Buzz
While anyone can share a classic “dad joke,” pinpointing what makes a “dad show” on television is trickier. In theory, any dad might enjoy any show, but certain series stand out by perfectly blending action, tech, and middle-aged leads, making them irresistible to fathers. Programs like Yellowstone are likely already must-watch TV for your dad—and he’s probably urging you to tune in as well.
If this emerging TV sub-genre appeals to you, explore 12 of the top “dad shows” now streaming on platforms like Netflix, Amazon’s Prime Video, Paramount+, and others.
1. Tulsa King (2022-Present)
Sylvester Stallone steps into his first ongoing TV series role in this gripping drama created by Taylor Sheridan. Playing mafia capo Dwight "The General" Manfredi, Stallone’s character is released from prison and banished to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he faces unfamiliar challenges and foes. Sheridan reportedly penned the pilot script in just one day.
Watch It: Paramount+
2. The Terminal List (2022-Present)
Navy SEAL Chris Pratt uncovers unsettling truths about his superiors after his entire platoon is tragically eliminated. Adapted from Jack Carr’s novels, the series benefits from military expertise, with SEAL Jared Shaw serving as a co-producer, who previously collaborated with Pratt on Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty.
Watch It: Prime Video
3. Shooter (2016-2018)
Ryan Phillippe portrays military sniper Bob Lee Swagger, who gets tangled in a conspiracy to assassinate the president. The role was previously played by Mark Wahlberg in a 2007 movie with the same title.
Watch It: Netflix
4. Ray Donovan (2013-2020)
Liev Schreiber shines as Ray Donovan, a professional "fixer" who resolves the messy problems of his high-profile clients. Following a standalone film, Schreiber has expressed interest in reprising the role in the future.
Watch it: Showtime
5. Goliath (2016-2021)
Billy Bob Thornton takes on the role of Billy McBride, a maverick lawyer whose unconventional methods often put him at odds with powerful law firms. This David E. Kelley creation originally had Kevin Costner slated to play McBride.
Watch it: Prime Video
6. Longmire (2012-2017)
This laid-back modern Western, based on Craig Johnson’s novel series, features Robert Taylor as Sheriff Walt Longmire, a recently widowed lawman maintaining order in Absaroka County, Wyoming. Despite his convincing portrayal of an American sheriff, Taylor hails from Australia.
Watch it: Netflix
7. Reacher (2022-Present)
Following the controversial casting of Tom Cruise as Lee Child’s iconic hero in a 2012 movie, the more physically imposing Alan Ritchson has been widely embraced. Jack Reacher, a former military cop, roams from place to place, solving mysteries with his sharp intellect and formidable strength.
Casting the perfect Reacher was a lengthy process, spanning six to seven months, with Ritchson initially overlooked before eventually securing the role.
Watch it: Prime Video
8. Bosch (2014-2021)
Titus Welliver portrays the titular LAPD homicide detective, maneuvering through a morally ambiguous world both within and outside the police force. Adapted from Michael Connelly’s novels, Bosch focuses on meticulous detective work rather than high-speed pursuits. A spin-off, Bosch: Legacy, is also available on Amazon’s freevee channel. (And yes, it’s free.)
Watch it: Prime Video
9. Yellowstone (2018-Present)
Kevin Costner leads this highly acclaimed drama by Taylor Sheridan (Sicario, Hell or High Water), playing John Dutton, a ranch owner navigating challenges within and beyond his family’s chaotic business empire. Sheridan insisted that Paramount promote the series at rodeos, horse shows, and similar venues to connect with its target audience. Initially hesitant, the studio soon realized the strategy’s success, as the show frequently surpassed The Walking Dead to become cable’s top-rated series.
Watch it: Peacock; Paramount Network
10. The Rookie (2018-Present)
Nathan Fillion (Firefly) portrays a man reinventing himself as the oldest rookie cop in the Los Angeles Police Department, far exceeding the typical age of his colleagues. Inspired by a true story, the series follows a 40-year-old who relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Watch it: Hulu
11. Banshee (2013-2016)
Antony Starr, known for The Boys, leads this intense crime drama about an ex-convict who assumes the identity of a small-town sheriff in Banshee, Pennsylvania, only to clash with local criminals, including a dangerous Amish figure. Creator Jonathan Tropper said Cinemax initially pushed for a fifth season, but he chose to conclude the series after four seasons to avoid overextending the story.
Watch it: HBO Max
12. Barry (2018-2023)
Bill Hader shines in this masterfully balanced dramedy about a disillusioned hitman who trades his deadly profession for acting. His criminal past, however, keeps pulling him back into violence, even as he tries to navigate the Los Angeles theater world. The second season’s standout episode, “ronny/lily,” features Barry facing off against a relentless Taekwondo prodigy, delivering unforgettable dark humor.
Watch it: HBO Max
