Worst Parents in TV History

Some TV parents make bedtime feel like a thriller, not a tuck-in. This list looks at characters whose on-screen choices consistently put their kids in harm’s way—legally, emotionally, or physically. Each entry focuses on what the shows actually depict, from criminal enterprises to calculated emotional distance, to show how these moms and dads shaped their families’ worlds in unforgettable ways.

Frank Gallagher

On ‘Shameless’, Frank Gallagher is repeatedly shown abandoning his children for alcohol, schemes, and short-term gain. The household often runs without him, leaving older siblings to act as caregivers and problem-solvers. Storylines document Frank using his kids’ identities and circumstances to obtain money, housing, or medical benefits.

Lucille Bluth

In ‘Arrested Development’, Lucille exerts control through money, favoritism, and strategic manipulation of her adult children. Episodes show her encouraging rivalries, hiding information about the family business, and leveraging access to resources to get compliance. The series also records her involving the kids in legal and financial messes tied to the Bluth Company.

Logan Roy

‘Succession’ chronicles Logan Roy building a media empire while pushing his children into boardroom battles that blur family and corporate lines. He withholds clear succession plans, sets up loyalty tests, and uses corporate crises to pit siblings against one another. The show documents concrete actions—offers, withdrawals, and power plays—that repeatedly destabilize his kids’ positions inside Waystar Royco.

Tywin Lannister

In ‘Game of Thrones’, Tywin’s parenting centers on dynastic strategy, arranged marriages, and military leverage. He publicly shames Tyrion, orchestrates political unions for Cersei and Jaime, and prioritizes the Lannister name over individual well-being. The series details decisions—alliances, prosecutions, and wartime directives—that put his children at risk to advance house interests.

Walter White

‘Breaking Bad’ follows Walter White building a meth operation that endangers his family through surveillance, armed confrontations, and criminal retaliation. He conceals income sources, fabricates alibis, and uses the family home and car wash as fronts. The narrative logs repeated incidents—kidnappings, threats, and law-enforcement scrutiny—that pull his wife and children into legal and personal danger.

Beatrice Horseman

On ‘BoJack Horseman’, Beatrice’s history includes medical trauma, neglect, and emotionally harmful caregiving practices that shape BoJack’s development. Flashbacks depict her dismissing his needs, destroying personal possessions, and repeating patterns learned from her own upbringing. The series presents a clear chain of cause-and-effect linking her behavior to BoJack’s later struggles.

Livia Soprano

‘The Sopranos’ shows Livia undermining her son through psychological manipulation, rumor-spreading, and refusal to offer support during crises. Episodes document her sharing sensitive family information with dangerous associates and denying involvement when consequences escalate. Her interactions are recorded as catalysts for conflicts that entangle multiple family members.

Nancy Botwin

In ‘Weeds’, Nancy finances the household through drug dealing, drawing her sons into distribution networks, cover-ups, and cross-border flight. She relocates the family repeatedly to evade law enforcement and rival dealers, disrupting schooling and stability. The show details direct participation by her children in operations, including handling cash, product, and false identities.

Betty Draper Francis

‘Mad Men’ portrays Betty navigating motherhood with strict expectations, secrecy, and abrupt disciplinary methods shaped by social norms of her era. Episodes record her limiting communication, enforcing appearances, and making unilateral decisions about the children’s environment and caregivers. The series also shows frequent relocations and custody tensions that affect the kids’ routines and attachments.

Peter Griffin

On ‘Family Guy’, Peter repeatedly places his children in hazardous situations through reckless stunts, impulsive schemes, and disregard for consequences. The show logs numerous incidents—car crashes, dangerous pranks, and public exploits—that directly impact the household. Storylines often include financial misadventures and property damage requiring the family to manage fallout from his actions.

Who else belongs on this list from your favorite shows? Share your thoughts in the comments!