MEMORABLE MOTHERS FROM TV + VOTE IN THE POLL!

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It’s Mother’s Day (how are we here already?) and because of this, we do have to share some characters that fit into the memorable film and TV mothers category. We have of course explored these characters before. However, there is always room for more love in any character category. Celebrating moms is always a nice thing and so that’s the plan today. 

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MEMORABLE MOTHERS FROM TV + VOTE IN THE POLL! Who would be on your favorite TV mums list? #MothersandDaughters #Mothers #MothersDay #TVMoms #TVMothers Share on X

The goal is always to feature new characters or find characters who are perhaps underrated and forgotten, but until my research gets started, I’m never truly sure what or who I’ll find. Today I’m going into this list with this in mind but will feature characters already spotlighted here in the poll, which is a new addition to our list. 

Like any day such as this, I do have to give my own mother a little shout-out. Primarily because she has to listen to all of my rants, has seen me cry an uncomfortable number of times and has just been there, which I appreciate. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. Thanks. I’m grateful. 

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MEMORABLE TV MOTHERS

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MARGARET ANDERSON from FATHER KNOWS BEST

This one is a throwback obviously, but I like Margaret. I think her scenes don’t really have the “impact” they could because it’s often the father (as it should be given the title) who helps the kids find the answers they need, but there are still some really good scenes with Margaret and her kids. She cares about them, and loves them, but also sees to it that they do hard things and I think that translates well to screen.

Stream, at publication, with Plex, Pluto TV, Roku or Tubi TV; Prime Video currently is streaming the show or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video

SARAH BARNABY from MIDSOMER MURDERS

Sarah isn’t really a primary character in the sense of being on screen a lot, but she is important and she is a really good mum to daughter Betty. Plus, the scenes she and Betty are in really help to make this long running British crime drama that much better. 

Stream, at publication, with Acorn TV, Plex, Pluto TV, Roku or Tubi TV; Prime Video currently is streaming the show or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video

CHERYL from ACCORDING to JIM

I love Chery from this former sitcom; she is certainly a memorable TV mother. She’s tough and doesn’t take guff from her sassy brood, but in the end, she’s also so loving. She manages her kids and house with ease and brilliance.

Stream, at publication, with Prime Video; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video

ANGIE HARTMAN from HEARTS AROUND the TABLE, movie series

This four film series has foster mom Angie as the kind of glue that helps all of her children and continues to do so. Her wisdom helps her first adult kids and she continues to be a part of the “fight” with giving two teens a home.

Stream, at publication, with Hallmark+

AMANDA MOORE-HILLIER and NANCY HILLIER from THE CHICKEN SISTERS

I think Nancy fits nicer in this category (at least for me) than Amanda, but I don’t doubt for a moment that Amanda loves her daughter. I think both Amanda and Nancy have one thing in common; they are both willing to do anything to ensure their respective children are happy. For Amanda, this is fair and still needed (her daughter is still growing up). For Nancy, she needs to learn how to let this go (her child is all grown up). So as a result of this perhaps Nancy made mistakes in her parents (which is human nature and something everyone does), but as a character I think Nancy is a good mother even if she did indulge her child too much. 

Stream, at publication, with Hallmark+

DEL LANDRY from THE WAY HOME

We all know I have issues with Del’s daughter, which I suppose could suggest Del didn’t maybe do as great a job as she could or should have. But mistakes notwithstanding, I think her asking Kat to stay and to choose the present (though I question whether she will anymore) for three seasons is fair.

Stream, at publication, with Hallmark+; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video

DORCAS LANE from LARK RISE to CANDLEFORD

Dorcas becomes a mother in a most unusual (even by TV standards) way, but she comes to love Sydney fiercely and as well and as devotedly as if he were her own. He becomes her and he in turn, relies on her for all things a son needs from a mother.

Stream, at publication, with BritBox, Roku or Tubi TV; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video

MICHAELA from LONG BRIGHT RIVER

Amanda Seyfried’s Michaela aka Mickey is a really good mom who wants nothing but the best for her son. This show is also dark by comparison to most shows where we find warm and fuzzy and lovely moms, but she’s still worth giving a shout-out too no matter the darkness she comes from. So if you want happy moms and stories, then this won’t be your cup of tea. But adding different stories and styles is always a goal, so she too deserves a shout-out.

Stream, at publication, with Peacock

MORGAN from HIGH POTENTIAL 

This show, based on what I saw (I didn’t see all of season one), is way better than I gave it credit for. It’s so good and I am most surprised by Kaitlin Olsen playing a mother in this (I saw her in another TV role where she was a great mess), and she does it quite well. Her kids mean everything to her, and I think that is reflected in so many scenes. 

Stream, at publication, with Hulu; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video

RILEY from SHIFTING GEARS

Riley is a hilarious character. She’s a bit of a mess, and not really put together despite being a mom but she loves her kids fiercely and that shows. Plus, seeing Kat Dennings in this role is fun given that she’s a great comedy actress. 

Stream, at publication, with Hulu; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video

MEMORABLE MOTHERS FROM TV + VOTE IN THE POLL! Who would be on your favorite TV mums list? #MothersandDaughters #Mothers #MothersDay #TVMoms #TVMothers Share on X

HARRIET ROBERTS from JAG

Harriet is also an underrated character beyond just her role as a mum, so expect her to show up in other lists too. But for this, I want to highlight her as a mom. She’s fierce and loyal, and while we don’t get to see her being a mom a lot (the show is mostly set in an office, specifically for Harriet), we do get to see her love as a mother especially when we watch her lose a child. 

Stream, at publication, with Paramount+ or Prime Video; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video

VICTORIA SPENCER from THE SPENCER SISTERS

Lea Thompson plays the mom well and she does again in this one season Canadian show about a mother and daughter who “fall” into the private detective game. 

Stream, at publication, with Hallmark+

KATHERINE WALTER from MY LIFE with the WALTER BOYS

Sarah Rafferty’s (from Suits) mother character in this Netflix dramedy (based on the novel) is an underrated character. I least I think she is. She’s wise and compassionate and smart, too. Plus she manages all that she does with grace and that wisdom. 

Stream, at publication, with Netflix

Harriette WINSLOW from FAMILY MATTERS 

It’s been a while since I watched Family Matters, but I feel like Harriette is a sassy and opinionated  woman, who is also a fair but loving mother. 

Stream, at publication, with Hulu or Max; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video

Vote for Your Favorite Mum

This poll features moms from this list and some moms we featured in memorable TV mother type lists from prior years. Vote for (up to three) your most favorites!

Photos: Alamy | Hallmark Media

How many of these mums do you like? Which memorable TV mothers do you count as a favorite? Comment all of your thoughts below. Let’s talk!

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