Top Single Mom TV Shows That Capture the Heroic Journey

Television series have always aimed to present both realistic and heightened versions of reality for entertainment purposes, and this is particularly evident in the finest shows centered around single mothers. In the past, Disney faced criticism for excluding parents entirely from their fairy tale adaptations, but nowadays, television series of all genres showcase blended families, single fathers, and single mothers. Viewers can witness a wide range of family structures on television, offering ample representation in scripted shows.

Whether it's an everyday single mother navigating the challenges of a recent divorce and her teenage daughter's unexpected pregnancy on Reba, or a show like Raising Dion that explores the life of a single mother raising a young boy with superpowers, there is no shortage of original and engaging content that celebrates the strength of single mothers. Sitcoms and dramas alike present diverse portrayals of motherhood. These TV series stand out as the best when it comes to depicting the realities of single motherhood while also exploring a variety of storytelling approaches.

15 Alice (1976-1985)

Alice, a highly popular sitcom, aired for nine seasons and even spawned a spinoff series called Flo. Although the show occasionally delves into outlandish storylines, such as the waitresses of Mel's Diner accidentally crashing a hot air balloon into the establishment, it primarily offers an excellent portrayal of a working mother who sacrifices her dreams to provide for herself and her child.

Inspired by the film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Alice (portrayed by Linda Lavin) decides to leave her East Coast home following the death of her husband. Her ultimate goal is to pursue a singing career in Los Angeles, so she embarks on a journey with her son. However, when their car breaks down in Phoenix, Alice is forced to find work as a waitress in order to cover their expenses. Unexpectedly, she ends up settling down in Phoenix, putting her son through school and sacrificing her own comfort by sleeping on the couch so that he can have the bedroom in their small apartment. The series concludes with Alice's son successfully entering college, and Alice finally gets the opportunity to chase her own dreams. While Alice may be a comedy, it stands out as one of the finest shows depicting the sacrifices single mothers make for their children.

14 Mom (2013 - 2021)

Available to stream on Hulu

The CBS Chuck Lorre sitcom, Mom, stands out among television shows by presenting a mother character who is far from having everything figured out. Christy (played by Anna Farris), a newly sober woman, strives to be a good mother to her two children, despite her troubled relationship with her own mother. To complicate matters, Christy's mother (played by Allison Janney), who is also in recovery, decides to reenter her life.

Mom delves into the challenging aspects of single motherhood in today's society, showcasing a reality that is just as authentic and significant as the portrayal of a Reba-type single mother. It also highlights the idea that sometimes in order to be the best mother, one must first focus on their own healing. This aspect of Christy's journey adds an extra layer of poignancy and relatability for many viewers. Even with Anna Farris's departure from the series towards the end of its run, Mom continues to be regarded as one of the finest shows depicting the experiences of single mothers.

13 Better Things (2016 - 2022)

Better Things follows the journey of Sam Fox, an aspiring actress and single mother residing in Los Angeles, as she navigates the challenges of raising her three daughters. Drawing inspiration from her personal experiences, creator Pamela Adlon beautifully weaves her own struggles as a single mother into the captivating character of Sam. Stream this heartfelt series on Hulu now.

Unlike some single mothers who are overly involved in their children's lives and put their own lives on hold, Sam adopts a more relaxed and laid-back approach to parenting, earning her the title of a "cool mom." She allows her children the freedom to make mistakes, but also steps in to discipline them when necessary. This modern and balanced approach to single-parenting is one of the key factors that contributed to the show's immense popularity during its run.

12 Julia (1968 - 1971)

Unavailable to stream

When Julia premiered in 1968, it broke new ground by showcasing a Black American woman in a non-stereotypical role. The sitcom revolved around Julia Baker, a widowed mother who navigates life in the city while juggling her responsibilities as a nurse.

Considering the era in which the show aired, it was highly unusual for audiences to witness the portrayal of single mothers, let alone single mothers of color. Throughout the series, Julia took it upon herself to instruct her son in traditionally female-oriented tasks such as cooking and cleaning. This exemplified her commitment to raising her child in an unconventional manner, which was a pioneering concept on television during that time.

11 Ginny & Georgia (2021-)

This dramedy, available for streaming on Netflix, offers a lighthearted perspective on the challenging issues faced by both a single mom and a teen mom. Georgia, portrayed by Brianne Howey, became a mother at 15 amid a difficult and abusive upbringing. Determined to spare her own daughter, Georgia (played by Antonia Gentry), from similar teenage struggles, she goes to great lengths to ensure a different path for her.

Unfortunately, their family is constantly on the move, as Georgia constantly tries to escape from abusive exes and difficult situations in order to provide a better life for her children. The series follows Ginny as she navigates a chaotic life, yearning for stability but also harboring resentment towards her mother for some of her choices. However, their lives finally take a turn for the better as they settle in a small town, giving them the opportunity to truly start anew.

10 Good Girls (2018 - 2021)

Available to stream on Netflix

Good Girls is not just a crime and drama show, but also a portrayal of the challenges of motherhood and the extent to which a mother will go for her children's happiness. Annie, the youngest and only single mom on the show, faces genuine parenthood obstacles while dealing with her dire financial situation and dangerous new lifestyle. Nevertheless, she remains a constant support for her child, providing emotional support during their most vulnerable moments, including their coming out journey. Good Girls stands out as a commendable TV series for prominently featuring a single mother in its main cast.

9 Younger (2015-2021)

Sutton Foster shines in Younger as a woman who navigates the challenges of being a single mom while pursuing her career goals. Although the show may not be the most realistic portrayal, it offers a delightful and entertaining experience. After going through a difficult divorce, Foster's character faces the task of reigniting her career, which she had set aside during her marriage. Juggling the responsibilities of motherhood and her professional aspirations, she embodies the relatable struggle of many single mothers.

What Liza also does in Foster's is portray herself as a twenty-something in order to climb the ranks in the publishing industry, despite actually being in her forties. This dynamic provides much of the show's humor, as Liza must navigate the culture and lifestyles of those in their twenties. Alongside the comedy, the show also skillfully addresses the issue of ageism in the workforce.

8 Big Little Lies (2017 - 2019)

Available to stream on Max

In 2017, when Big Little Lies made its debut, it quickly emerged as one of HBO's most popular shows of that time. This drama series, adapted from the book of the same title, revolves around the lives of a group of mothers residing in Monterrey, California, who find themselves entangled in a murder investigation and subsequent trial.

Unlike the majority of the other mothers who are involved in relationships, Jane Chapman stands out as the sole individual navigating motherhood on her own. Additionally, she is the youngest among the group, which subjects her to a certain degree of criticism from those around her. Despite her lack of experience, Jane wholeheartedly dedicates herself to being the best mother she can be and consistently prioritizes her son above all else, even when it leads to challenging situations. It is the portrayal of Jane's unwavering devotion to her child that sets Big Little Lies apart as one of the finest series depicting the lives of single mothers.

7 Reba (2001 - 2007)

Reba's theme song beautifully captures her strength and dedication as a single mother, making it one of the standout shows in the genre. Setting it apart from other single mom shows, Reba's story starts amidst the ongoing drama with her ex-husband.

And yet, Reba strives to ensure that her relationship with her ex does not negatively impact how she raises her children. She actively encourages them to maintain a connection with their father, despite the challenges they have faced, and always prioritizes her kids' needs above her own. Remarkably, she even develops a friendship with the woman her ex-partner left her for. Despite all the obstacles they encounter, Reba, her ex, and his new wife come together to form a strong family unit that provides unwavering support for their children.

6 Raising Dion (2019 - 2022)

Available to stream on Netflix

One of the lesser-known yet truly remarkable sci-fi family shows on Netflix is Raising Dion. The series revolves around Nicole, a single mother who embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her husband's untimely demise while simultaneously raising their son, who possesses extraordinary abilities.

Similar to countless single mothers both in reality and on-screen, Nicole must navigate the challenges of balancing her time and responsibilities. However, what sets her apart is the fact that she also contends with genuine threats from the outside world and will go to great lengths to safeguard her son and his remarkable powers, all while ensuring their existence remains a secret to others. Nicole's commitment to her role as Dion's mother is so profound that she even undertakes boxing lessons, equipping herself with the necessary skills to defend them both should the government attempt to separate them once more.

5 Parenthood (2010-2015)

The strength of Parenthood lies not only in its portrayal of a single mom, but also in its exploration of intricate family dynamics. The show revolves around the Braverman family, spanning three generations. Each adult member faces their own unique challenges and experiences relationship dramas. From newlyweds navigating the early stages of marriage to long-time married couples, and single parents, the Braverman family showcases a diverse range of experiences.

In particular, the character portrayed by Lauren Graham is a single mother who is juggling the responsibilities of raising two teenagers, striving to pursue her dream job, maintaining a social life, and attending family gatherings. What sets Parenthood apart from other shows is its realistic portrayal of the challenges that she faces, making it a compelling and relatable series to watch.

4 One Day At A Time (2017 - 2020)

The first three seasons are available to stream on Netflix

One Day At A Time, a beloved family sitcom on Netflix, unfortunately came to an end too soon. Drawing inspiration from the '70s Norman Leer sitcom, the show revolves around Penelope Alvarez (Justina Machado), a Cuban-American army veteran navigating the challenges of raising her teenagers (Isabella Gomez, Marcel Ruiz) under the same roof as her quirky and traditional mother (Rita Moreno).

Penelope not only excels as a single mother, but also serves as an admirable female role model, demonstrating to her daughter and son the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. She advocates for a healthy attitude towards sex and encourages her children to embrace their true selves. In a surprising twist, Penelope even imparts valuable parenting insights to her own single mother, bridging the generation gap in the ever-evolving world of parenthood.

3 Little Fires Everywhere (2020)

Little Fires Everywhere, an adaptation of the eponymous novel, is a captivating miniseries that delves deep into the intricate bond shared between mothers and their children. With a focus on the narratives of four distinct women, the show unravels their tumultuous journeys through motherhood. Among these compelling characters is Mia, a resilient single mother portrayed by the talented Kerry Washington.

Mia's character in the series extends beyond being a single mom fiercely protecting her child. She assumes the role of a mother figure for multiple characters, offering them guidance and support when no one else is available. Whether it's assisting an undocumented immigrant in a custody battle or helping a teenage girl discover her artistic voice, Mia genuinely cares for those around her. This starkly contrasts with Reese Witherspoon's Elena, whose focus on her image as a mother outweighs her actual motherly responsibilities. The dynamic between Mia and Elena creates a beautifully crafted storyline.

2 Jane The Virgin (2014 - 2019)

Available to stream on Netflix

The heart of Jane The Virgin lies in its portrayal of three generations of single mothers who are striving to live their best lives and raise their daughters to be the best they can be. The story unfolds when Jane (Gina Rodriguez) becomes unintentionally artificially inseminated during a routine doctor visit and makes the decision to embrace motherhood, despite being unprepared for the challenges it brings. This unique premise sets Jane The Virgin apart as one of the most exceptional shows centered around single moms.

What sets the single-mom dynamic in Jane The Virgin apart is that it showcases the reality that no mother, regardless of her experience, possesses all the answers or knows exactly how to navigate every situation. It is comforting to witness these three women supporting each other through the ups and downs, as they traverse the complexities of motherhood.

1 Gilmore Girls (2000 - 2007)

Lorelei and Rory from the CW drama series Gilmore Girls are undeniably one of the most beloved mother-daughter duos on television. The show revolves around Lorelei Gilmore, a single mom played by Lauren Graham, who navigates the ups and downs of raising her teenage daughter, Rory (Alexis Bledel). Alongside her motherly duties, Lorelei also manages the charming Dragonfly Inn, a well-known bed-and-breakfast in town. And now, fans can enjoy this heartwarming series by streaming it on Netflix.

Gilmore Girls stands out as the ultimate portrayal of single motherhood, thanks to its portrayal of Lorelei treating her daughter Rory as a friend rather than just a daughter. This unique approach adds an interesting dynamic to their relationship, one that resonates with many young single moms. In addition, the show's clever one-liners, pop culture references, and the flawless depiction of the mother-daughter bond make it the top choice for showcasing the journey of single moms.