Our hearts have often been stolen by TV mothers, who are just as wonderful and loving as our own. The television mothers we saw on screen both re-defined and challenged the role of motherhood. These mothers exemplified the joys and hardships of motherhood. Each of these mothers became a cultural icon in her own right, and we’re honored to present you with our complete list.
Moms on television in the 1980s were ideal in every way: they cared for their families, cooked delicious meals, and acted lovingly toward their children. Suddenly, a new and unappealing side of Peggy popped up. She could be impolite, sluggish, and self-centered. This, we assume, is what garnered her such enduring fame and adoration. She was the best mom and a fantastic TV character because of her fabulous hair.
Nancy Botwin
Mothers risked their lives to protect us. On the other hand, there are mothers like Nancy who are unconventional. Weeds’ Nancy was a suburban housewife who lost her husband and turned to the drug trade to support her family.
Now that she had seen the big picture, she couldn’t go back. Her approach to parenting her sons was less than ideal. Time taught her that with increased authority comes increased responsibility. Those staring eyes belong to Mary-Louise Parker.
Rainbow Johnson
As the backbone of the Johnson family, Rainbow Johnson of Black-ish should not be forgotten. A very familiar face will recognize Tracee Ellis Ross as Rainbow Johnson. While her five children went through puberty one by one, Rainbow had to deal with her oversensitive husband Andre Johnson, her scheming in-laws, and her wacky neighbors.
Did we not say that she was a medical doctor? The indomitable Rainbow Johnson never shied away from a test. She was the kind of mom who encouraged her kids to go out and experience the world for themselves, but who also stayed open to their ideas and suggestions.
Claire Dunphy
The matriarch of the Dunphy family is Claire Dunphy, portrayed by Julie Bowen. Claire Dunphy, the mother of Modern Family, focused her entire existence on her family. She eventually went back to work. Claire’s three children were all a handful: a rebellious adolescent, an ambitious but introverted daughter, and a bumbling but lovable son who always seemed to be causing trouble.
She had a lot of breakdowns and blunders on the show, but she always put her children first. She cared deeply for them and inspired them to excel.
Lois
In Malcolm in the Middle, Lois is the most fiery of the family members. She’s an independent woman with a temper. Her four unruly sons are to blame for all of this and require constant supervision.
Lois fights a daily battle against her sons. She is an excellent mother who seeks a better life for her sons and isn’t afraid to speak her mind, despite the risk of backlash. She has a job and also takes care of her home and four sons. Lois was portrayed by Jane Kaczmarek.
Edith Bunker
Also from the 1970s television show All in the Family is Edith Bunker, a mother who has become a cultural icon. She did an outstanding job accommodating her fiery husband, Archie. She was a wonderful mother to her daughter, Gloria.
Edith put her entire being into ensuring the security of her loved ones. She was the person her daughter turned to, consciously or not, time and time again, to help her see things in a new light. Jean Stapleton gave the character her whole heart and soul.
Lorelai Gilmore
With so many “perfect” mothers on television, Lorelai from Gilmore Girls stood out by being relatable despite her flaws. Lauren Graham portrayed this role. Mothers and viewers beyond the TV sphere could identify with her.
She did an amazing job as a single parent, molding Rory into a bright and sassy young lady. She had no qualms about admitting she was flawed or making a misstep. That’s why her character was so approachable. Her actions proved that mothers have feelings and thoughts just like anyone else.
Catelyn Stark
Catelyn Stark, wife of House Stark’s first Lord Head, Ned Stark. Catelyn gave birth to five children: Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon. Catelyn’s influence over her husband’s political views was substantial.
She did an excellent job as a mother. That happened, for example, when fighting broke out in Westeros. The safety of her children is paramount to Catelyn. Michelle Fairly, a star of the cult classic “Game of Thrones,” played the part.
Carmela Soprano
Being a mob boss’s wife can be challenging. However, Edie Falco’s Carmela handled the situation with poise. We learn that she wed her high school sweetheart Tony on The Sopranos.
She dealt with her husband’s criminality while also raising their two children. She gave her two kids unconditional love and support. She had her share of challenging parenting moments, but that just is part of the process.
Rebecca Pearson
Rebecca Pearson, who recently gave birth to triplets, is a wonderful mother. Rebecca’s life is littered with adversity. She struggled financially and then lost her husband suddenly. He had a drinking problem. Her children, however, kept her going.
As her children went through the various challenges of adolescence and adulthood, she was there to guide them. Rebecca, too, had her share of problems to solve. Although she made some blunders, she never truly gave up. Mandy Moore did a fantastic job portraying the role in This Is Us.
Carol Brady
Carol Brady was the head of the blended Brady family in the 1960s sitcom The Brady Bunch. Despite changes, resentments, and rivalries, Carol Brady did her best to keep her blended family of six children together.
Keeping an eye on six kids is a lot of work. The high stakes of the role helped make it legendary. Florence Henderson was an excellent choice for the part. In the show, she was outstanding.
Kitty Forman
The kindest mother in the world is Kitty Forman (excluding her outbursts during her menopause stage). She is a positive role model for her son and his pals. Kitty’s overprotectiveness of their son Eric is something her short-fused husband, Red Forman, often disapproves of.
Kitty is a happy, doting mother who would give anything to her kids. She is also a significant figure in Eric’s friend’s life. In That ’70s Show, Debra Jo Rupp was a great choice for the part.
Selina Meyer
In the TV show Veep, played by Selina Meyer, the first female Vice President of the United States takes center stage. Catherine was lucky to have Selina as her mother. Despite her professional achievements, she struggled to fulfill her role as a mother. Her mother hardly ever spent time with her child.
She never slowed down in her pursuit of success. This is not a simple path to the Oval Office. Julia Louis-Dreyfus herself portrayed this character.
Mindy Lahiri
The character of Mindy Lahiri, played by Mindy Kaling, is a stand-in for any single mother who is juggling work and family responsibilities. TV’s Mindy Lahiri practices obstetrics and gynecology. Her family and friends are full of quirks, and she is surrounded by them.
Mindy is a good mom, raising Leo despite everything that’s going on. All the chaos in her life makes it difficult for her to focus on raising her child. Although we recognize the challenges she faces, we applaud her efforts to provide the best life possible for her child.
Teresa Giudice
From the reality show, Teresa Giudice is here. There are 4 daughters for Teresa. She doesn’t give her daughters the best mothering possible. She loves them without condition, there is no question about that.
The way Teresa lives is very opulent. Legal and financial issues are linked to her. She also has a well-known cookbook that has been published. To really spend time with her daughters while juggling all of these would be impossible.
Violet Croaley
The Dowager Countess of Grantham from Downton Abbey is Violet Crawley. Maggie Smith plays the role of Violet. Her family is her top priority. She, therefore, persists in interfering in her children’s lives. She speaks out a lot.
She frequently expresses her opinions without regard for the consequences. Violet has a rigid outlook on the world and operates in accordance with her own standards. It does occasionally run afoul of other people.
Jessica Huang
Jessica Huang, portrayed by Constance Wu in the film Fresh off the Boat, is a strict parent. For her three boys, she wants only the best. Jessica is frank and shouldn’t be bothered. She gives her family her all.
She is thrifty. Her extreme frugal tendencies can be seen on occasion. Eddie, Jessica’s disobedient son, and her sarcastic mother-in-law are two problems she must handle. Jessica is concerned about her boys’ future success. She is very serious about it.
Lucille Bluth
The worst mother you could find is probably Lucille Bluth from Arrested Development. She is frequently seen demeaning and putting down her kids. She always prioritizes her needs. She doesn’t give up on her efforts to control her kids.
She sets them up against one another. She has completely ruined the life of her youngest son by making him a reliant man-child. Jessica Walter plays the part. She was excellent in this.
Bonnie Plunkett
Mom Bonnie Plunkett is not the ideal mother. She was raised in foster homes during a difficult time in her life. She grew up and had a child. She woke up, though, and reconciled with her estranged daughter on the show.
Although Bonnie genuinely cares about her daughter, her battle with addiction does cause her to act in odd ways. She works to create a stable life for them and Christy’s kids with the help of her daughter. This character was created by Allison Janney.
Beverly Goldberg
Wendi McLendon-Covey portrays Beverly Goldberg, as a very overbearing and overprotective mother in the Goldberg family. The three kids that Beverly has are Erica, Barry, and Adam. She constantly makes them look bad.
Beverly and her husband Murray frequently disagree because Murray wants his children to be independent and leave the home, while Beverly wants the opposite. Because Beverly wants to be involved in everything, she prys into her children’s lives. However, the children want the exact opposite.
Roseanne Conner
Strong and in charge, Roseanne Conner is a mother who only wants the best for her kids. Roseanne and her husband put in a lot of effort to give the kids a secure upbringing. They occasionally face financial challenges, but she lifts their spirits.
Despite working full-time, she is very involved in her children’s lives. However, the kids don’t always appreciate her meddling. Roseanne Barr’s outstanding performance in the movie Roseanne does the part justice.
Rachel Green
Everyone is familiar with Rachel Green from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Emma was Rachel’s daughter. Because Rachel lacked maternal instincts and was not particularly maternal, she worried about whether she would make a good mother during her pregnancy.
But after the birth of her daughter, she stepped up to the challenge and developed into a devoted parent. Although Rachel made mistakes, she quickly tried to correct them. She proved to be an excellent mother.
Bonnie Wheeler
As a mother, Bonnie was loud and dramatic, but she was also devoted and nurturing. Danny and Ben, her sons, were born to her. She was devoted to her sons and was there for them through thick and thin. In other words, she solved all of their issues. When Bonnie’s son wanted to play hockey professionally, she was there to help him get there.
She also failed miserably at guiding her younger son, Ben, in the right direction. A mother’s love for her children knows no bounds for Bonnie. Do not cross her or you will pay the price. In Baby Daddy, Melissa Peterman portrayed Bonnie.
Sophia Petrillo
Sophia from the Golden Girls is a favorite of many. We are aware of Dorothy’s source of humor. The three kids Sophia has been named Dorothy, Gloria, and Phil. Sophia and her daughter, Dorothy, have a close relationship despite Sophia’s sarcastic remarks.
She also serves as Blanche and Rose’s mother. She frequently gives them comfort. When needed, she offers them advice and assistance. The girls frequently ask for and heed her advice.
Judy Geller
Ms. Judy Geller was the mother of Ross and Monica Geller of F.R.I.E.N.Ds. Judy is a wonderful mother, but her favorite child is Ross. This is something she discusses openly with others.
She is always picking on her daughter, whether it be about her lack of a boyfriend or the shape of her ears. To be sure, Judy was a major factor in her children’s success. There was Ross, the nerdy kid, and Monica, the plump teen. Christina Pickles was a wonderful choice to play the part.
Rose Weissman
The mother of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is Rose Weissman. Rose instilled this concern for appearance in her daughter Miriam. She believes in a lot of superstitions. She frets constantly over Miriam, her only daughter, and her upcoming nuptials.
Her husband Abe is incredibly irascible, and she has to put up with his outbursts. Rose is not happy about her daughter’s choice to become a comedian. What she really wants is for her to find a man and start a family with him. Marin Hinkle plays the role of Rose Weissman.
Joyce Byers
The motherhood of Joyce Byers is unparalleled. Upon discovering her son in an alternate reality, she decides to go there and try to save him. For her son, she is prepared to battle any demon from another universe.
The rest of the world has given up, but Joyce is determined to keep her optimism. She tried to communicate with her son through Christmas lights and finally found him. Winona Ryder played the role of Joyce Byers in Stranger Things.
Marge Simpson
As TV moms go, Marge Simpson meets the criteria. Marge Simpson, the matriarch of the Simpson family, has been a mainstay on lists of the best TV mothers for more than 30 years. Marge Simpson’s kids are Bart, Lisa, and Maggie.
It’s safe to say that Marge Simpson represents the majority of television mothers everywhere. Marge Simpson, the matriarch of the Simpson family, has been a fixture on lists of the best TV mothers for more than 30 years. Bart, Lisa, and Maggie are Marge’s three offspring.
Tami Taylor
Friday Night Lights’ Tami Taylor was the ultimate example of a wonderful mother. Including her own offspring, Julie and Gracie, she was a mother to more than half of the students at her high school. Inspiring hope for a better tomorrow, she led them on the path to success.
It’s safe to say that she did an excellent job handling her adolescent daughter. She sheltered high school students who were victims of abuse and helped them recover by opening her home to them. They could not have asked for a better guardian angel than she.
Jane Villanueva
The beginning of Jane’s motherhood in Jane the Virgin was unexpected, shocking, and rocky. Chance insemination resulted in her becoming pregnant. She made a great mother for her son Mateo, though. She had a lot of balls in the air.
Her newborn son was taken from her shortly after birth, and she had to deal with the trauma alone. Although she had a crazy family, an estranged father, a boyfriend, a baby daddy, murderers, and an unsteady writing career, Jane was a devoted mother to her son. It was a fantastic performance by Gina Rodriguez.
Temperance Brennan
The anthropologist Temperance from Bones. Having a child presented a number of challenges for her, many of which were relatable to viewers at home. With Temperance’s return to the workforce came the added stress of finding reliable child care.
After having a child, she had to deal with a new set of challenges. An anthropologist could likely find effective solutions to the issues. This time, however, she succeeded. Emily Deschanel portrayed her in the film. She did an excellent job.
Ruth Fisher
In Six Feet Under, Ruth is the widowed matriarch of the fish family. She lacks good manners and is rude. She does what she can to ensure the continuity of the family business for her offspring.
She has a lot of issues at home, particularly with her kids. For a woman, her options in potential suitors are limited. Ruth always considers what’s best for her kids. She hopes that they’ll be successful in this world. Ruth Fisher was portrayed by Frances Conroy.
Linda Belcher
When it comes to animated mothers, Linda is in a league of her own. She has a free spirit and a deep love for her family. She and her husband put everything they have into their burger joint. Tina, Gene, and Louise are Linda’s children, and she is also responsible for them.
One of her most endearing—and most irritating—habits are the songs she makes up and sings to her family for no apparent reason. In fact, she is one of the show’s most memorable supporting cast members.
Gloria Pritchett
Modern Family’s Gloria Pritchett is a strong-willed, outspoken mother. To her sons, Manny Delgado and Joe Pritchett, she is a devoted mother. Her husband and others have criticized her for being too soft on her sons.
She is devoted to her family and would do anything for her kids. So that she can protect her kids from harm, she wants to be a constant presence in their lives. She struggles with letting go.