Why Bob Belcher Is Better Than Every Other Cartoon Dad

Bobs Burgers has been a cultural staple since it first debuted in 2011. Turning the sitcom family dynamic on it's head, Bob's Burgers stood out above the other shows at the time. Specifically because Bob Belcher is he perfect evolution of the storied TV Dad trope. Bob Belcher is a kind hearted, patient, loving father that wants to provide for his quirky family. Unlike Homer Simpson, Peter Griffen, and even Fred Flinstone, Bob Belcher is what made Bob's Burgers such a special animated comedy.

#bobsburgers #homersimpson #nerdstalgic

Written by Chris Teregis
Edited by Paul Ritchey

[TheNightshadePrince]

The episode where bob pretends to be a brony and learns all kinds of trivia just to get tina rare horse toy back proves he's a good dad.

[WiseAilbhean]

It’s refreshing to see a family show where the parents aren’t complete bone heads. Additionally it’s nice to see a show where the kids get along and support each other.

[christianmilnamow]

It's crazy to think that the one thing that sets Bob's Burgers apart was that the creator asked "Hey, what if the characters actually LIKED each other?"

[nervousbreakdown]

I love how in season 1, we see a very usual, standard episode of a dad trying to avoid his in-laws because he finds them annoying, but seasons later it’s revealed he doesn’t like them because he doesn’t like how they treat Linda. A very small, quiet retcon that makes me love how they write these characters.

[rianalexis]

The episode where Bob is tied up at the pier is so wholesome. While Linda and the kids are “drowning” Bob says “kids I love you, and Linda I love you too, almost as much as the kids” and every other show I’ve seen treats their kids like they regret having them. Except for Bob.

[khalidhenry]

Because unlike certain other cartoon dads, he loves his kids for who they are, and enjoys being a father.

[Kenosene]

I really like the Belchers because they feel like a real family, you can even see some traits shared between the parent and child. Bob and Tina have the same nervious moaning, Gene is a musical enthusiasts just as his mother, and Louise got the same habit of talking to objects that Bob has.

[mechajay]

That episode where Bob took a second night job to pay for Tina's 13th Birthday truly highlights him as a Great Dad.

[LowellLucasJr.]

I got to say I love Linda as a supporting wife. Not only is she crazy in love with her family, but the fact that she offered to help Bob bury bodies, even as an off-putting joke, shows how committed she is! Gotta love that Linda!

[igobyivy]

bob is also one of the only cartoon fathers who have taken their trauma and decided to better themself. bob always had daddy issues and instead of continuing the line of abuse, he’s said he wanted to be better to his kids. truly honorable!

[MrGirmillionair]

The thing I love about the Belcher family compared to other TV family is that they aren't ever cruel or spiteful or mean to each other for no reason. There is no Meg in the family.

[kat_draws__]

I also like how linda is the opposite of the other sitcom wives too, she drinks wine and talks like any other stereotypical mom in their mid 40s, but since bob is the straight man in the dynamic, it’s often SHE that gets into or starts crazy antics. Like she would definitely say “excuse me, my husband asked for no pickles!” and then fight the cashier, while bob would try to stop her LOL.

[noodlebanana]

I view Bob's Burgers as the only adult cartoon that is still a safe space. They never take it too far or too seriously. A total escape, how I like my tv.

[shaymorcormick]

New dad here, daughter is 3 years old. I love Bob as a role model. I think I've learned so much from parenting from this show. Bob is an incredible dad. The fact he admits his faults and wants to get better for his family is so refreshing. In the end Bob just wants to be a good person, a good day, and a good cook.

[sumlife]

Also how he treats his son and daughters the same. In shows like the Simpsons you see Homer treats Lisa like a princess while strangling Bart and completely forgetting Maggie exist while Bob makes sure they all have the same experiences. Not “babying” one and “toughening” the other. Instead he gives a mix of both on every kid.

[allis_o]

I just realized how much Bob's Burgers have in common with another one of my favorite sitcom families: The Addams family. The parents love eachother and their children, even when their children picks up a weird idea that they may not fully understand, they support it. Their neighbors think they're a little weird but they're almost always welcoming to the strangers around them. And the conflicts in story comes from the family vs the world situations, not family vs family.

[PhilipJackson]

My favourite moment of Bobs Burgers, while small was so impactful idk why.

It was when Bob and Linda walk into the Gym and when Bob hears “Electric Love” he’s just taken aback and goes “wow, Gene wrote this?”

Despite not really ever fully understanding Gene he can instantly acknowledge his son’s undeniable talent. Something that a lot of dads and parents in general are just never able to do or want to even try to do.

[AufWiedersehen]

One of the reasons why I love Bob's Burgers so much is because everyone is just so normal. Just how they talk, for example. One cuts over another person, just like in real life

[pastelsux]

Bob Belcher is the actual “family guy”.

[nothanks]

What I love about Bob and Linda the most is that they recognize Tina's erotic friend-fiction as a normal part of growing up. They never freak out about it, and in some instances, Tina is super open to her whole family about some of the stories she writes. Showing a girl going through the awkwardness and confusion that is puberty is one thing, but showing parents who supported her all the way through was the cherry on top for me. I love this show.