The Greatest Shows About Single Moms, Ranked

Gilmore Girls captures our hearts as it paints a vivid picture of single motherhood, with Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) raising her whip-smart daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel) in the quirky town of Stars Hollow. Filled to the brim with witty banter and heartfelt moments, this beloved series shines a light on the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter, navigating the ups and downs of life with charm and humor.

Who's the Boss?, a classic '80s sitcom, places Tony Danza as a housekeeper for newly divorced ad executive Angela (Judith Light). This light-hearted show, sprinkled with romantic tension, explores the dynamics of family life after divorce, showcasing a strong single mother balancing career and family with aplomb.

The waves of drama in Big Little Lies keep us enthralled as Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, who portray two single moms, lead a stellar ensemble cast. This suspenseful series explores themes of motherhood, friendship, and self-discovery, wrapped up in an addictive whodunit that has everyone talking.

Sex Education delves into the lives of high school students grappling with love and sexuality, with an open and honest single mother, portrayed by Gillian Anderson, leading the charge. This racy yet relatable series approaches youth and parenthood in refreshingly candid ways.

Weeds thrusts Mary-Louise Parker into the wild world of drug-dealing as a widowed suburban mom striving to maintain her family's cushy lifestyle. Oozing with dark humor and memorable performances, this addictive series examines the lengths a single mother will go to for the sake of her family.

Reba, starring the ever talented Reba McEntire, combines humor and warmth while portraying the challenges faced by a newly single mother raising her three children. With its clever wit and country charm, this show hits all the right emotional notes, reminding us that laughter is the best medicine in the face of adversity.

Dead to Me is a dark comedy that brings together two grieving women, one of whom is a single mother portrayed by Christina Applegate. Exploring unexpected friendships and twisted secrets, this intriguing series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, offering a roller-coaster ride of emotions.

Good Girls revolves around three suburban moms, including Christina Hendricks' character, who spiral down a life of crime to provide for their families. Mixing humor, crime, and relationship dramas, this wildly entertaining series showcases the lengths to which single mothers can go for their loved ones.

Jane the Virgin dives head-first into telenovela territory with Gina Rodriguez playing a young, accidentally artificially inseminated single mother. This heartwarming series brings laughter, love, and family values together, as Jane embraces motherhood and tackles life's many surprises.

Punky Brewster captures our hearts through the unbreakable bond between single foster mom Henry (George Gaynes) and spunky orphan Punky (Soleil Moon Frye). A delightful '80s hit, this family sitcom touches on themes of love and belonging, as it chronicles the playful exploits of an unconventional mother-daughter duo.

Julia, a groundbreaking '60s sitcom, stars Diahann Carroll as a widowed nurse raising her young son alone. This trailblazing show casts a pioneering light on the challenges faced by a single African-American mother during a time of changing societal norms.

Mom features the powerhouse duo of Anna Faris and Allison Janney as a single mom and her recovering addict mother, striving to rebuild their lives. A blend of humor and heartache, this compelling series grapples with themes of addiction, redemption, and the power of a mother's love.

Jesse sees Christina Applegate as the feisty, independent single mom who juggles work, children, and love interests with a fiery spirit. The ensemble cast and relatable themes ensure that audiences are always rooting for Jesse, no matter the struggle.

Ginny & Georgia thrills us as it explores the lives of a mother (Brianne Howey) and her teenage daughter, navigating the trials and tribulations of growing up while uncovering buried secrets. Its dramatic twists and turns keep us glued to our screens, pondering the complexities of motherhood and self-discovery.

One Day at a Time brings a modern twist on the classic sitcom as it follows Justina Machado's character, who plays a single mother and veteran raising her teenage children with the help of a sassy grandmother (Rita Moreno). Infused with humor and pathos, this heartwarming series tackles contemporary issues of identity, mental health, and the strength of family.

Younger sees Sutton Foster's character diving back into the working world while juggling her life as a single mom and her newfound youth. As she navigates relationships, friendships, and professional challenges in the publishing industry, this series offers laughter and insights into the world of reinvention.

Little Fires Everywhere catapults us into thrilling drama, as Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington play two fiery, passionate single mothers whose lives collide in a small Ohio town. Adapted from the bestselling novel, this riveting series examines themes of race, privilege, and motherhood, leaving us spellbound.

Better Things, helmed by Pamela Adlon, delves into the life of an actress and single mother of three disparate daughters. Weaving together stories of family, love, and self-discovery with a raw honesty reminiscent of life itself, this poignant series has us nodding our heads in recognition and laughing at life's absurdities.

Grace Under Fire gives us a raw, honest portrayal of a single mother, played by comedienne Brett Butler, charting her course through life's rough waters with humor and tenacity. This sitcom tackles themes of addiction, abuse, and personal growth, as the titular character perseveres through life's trials, demonstrating true resilience.

Alice takes us on a journey with Linda Lavin's titular character, who becomes a single mother and a sassy waitress after the death of her husband. Bursting with humor and showcasing the everyday challenges faced by working single mothers, this classic sitcom resonates with audiences craving a healthy dose of feel-good nostalgia.

Rap Sh!t introduces us to a single mother pursuing a career in the world of hip-hop as part of an all-female rap group. This series, steeped in music and ambition, dives headlong into themes of self-expression, sisterhood, and the strength it takes for a trailblazing woman to chase her dreams.

Raising Dion paints an otherworldly picture of single mother Nicole (Alisha Wainwright) as she raises her son Dion (Ja'Siah Young), who begins to exhibit superhero-like powers. Blending heartfelt family dynamics and thrilling supernatural elements, this series dives into themes of responsibility, love, and the resilience of a mother's bond.

Raven's Home showcases That's So Raven's Raven-Symoné as a divorced single mother of twins. This family sitcom, packed with laughter and supernatural hijinks, dives into the zany adventures of motherhood as Raven and her psychic teenage children navigate the ups and downs of family life with exuberant energy.

SMILF follows the life of single mother and aspiring actress Bridgette (Frankie Shaw), who tries to balance career aspirations with her responsibilities as a young parent. Poignant and raw, this groundbreaking series portrays the messy reality of unconventional family life while addressing themes of mental health and self-worth.

GCB takes us deep into Texan society, with Leslie Bibb portraying a single mother returning to her wealthy family's social circle after divorce. Brimming with southern charm and biting wit, this dramedy examines themes of betrayal, friendship, and reinvention in the heart of the Lone Star State.

The Cleaning Lady features Elodie Yung's character as a single mother and Cambodian doctor forced to become a cleaner for a criminal organization in order to provide for her ailing son. This intense crime drama offers a heart-pounding examination of the lengths a mother will go to protect her child, navigating the dark underbelly of organized crime.

Unprisoned follows Carol Sutton's character, a formerly incarcerated single mother working to rebuild her life on the outside while helping other women navigate life after prison. This thought-provoking drama delves into themes of redemption, determination, and the power of female solidarity in overcoming societal stigma and personal obstacles.

Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce unravels the lives of a group of female friends navigating the complexities of love and independence, with Lisa Edelstein's character Abby serving as the recently divorced single-mom focal point. Tackling themes of friendship, self-discovery, and life balance, this relatable series offers insights and laughter in equal measure.

This Life presents Torri Higginson as a single mother and journalist grappling with a cancer diagnosis, as she navigates the challenges of her personal and professional lives. Raw and honest, this powerful drama delves into themes of mortality, resilience, and the nature of family bonds in the face of adversity.

Fuller House, the modern spin-off of the '90s hit Full House, sees widowed veterinarian D.J. Tanner (Candace Cameron Bure) raising her three sons with the help of family and friends. A delightful blend of nostalgia, laughter, and love, this charming sitcom explores the beauty of family and the strength of a mother through adversity.

The Protector embraces the fantastical as a single mother discovers she is the last in a long line of magic-wielding women charged with protecting the world from supernatural threats. Balancing both family life and her newfound destiny, The Protector takes us on an epic adventure, showcasing the power of motherly love combined with supernatural abilities.

Was It Love? brings us the story of a single mother (Song Ji-Hyo) and film producer who rediscovers her dreams and opens herself up to love after she encounters four potential suitors. This heartwarming drama explores themes of independence, romance, and the strength of a mother as she charts her life's course.

Sky High: The Series, based on the movie, dives into the world of single mother Josie (Kelly Preston), raising a son with burgeoning superhero abilities. Balancing tender family moments with thrilling adventures, this show captures the essence of maternal sacrifice, the challenges of a child coming of age, and the thrilling dynamics of a superhero family.

Delilah finds Maahra Hill as a lawyer and dedicated single mother, striking a balance between her work and personal life. This legal drama dissects themes of justice, integrity, and the unwavering strength of a mother in the midst of the chaotic world of law and family.

The Duchess follows the gut-busting humor and relatable situations of Katherine Ryan as she navigates the world as a single mother to a pre-teen daughter. Through biting wit and self-deprecation, this irreverent comedy dives into themes of self-reinvention, motherhood, and navigating the modern dating world while maintaining a sense of composure amidst the chaos.