Al appeared to hate life but at the end of the day he had his family. He showed time and time again, no one messes with his family.
 
Married with Children is the better show, but I think I'd choose Red here. The guy supplies 50% of the show's laughs on what is probably 15% of actual screen time and yet he's by far the most convincing dramatic actor. I think Jay on Modern Family probably has them both beat, though.
 
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When hooters jiggle around
And I find nickels on the ground,
I care

When a mustang engine purrs
And the bathroom is not hers,
I care

When the pitcher's on the mound
And the wife is underground,
I care
 
Given the framing of the topic I chose Red, but after letting the question linger in my mind I have to say that it is actually Hank Hill.
king of the hill GIF
 
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jason10mm said:
I feel like Al didn't need to intervene much with Bud compared to Red with Eric. Both Kelly and Laurie were tramps but I still think Kelly pulled herself out of it well.

Al definitely represents a more hands off parenting style, but I think he wades in with his fists more than Red ever needed to.
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I mean he bonded with Bud fairly often and managed to instill an actual work ethic into Kelly despite Peggy's awful example. That's more impressive than what Red managed to be honest.
 
Al Bundy is the funnier and more entertaining dad. You shouldn't take this show seriously and rate how well Al & Peggy raised their children, because they would be dead last in that department.
 
jufonuk said:
George Cooper



But if I had to choose between the two of them. I'll say Al as he is winning at life.
Click to expand...

Kind of incredible that this wholesome oldschool feeling show even got created it this day and age

As for the poll, Red for me

I never really watched Bundy show, but I liked Bundy in Modern Family
 
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Denton said:
Kind of incredible that this wholesome oldschool feeling show even got created it this day and age

As for the poll, Red for me

I never really watched Bundy show, but I liked Bundy in Modern Family
Click to expand...
I really like young Sheldon it has a wonder years type vibe and is actually funny in a lot of places.
 
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