The Best TV Moms Of All Time
Photo: Schitt's Creek / CBC Television

The Best TV Moms Of All Time

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Updated May 2, 2024 173.7K views 91 items

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115.1K votes
8.9K voters
38 reranks
Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite TV moms from current and classic shows.

The best TV moms of all time, including mothers from all walks of life. Many famous TV moms were characters on popular classic sitcoms, including The Brady BunchHappy Days, and The Cosby Show. Some were actually really good mothers, while others were just cool, funny and amusing. Which TV moms are the most memorable to you?

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Some of the most iconic TV moms somehow always managed to get everything done with ease. How, exactly, did Carol Brady keep up with that whole bunch? To be fair, she had a lot of help from Alice, but still...it's not easy. And yes, not all of the favorite TV mothers on this list are as capable as say, Shirley Partridge (The Partridge Family), or as kind and nurturing as Caroline Ingalls (Little House on the Prairie). No, there are hot messes here too, including Peggy Bundy (Married...With Children), one of the greatest '90s TV mothers. She might not be perfect, but she definitely loves her (totally messed up) kiddos. Claire Dunphy (Modern Family), for all her crazy, is actually a pretty awesome, fun mom to have. TV's most memorable Black mothers include Vivian Banks (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) and Dr. Rainbow "Bow" Johnson (Black-ish). We also can't forget about cartoon mothers, like Lois from Family Guy and Marge from The Simpsons. With so many good shows over the years, there have been many memorable mother characters in TV history.  

Vote up your favorite TV moms, and vote down the ones you think are the worst. 

Most divisive: Shirley Renfrew Partridge
Over 8.9K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best TV Moms Of All Time
  • Kitty Forman
    1

    Kitty Forman

    That '70s Show
    4,019 votes

    A beacon of warmth and compassion, this classic TV mom navigates the turbulence of raising three teenagers during the 1970s with grace, humor, and an unmistakable love for her children. Her infectious giggle and her ability to see the good in everyone, even when faced with the challenges of her husband's cynicism, make her the heart and soul of her family. Through thick and thin, her unwavering support and understanding foster the foundation for her family's tight-knit bond.

  • Moira Rose
    2
    Schitt's Creek
    2,034 votes

    Known for her eccentric wardrobe and endearing quirks, this loving mother consistently displays an unwavering commitment to her family despite their sudden cataclysmic fall from wealth. As she adapts to a brand-new lifestyle in a small town, she learns the importance of maintaining a strong family unit and becomes an anchor for her adult children's growth. Ultimately, her determination to overcome adversity highlights her capacity for resilience and devotion to her loved ones.

  • Sophia Petrillo
    3
    Golden Girls
    2,548 votes

    Sharp-witted and packed with sage advice, this beloved elderly character proves that age is just a number when it comes to being an exceptional mother. With an uncanny ability to deliver biting one-liners and timely wisdom in equal measure, she navigates the waters of parenting adult children and tackles tough issues like aging and loss head-on. Her love and dedication to her family, underscored by her strong morals and values, make her an unforgettable TV mom.

  • Morticia Addams
    4
    The Addams Family
    3,445 votes

    However macabre her surroundings and interests may be, this gothic matriarch exudes a refined elegance and fierce devotion to her ooky and spooky brood. Unwavering in her support of her husband's peculiar interests and staunchly protective of her children's eccentricities, she champions the power of individuality and unapologetic authenticity. Her grace under pressure and ability to remain cool even in the face of the most peculiar predicaments make her an iconic and endearing TV mom.

  • Wilma Flintstone
    5
    The Flintstones
    2,587 votes

    A prehistoric powerhouse, this vivacious redhead is no stranger to tackling life's challenges with determination, pluck, and a healthy dose of humor. Her ability to keep her husband's larger-than-life personality in check while providing unyielding love and support for her rambunctious baby with a firm, yet tender hand showcases her incredible balance as a mother. Her unwavering commitment to her family's wellbeing, coupled with her own formidable gusto, solidify her as a timeless TV mom.

  • Samantha Stephens
    6
    2,608 votes

    As a magical witch trying to blend into the world of mortals, this extraordinary mother faces unique challenges while raising her children and navigating relationships with her non-magical husband and witchy relatives. Her charm, wit, and ability to strike a balance between her magical heritage and commitment to her nuclear family endear her to viewers everywhere. Demonstrating that love and compassion can bridge even the most fantastical gaps, this enchanting mother earns a lasting place in our hearts.

  • Marge Simpson
    7
    The Simpsons
    3,134 votes

    With her sky-high blue hair and unforgettable voice, this animated matriarch is the epitome of selfless devotion to her often chaotic and zany family. Her boundless love and unwavering support for her children and bumbling husband drive her through countless ludicrous situations, where her adaptability and resilience consistently shine through. Her steadfast patience, protective nature, and enduring optimism make her a beloved and inspiring TV mom character.

  • Lucy Ricardo
    8
    I Love Lucy
    2,442 votes

    Famously funny and irrepressibly adventurous, this legendary sitcom mom effortlessly combines strength, dedication, and a keen sense of humor in her role as a loving wife and mother. In spite of her well-intentioned comedic misadventures, her unwavering loyalty and support of her husband and child make her a timeless symbol of motherhood. Her courage in challenging gender norms and pursuing her dreams attest to her role as a trailblazing TV mom.

  • Jill Taylor
    9

    Jill Taylor

    Home Improvement
    2,584 votes

    Gracious yet feisty, this down-to-earth mother navigates the challenges of raising three rambunctious boys, while also serving as the voice of reason and patience to her accident-prone husband's endless home improvement endeavors. Her natural wisdom, combined with her ability to juggle the demands of family life and a professional career, make her an inspiring and relatable figure. Ultimately, her caring nature and emotional intelligence cement her status as an iconic TV mom.

  • Lily Munster
    10
    The Munsters
    1,907 votes

    As the elegantly ghoulish matriarch of a monstrously unconventional clan, this captivating character displays unshakable devotion to her family and unwavering acceptance of their diverse backgrounds and quirks. Her supportive approach to her husband's various misadventures and nurturing guidance for her werewolf son and half-vampire granddaughter prove that love transcends appearances and labels. Graceful, loving, and fiercely protective, she sets the standard for spooky sitcom moms everywhere.

  • Reba
    11
    Reba
    2,030 votes

    This fiery redhead tackles the challenges of single motherhood, including teen pregnancy, divorce, and co-parenting, with unmatched wit and perseverance. Her fierce love for her three children and unapologetic honesty make her a relatable, down-to-earth, and inspiring mom figure. Never shying away from tough conversations, her resilient spirit and unwavering commitment to her family make her a force of nature on the small screen.

  • Caroline Ingalls
    12
    Little House on the Prarie
    2,350 votes

    A frontier woman of unwavering strength, this character juggles the responsibilities of raising her children, supporting her husband, and building a life in the untamed wilderness with grace and resilience. Her wisdom, practicality, and determination make her a formidable force within her family and community, serving as a beacon of stability in an unpredictable era. Through her unwavering commitment to her loved ones and indomitable spirit, she embodies the very essence of a strong and loving mother.

  • Lorelai Gilmore
    13
    Gilmore Girls
    2,565 votes

    Witty, stylish, and fiercely independent, this single mother defied social expectations and forged her path to provide a loving and supportive home for her daughter. With her rapid-fire banter and unparalleled pop culture knowledge, she forms an inseparable bond with her child as they navigate life's challenges together. As both a best friend and a devoted mother, her unique connection with her daughter has cemented her status as a fan-favorite TV mom.

  • Claire Huxtable
    14
    The Cosby Show
    2,962 votes

    Juggling the demanding roles of a successful attorney and busy mother of five, this iconic TV mom is a true powerhouse who exemplifies strength, intelligence, and poise. Her capacity to provide a loving and supportive environment while also guiding her children toward becoming confident, independent individuals is truly inspiring. Never missing a beat with her flawless balance of work and family life, she remains a groundbreaking and celebrated figure in television history.

  • Marion Cunningham
    15
    2,562 votes

    Affectionately referred to as "Mrs. C," this sweet and nurturing 1950s sitcom mom consistently demonstrates the power of unwavering support and compassion in her relationships with her children and husband. Her ability to balance firm discipline with loving guidance makes her a role model not only for her TV family but for generations of viewers as well. Her empathetic nature and genuine heart make her one of the most beloved TV moms of all time.

  • Claire Dunphy
    16
    Modern Family
    2,062 votes

    A master of multitasking, this fiercely loving mom navigates the chaos of raising three children with humor, pragmatism, and an undeniable passion for her family's well-being. Despite her occasional neurotic tendencies, her dedication to her children's happiness and success makes her an endearing and relatable character. Her tenacity and unwavering commitment make her a standout figure among contemporary TV moms.

  • June Cleaver
    17
    Leave it to Beaver
    2,280 votes

    The quintessential 1950s housewife, this character embodies grace, poise, and the epitome of motherly love. Immaculate in appearance and demeanor, she maintains an unshakable calm and support for her husband and two children, serving as a symbol of the era's idealized image of motherhood. Her ability to navigate the challenges of family life with grace and good humor make her one of television's most enduring and iconic moms.

  • Lucille Bluth
    18
    Arrested Development
    856 votes

    This calculating matriarch's acerbic wit and manipulative ways may seem initially off-putting, but beneath her icy exterior lies a mother who fiercely protects her dysfunctional family at all costs. Throughout the series, viewers begin to see glimpses of the love and loyalty that drives her actions, no matter how misguided they may be. Her iconic one-liners, lavish lifestyle, and unorthodox parenting style make her a uniquely memorable TV mom.

  • Edith Bunker
    19
    All in the Family
    2,016 votes

    Warm, empathetic, and occasionally scatterbrained, this classic sitcom mother brings a gentle sincerity and compassion to her family and friends. Her patience and ability to see the best in everyone, including her often bigoted and argumentative husband, make her a true source of kindness and level-headedness amidst chaotic situations. Through her unwavering love and support for her loved ones, she sets the standard for motherly devotion and tenderness.

  • Peggy Bundy
    20
    Married With Children
    2,530 votes

    This leopard-print loving, hairspray-obsessed TV mom may appear lackadaisical and disinterested in traditional motherly duties, but underneath her brassy exterior lies a fierce commitment to her family's happiness and success. Unapologetically nontraditional, she redefines motherhood on her terms and showcases an unbreakable spirit even when faced with ridicule and judgment from others. Her rebellious nature, combined with her undeniably affectionate moments, makes her a memorable and influential TV mom.

  • Carol Brady
    21
    The Brady Bunch
    2,879 votes

    With a blended family of six children, this iconic TV mom exemplifies the power of love and patience in creating a strong, unified family unit. Her ability to navigate the complexities of step-parenting with grace and understanding, while also providing unwavering support and guidance to each of her children, has endeared her to countless fans. A symbol of perseverance and adaptability, she remains a cherished figure in the pantheon of television moms.

  • Jane Jetson
    22
    The Jetsons
    1,605 votes

    In this futuristic animated series, this jet-setting mom effortlessly supports her family as they navigate life in outer space. With her stylish wardrobe, boundless enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to her children, she proves being a great mom is a timeless role regardless of the setting. Balancing intergalactic adventures with the responsibilities of daily life, she remains a beloved and enduring TV mom.

  • Betty Rubble
    23
    The Flintstones
    1,290 votes

    As the vivacious best friend to her prehistoric neighbor, this animated character tackles the challenges of motherhood and life in Bedrock with a delightful sense of humor and boundless optimism. Her nurturing nature and unwavering support for her husband and infant son make her a cherished figure in the world of classic cartoons. With her infectious giggle and kind-hearted disposition, she brightens every scene and cements her status as a beloved TV mom.

  • Kanga
    24
    Winnie-the-Pooh
    504 votes

    As the sole mother figure in a magical forest full of storybook characters, this gentle and nurturing marsupial brings a palpable warmth and wisdom to the tales of her fellow inhabitants. Her unwavering love and support for her rambunctious joey, as well as her compassionate guidance for her friends, makes her a cherished symbol of motherly love in the world of children's television. With her tender heart, she embodies the true essence of motherhood and its power to heal and uplift.

  • Debra Barone
    25

    Debra Barone

    Everybody Loves Raymond
    2,066 votes

    Feisty and fiercely loyal, this spirited TV mom juggles the pressures of parenting and managing the antics of her overbearing in-laws with unwavering determination. Her strong will and assertiveness, combined with her unwavering love for her husband and children, make her a relatable, empowering figure for viewers. Navigating the intricacies of modern motherhood with both vulnerability and strength, she serves as a realistic and inspiring example of resilience in the face of adversity.

  • Rose Nylund
    26
    The Golden Girls
    1,102 votes

    This lovably naive character may not be a conventional depiction of motherhood, but her endless supply of anecdotes and motherly wisdom from her upbringing in St. Olaf showcase her nurturing spirit and innate maternal instincts. Her unwavering kindness and empathy shine through her interactions with her roommates, whom she treats with the same level of love, attention, and care as if they were her own family. As a testament to the power of chosen family and unconventional bonds, she earns a special place in the hearts of fans as an honorary TV mom.

  • Florida Evans
    27
    Maude, Good Times
    1,560 votes

    Strong-willed and down-to-earth, this unforgettable TV mom is a force to be reckoned with as she navigates the challenges of raising a family in a low-income housing project. Her resilience and determination in the face of adversity, combined with her passionate advocacy for her community and commitment to instilling strong values in her children, make her a powerful and inspiring figure. Through her unwavering love and devotion, she leaves an indelible mark on the television landscape and the hearts of viewers.

  • Rainbow Johnson
    28
    1,039 votes

    As a loving mother, devoted wife, and successful doctor, this character deftly balances the demands of her career and family life while championing the importance of embracing one's unique identity. Her capacity to navigate the complexities of race, class, and culture while providing guidance, support, and unconditional love to her children is both moving and inspiring. With her intellect and quick wit, she leaves a lasting impression as one of the most relatable and empowering TV moms in recent memory.

  • Rebecca Katsopolis
    29
    1,546 votes

    With a glamorous career as a television host and a heart full of love for her family, this beloved character brings a sense of warmth and joy to every scene. Taking on the role of stepmother with grace and understanding, she effortlessly integrates into her husband's existing family and offers support and care for all the children in the household. Her unwavering commitment to her blended family and her ability to carry on with poise and humor in the face of challenges make her an unforgettable TV mom.

  • Olivia Walton
    30
    The Waltons
    1,758 votes

    Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, this strong-willed and resourceful character demonstrates an unwavering commitment to her family's well-being even amid the most trying circumstances. Her firm but loving approach to parenting and her steadfast support of her husband and seven children showcase her resilience and the power of family bonds. As a symbol of hope and perseverance, she remains etched in the hearts of viewers as one of television's most enduring and inspiring moms.