The 1980s and 1990s saw a shift towards more emotionally expressive father figures, as seen in shows like The Cosby Show (1984-1992) and Roseanne (1988-1997). These characters, played by actors like Bill Cosby and John Goodman, were more nuanced and multidimensional, displaying a range of emotions and vulnerabilities. This evolution reflected changing societal attitudes, as fathers began to be seen as more than just authority figures, but also as emotional support systems.