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The most iconic portrayals of motherhood on screen, the depth and relatability of these relationships have resonated with viewers.
Anne Carlson - Workin Moms
In my opinion, this is the best show about motherhood, and Anne is my favorite character. She is authentic, as if based upon every mother who is enraged at the slightest thought of any harm coming her children’s way. She is a good friend, always looking out for Kate and her family. Over the six seasons, Anne’s relationship with her daughter becomes increasingly complicated as she copes with an unwanted pregnancy, her career as a therapist and unresolved issues from past relationships.
Every character arc in Workin Moms is wonderfully crafted to bring together the experience of becoming a new mother, from postpartum to failed marriages.
Lorelai Gilmore - Gilmore Girls
Lorelai is perhaps the most beloved mom character on TV. She is witty, kind, and challenges everyday norms. After getting pregnant as a teenager, Lorelai left home to raise her daughter. Rory and Lorelai have a relationship that is rooted in friendship and trust, they share laughs and secrets alike.
Gilmore Girls brilliantly weaves together the stories of three generations of women. Understanding the importance of building a healthy relationship with her daughter, Lorelai goes out of her way to protect and advise her daughter without letting her lose her sense of independence.
Nalini Vishwakumar - Never Have I Ever
Nalini is a mother to a rebellious teenager, a doctor and a grieving widow. She is also an immigrant, living and navigating life thousands of kilometers away from her home country and her support system. Nalini and her daughter Devi slowly rebuild their bond after her husband's passing.
The character is an accurate depiction of a typical Indian household, Nalini effortlessly meets cultural expectations, without sacrificing on her beliefs or doing right by her daughter.
Kitty Forman - That 70s show
Kitty is nostalgic and relatable, she is a comfort character with an infectious laughter. She shouts sometimes, and messes up, she says the wrong things and laughs at awkward moments.Through the entire series, she opened her heart to Eric and his friends, parenting them with the same endless forgiveness, love and concern she showed her own son. Despite having a tumultuous relationship with her own mother, Kitty did not let that keep her from becoming the best mother she could be.
Kitty is a nurse, a homemaker and a tribute to every woman who leads with grace and femininity. She forgives easily and offers unconditional love even when the children make trouble.
Rebecca Pearson - This is us
We saw an unforgettable TV mother in Rebecca. She stood by all her children through different stages of life, she nurtured Kevin, fiercely protected Randall and supported Kate. She was devoted to her family, dealt with the grief of losing her husband in private, and remained strong for her children.
This is us is poetic, and Rebecca adds to it beautifully. Her character remains true to all the mothers who sacrifice their own dreams and set aside their needs for their family.
Beth Boland - Good Girls
Beth Boland is as real as they come. She is a mother who had lost herself in her motherly duties, and a failing marriage. Beth goes on a journey of empowerment and self discovery, from being a victim of her circumstances to coming on top as a criminal mastermind. Beth gets wrapped up in illegal activities, her primary motivation has always been to secure a future for her children.
This is an exploration of how far a mother would go to ensure safety and security for her kids.
Bonnie Plunkett - Mom
Bonnie Plunkett is far from what most people think of when they think of an ideal mother. She is not nurturing and motherly in the conventional sense. She is loyal and fierce, but also impulsive, and makes selfish choices. As a recovering addict, she is at odds with herself and works to better her relationship with her once alcoholic daughter. This mother-daughter relationship is centered around friendship, they live more like housemates, bickering and teasing each other. And although Bonnie is not able to be the mother Christy yearns for, she has worked hard to rebuild a relationship with her daughter. The show depicts the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship where the roles often get reversed and we see Christy parenting her mother.
Bonnie’s character is about redemption, how even the most imperfect moms can learn from their mistakes and rebuild their relationship with their children by prioritising their needs.