Husbands Who Made Us Laugh And Cringe
There's no handbook for marriage, especially not for TV husbands. Some tried their best, while others just made us cringe. Over the years, we've watched plenty of men stumble through their relationships, with plenty of laughs along the way. Here's a look at 44 of them.
Al, The Husband Who Loves To Complain
The surly shoe salesman from Married with Children stands out as one of TV's most cynical husbands. Al often targets his wife, Peggy, with relentless sarcasm and treats her more like a hindrance than a partner. His unfiltered contempt for women makes many of his antics hard to stomach today.
AI Goes For Shoe Salesman Of The Year | Married With Children by Married with Children
Reynolds At His Worst
Frank Reynolds from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia isn't just a bad husband; he's an all-around terrible human being. His neglect of his wife, Barbara, and his erratic behavior make him the least lovable character. Irresponsibility defines him, and the show's dark humor only emphasizes his failings.
Frank’s Beads Go Berserk - Scene | It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia | FX by FX Networks
The Self-Centered Husband
Homer Simpson, The Simpsons' infamous patriarch, chooses beer and his own impulses over family responsibilities. And his selfishness frequently causes chaos in his marriage with Marge. This recurring behavior brings laughter but paints him as a prime example of the oblivious, self-centered husband trope.
Just 30 Seconds of Homer Freaking Out in The Simpsons’ Treehouse of Horror | Disney+ by Disney Plus
Chaos And Carelessness In Quahog
Peter Griffin from Family Guy is known for his reckless and irresponsible behavior, which frequently gets him into trouble. And his disregard for Lois's feelings and tendency to make poor decisions create a chaotic dynamic in their marriage, and this leads to comedic moments at the cost of their relationship.
Best of Peter - Seasons 10-12 by MMA Sapiens
The Authoritarian
Believing himself to be the king of his household, Stan Smith treats his wife Francine like a subordinate. In American Dad!, his rigid views and authoritarian attitude would clash with the household's more progressive dynamics, which would lead to constant marital friction. Stan's dominance doesn't endear him to viewers, either.
American Dad: Stan's Flirty Day-to-Day at The Office (Clip) | TBS by TBS
Goldberg’s Marital Apathy
Murray Goldberg from The Goldbergs is an emotionally distant and indifferent husband. His laziness and constant avoidance of responsibility leave his wife, Beverly, to handle most of the household and emotional labor. This imbalance creates tension and highlights his shortcomings as a partner.
The Goldbergs Present: Moron Moments w/ Murray Goldberg | TV Land by TV Land
Clueless In Love And Life
Selfish and oblivious to what his wife, Carrie, truly needs, Doug Heffernan struggles to meet their marriage's emotional demands. In King of Queens, it’s highlighted that his lack of empathy and the imbalance in their relationship leads to a constant stream of comedic situations.
The King of Queens | Carrie's Work Retreat | Throw Back TV by Throwback TV Clips
When Romance Meets Complete Disaster
Michael Scott of The Office might be the world's most well-meaning yet immature boss. Still, as a husband to Jan and later Holly, he proves to be emotionally clueless. His constant desire for approval and his strange antics would create problems in his relationships and turn comedy into uncomfortable chaos.
Michael Scott Moments that need to be discussed - The Office US by The Office
Barone’s Marriage Is No Laughing Matter
Ray Barone is a grown man who frequently displays emotional immaturity and leans on his wife, Debra, to manage everyday responsibilities. His failure to assert himself with his overbearing mother only heightens the tension, particularly in his relationship with Debra. Ray's behavior is a key element in the dynamics of Everybody Loves Raymond.
Ray’s Worst Excuses | Everybody Loves Raymond Compilation by TV Land
An Unlovable Trainwreck
In It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Charlie Kelly's emotionally irresponsible behavior extends to his romantic relationships. This character’s ignorance and bizarre antics make him a disastrous partner. Though his actions are often laughable, they reveal his inability to maintain meaningful relationships.
It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia | Charlie Kelly: Scream King | FXX by FX Networks
A Psychiatrist Who Can't Fix His Marriage
Though Jason Seaver is a psychiatrist on Growing Pains, his inaptitude to balance family life and work leaves Maggie with much of the emotional burden. Despite his professional expertise, his inconsistent presence and emotional absence would cause frustrations in their relationship.
Jason and Maggie Seaver || Don't Give Up On Us by OfficialAuntMoose
A Husband Lost In His Own World
Tobias Funke from Arrested Development is a well-meaning yet oblivious husband who frequently neglects Lindsay, his partner. His delusions of grandeur and misguided attempts at intimacy create constant tension. Plus, he cannot recognize his flaws, which leaves Lindsay frustrated and emotionally unsupported.
Tobias Wants An Open Relationship - Arrested Development by Arrested Development
Insecurities Behind The Egotistical Facade
Though Mac from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia often projects a false sense of confidence, it's clear that his insecurities and emotional unavailability lie beneath the surface. His refusal to acknowledge his flaws only exacerbates problems in his relationships, underscoring the dangers of unchecked egotism.
Jim’s Lazy, Self-Centered Marriage
Jim Belushi's character in According to Jim is a classic example of a lazy, self-centered husband. The guy is fond of shirking his responsibilities and prioritizes his comfort and desires over his wife's needs. His lack of emotional depth and frequent immaturity create an imbalance, which frustrates their marriage dynamic.
Poking Da Bear According to Jim (HD) Jim Belushi | Growing Belushi by ™LARRY JOE CAMPBELL
The Need For Control
Dre Johnson from Black-ish can be a frustrating husband due to his self-centeredness and stubbornness. While he loves Bow, he sometimes disregards her perspective, dismisses her feelings, and struggles with compromise. His pride and need for control create tension in their relationship.
Dre Doesn't Have Any Friends - black-ish by ABC
Validation Obsession In Marriage
Larry David's character in Curb Your Enthusiasm is the personification of self-absorption. As a partner, David constantly fails to see past his preferences, and the frequent need for personal validation leaves no room for compromise in his relationships. This makes him a true sitcom husband disaster.
Larry David's Favorite Curb Your Enthusiasm Episodes | Curb Your Enthusiasm | HBO by HBO
Wealth Over Love
Obsessed with his wealth and status, Doug Dimmadome constantly prioritizes material success over his relationships. In Fairly OddParents, his overpowering need for control, especially within his marriage, makes him an unrelatable and distant partner, further emphasizing his neglect of his wife and their connection.
The Fairly OddParents - Doug Dimmadome Owner Of The Dimmsdale Dimmadome by eazyone83
A Self-Indulgent Marriage
Fred Flintstone of The Flintstones is seen as too lazy and self-indulgent, neglecting his family's needs for personal gain or entertainment. His constant attempts to cut corners would lead to more chaos, causing Wilma to step in and handle much of the household work. Not so yaba daba doo.
The Flintstones | Fred Goes To Hospital | Boomerang UK 🇬🇧 by Boomerang UK
Tom’s Superficial Priorities
Tom Haverford from Parks and Recreation focuses on luxury and his personal brand, and this leaves little room for meaningful connection with his romantic partners. This character is obsessed with wealth, success, and superficialities, which sometimes borders on neglect. It's clear: Materialism doesn't make a great husband.
Tom is shocked by his own genius | Parks and Recreation by Parks and Recreation
An Unfulfilled Husband
Another bad husband has to be Randy Taylor from Home Improvement. While he may have had his quirks, his presence in the family was minimal, overshadowed by Tim's antics. His absence in key family moments left Jill to handle more of the emotional labor, and this makes him an incompetent sitcom spouse.
Home Improvement Randy's Funniest Moments Season 4 Part 1 by OneHitWonderRareMusic
Cantankerous And Unempathetic Fred
Fred Mertz from I Love Lucy plays the grumpy landlord who has little regard for his wife Ethel's needs. His cantankerous attitude, combined with his lack of empathy, would strain his relationships, making him a surprisingly unsympathetic figure in the classic show.
I Love Lucy - Fred's Evil Laugh by Gregory May
A Cold, Sarcastic Marriage
Often dismissing Kitty (his wife) and the kids with a trademark sarcastic remark, Red personifies an emotionally distant, tough-love approach. In That '70s Show, his attitude can come across as neglectful. While his role as a father is iconic, his interactions with his wife are frequently more cold than caring.
Top 10 Best Red Insults on That '70s Show by MsMojo
Clash Of Charm And Control
Beloved for his charm and wit, Cliff Huxtable's tendency to be overbearing as a husband and father would lead to frustration in the household. In The Cosby Show, his need to control situations frequently undermines his wife, Claire, despite his genuine love for his family.
The Cosby Show: Who broke the clock...? by MrJulioStrangeness
Pranks Over Problems
Jim Halpert from The Office is generally a nice guy. Still, his passive-aggressive nature toward Pam and incompetence to address their issues head-on makes him a frustrating sitcom husband. While his pranks and humor are endearing, his relationship habits aren't always healthy.
Michael moments that Jim had to step in and stop - The Office US by The Office
A No-Nonsense Love
In The Bernie Mac Show, Bernie Mac's no-nonsense parenting style spills over into his marriage. While his tough-love approach is part of his comedic charm, it also highlights his failure to empathize with his wife's emotional needs, making him a complex but flawed figure in the series.
Bernie Mac Funny Moments (Season 3) | The Bernie Mac Show (Compilation) by SAFI SANTORO
Rock Star With A Neglected Wife
Jesse Katsopolis from Full House might be a rock star and a loving father. Still, his obliviousness to his wife Rebecca's needs causes some tension. His focus on his career and desires sometimes leaves Rebecca feeling neglected. It highlights the struggles of balancing family life with personal ambitions.
Uncle Jesse Gets Michelle In A Commercial | Full House | Max by Max
Humor Over Healing
Frequently shying away from serious emotional conversations, Chandler Bing becomes an emotionally unavailable partner, especially in his early relationship with Monica. In Friends, his humor masks more profound vulnerabilities, sometimes leading to tension and confusion within their marriage.
Friends: Chandler Gets A Little Desperate (Season 1 Clip) | TBS by TBS
Detachment Defines Jack
Jack Geller is largely absent in his role as a husband, rarely engaging emotionally with his wife Judy or children. His emotional detachment, seen in Friends, provides a subtle but significant contrast to the more vibrant characters around him, illustrating how neglect can shape family dynamics.
Friends-But it is just Jack Geller by RONCO BRONS
Fear Of Inadequacy In Marriage
Ben Wyatt's self-doubt in Parks and Recreation would manifest in awkward moments with Leslie. His overthinking and fear of inadequacy prevent him from being the partner Leslie deserves, which makes him one of the less secure sitcom husbands despite it’s evident he loved her.
Caregiver Vs Partner
With a strong sense of responsibility, Tony Micelli often struggles to assert boundaries, particularly in his relationship with Angela. In Who's the Boss?, his struggle to balance the emotional dynamics of his household often leaves him torn between his roles as a caregiver and a romantic partner.
Tony Gets Jealous! | Who's The Boss? by Throwback TV Clips
The Subtle Charmer
Mike Heck is the classic down-to-earth husband on The Middle. He's laid-back but deeply committed to his family. His dry humor and willingness to accept the chaos of his family life make him a quiet yet lovable presence. Who doesn't appreciate Mike's subtle, real-world wisdom?
Mike Pays for Sue's College Tuition - The Middle by ABC
The Comedic Contrast
In The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Mr Carlton Banks wasn't just Will's prim and proper cousin. His brief marriage presented the contrast between his uptight personality and Will's carefree nature, made for comedic gold. His quirky humor and exaggerated sense of propriety, even in relationships, made him an entertaining but lovable character.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air | 10 Gems of Wisdom from Uncle Phil | Max by Max
The Comic Disaster
George Costanza's relationships were often as dysfunctional as his career. Though his awkwardness and selfish tendencies made him a comic disaster, his moments with Susan revealed his deeper side. Seinfeld may have been full of absurdity, but George's clumsy love life was, somehow, always relatable.
How George Costanza Tried to Manipulate Everyone in Seinfeld by Just an Observation
Comedic Yet Committed Marriage
Jake Peralta from Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a sitcom husband who, at times, gets marriage wrong but also right. His relationship with Amy Santiago is full of humor, chaos, and growth. While Jake’s immaturity and impulsiveness sometimes create tension, his deep love and commitment to Amy shine through.
jake peralta's most heroic moments & solves | Brooklyn Nine-Nine | Comedy Bites by Comedy Bites
Wholesome Humor And Love
Danny Tanner's overly clean personality became a staple of Full House. As a widowed father, his nurturing ways and unconditional love for his kids created a comforting atmosphere. His humor may have been wholesome, but his deep love for his wife and family made him a rock in their lives.
Danny Tanner's Heart To Heart With DJ | Full House | Max Family by Max Family
Harper’s Hilarious Marriage Fails
Alan Harper's character was a mix of frustration and heartfelt humor. As Charlie's neurotic brother, his endless attempts to make the best of life were often hilarious, especially regarding his failed marriages. Alan's vulnerability makes him an empathetic and hilarious husband in Two and a Half Men.
'Somebody Stole Chester?' Alan Harper’s Best Moments (Part 2) | Two and a Half Men by TV Land
Deadpan Humor And Dedication
In King of the Hill, straight-laced and practical, Hank Hill's straightforward approach to life made him stand out. As Peggy's husband, his dedication to his family was unwavering. His deadpan humor and his earnest love for his wife made him one of the most memorable TV dads and husbands.
Hank Hill vs. the Social Worker | King Of The Hill | adult swim by Adult Swim
Eccentric Husband With Unwavering Loyalty
Roland Schitt from Schitt’s Creek is Jocelyn's lovable, quirky husband. While his eccentricities sometimes lead to awkward moments, his unwavering love and support for her shine through. Their relationship is built on humor, respect, and deep affection, making Roland’s loyalty a heartwarming aspect of the show.
Rol•and•isms - Roland Schitt - Schitts Creek by Liam Schitt
TV’s Most Beloved Husband
Marshall's oversized heart matched his oversized personality. As Lily's husband in How I Met Your Mother, his jokes and emotional depth made him a standout. His deep bond with Ted and funny antics never overshadowed his devotion to Lily. It made him one of TV's most beloved husbands.
How Marshall Ruined The Final Season Of How I Met Your Mother by Nerdstalgic
The Relentless Optimism Of Phil Dunphy
Phil's relentless optimism and quirky dad jokes set him apart. Always trying to impress Claire, he stumbles through life with genuine love for his family. His role as the goofy yet endearing father on Modern Family made him a fan favorite, with plenty of iconic, laugh-out-loud moments.
Phil Dunphy’s funniest moments season 5 Modern Family by ModFam
The Hilarious DIY Disaster Dad
In Home Improvement, Tim Taylor, played by Tim Allen, was a lovable mess. His obsession with tools and DIY projects often led to hilarious situations. While his attempts at fixing things usually caused chaos, his dedication to his wife, Jill, and kids made him an unforgettable sitcom dad and husband.
Home Improvement | Best of Tim | All episodes | Season 1 | Tim Taylor by ELVIS is a Sitting Duck
The Tough-Cop, Soft-Hearted Husband
Terrence Jeffords from Brooklyn Nine-Nine nails his marriage with Sharon. Beneath his tough cop exterior, he’s an attentive, loving husband and father. He shows that strength isn’t just physical—it’s about being there for your family. Their bond is built on respect and lots of laughs along the way.
Terry Jeffords Feels All the Feels | Brooklyn Nine-Nine by Brooklyn Nine-Nine
A Journey Of Loyalty And Support
Schitt’s Creek’s Johnny Rose shows how personal growth can change a marriage. His relationship with his wife, Moira, starts rocky as their once lavish lifestyle falters. However, Johnny’s unwavering loyalty and determination to support Moira—despite their challenges—reinforces their bond.
Best of Johnny Rose! | Schitt's Creek by CBC
The Supportive Partner
A devoted husband and a hands-on dad, Adam Burns from Man with a Plan proves marriage is about teamwork. When his wife returns to work, he takes on more parenting duties while managing his business. Sure, he stumbles, but his love for Andi keeps him pushing forward.
Man With a Plan 3x03 Sneak Peek 2 Put Him on the Ground by SpoilerTV
