There's nothing more comforting than a mother's love. This can come in the form of a hug, sage advice, or even the tough love variety. Moms just have a way of getting things done and making everything better.
When you are in need of some mothering, turn to your favorite television sitcoms. The moms on these shows are funny and wise. And reruns are always there for you.
Carol Brady, 'The Brady Bunch'
This 1970s mom is a groovy ray of sunshine. Florence Henderson played this iconic role. Carol is both a mom and stepmom and loves all her children equally. This "lovely lady" is always positive and willing to lend a helping hand or listening ear.
Dr. Rainbow Johnson, 'Black-ish'
Rainbow Johnson, played by Tracee Ellis Ross, works hard as an anesthesiologist and loves her kids fiercely. Her character is considered a modern-day Clair Huxtable. She is not perfect and often gets frustrated with her husband, but that only makes her all the more lovable. She is full of energy and ambition.
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Clair Huxtable, 'The Cosby Show'
If Rainbow made the list, you know the OG Clair Huxtable won't be far behind. This groundbreaking mom, played by Phylicia Rashad, appeared on The Cosby Show. Clair is a badass lawyer raising five great kids. She is considered a feminist hero and represents strong black moms. She is tough but also compassionate.
Tami Taylor, 'Friday Night Lights'
OK, so technically Friday Night Lights is a drama, but Tami Taylor's Southern charm defies categories. Connie Britton plays this warm woman who is the wife of football coach Eric Taylor and mother of Julie and Gracie Belle Taylor. She works as a guidance counselor but eventually takes over the school. She pushes both her students and her family to be the best versions of themselves.
Edith Bunker, 'All in the Family'
All in the Family was a 1970s sitcom that used comedy to tell important stories of the day. It tackled racism, the Vietnam War, women's liberation, and more. Edith Bunker, played by the brilliant Jean Stapleton, puts up with her bigoted husband, Archie Bunker. He constantly puts her down, but she proves time and again that she is way more capable than he gives her credit for.
Sophia Petrillo, 'The Golden Girls'
Fun fact, Estelle Getty, who played Sophia Petrillo on The Golden Girls, was 62 when the show began. Sophia was written to be 79 years old and the mother of Dorothy Zbornak, played by 63-year-old Bea Arthur. Oh the magic of makeup, costumes, and acting. Sophia is blunt, but always had her daughter's back and loves her fiercely.
Rebecca Pearson, 'This Is Us'
Oh no, another drama snuck onto the list, but who wouldn't want Mandy Moore as their mother? This series tells the story of the Pearson family both in the current time and through a series of flashbacks. Audiences get to see Rebecca through the many stages of motherhood: a young woman in love, a new mom, a mom with adult children, and even a grandma.cccccbgniiehtiufurtfeebbikcjriceejftkbkreldr
You will need some tissues to watch this series.
June Cleaver, 'Leave It to Beaver'
This 1950s sitcom is a time capsule and feels pretty foreign to a modern audience. It's still nice to watch on occasion. June Cleaver, played by Barbara Billingsley, was the definitive TV mom of her day. She is a homemaker and always looks impeccable. She even does housework wearing her signature pearl necklace and heels.
Claire Dunphy, 'Modern Family'
Contemporary audiences will appreciate Clarie Dunphy's straight-forward style of motherhood. She's pragmatic and smart. She tries a little too hard but always means well. She struggles both with staying home with the kids and heading back into the workforce, so she's relatable to a wide range of mothers. Julie Bowen shines in this hilarious role supported by a brilliant ensemble cast.
Penelope Alvarez, 'One Day at a Time'
This 2017 series was actually a reboot. Penelope Alvarez, played by Justina Machado, is a tough single mom. She is part of a big, loving, and loud Cuban-American family. She works as a nurse and copes with PTSD from her years serving as an army veteran. This show is another example of a comedy tackling tough issues. As a bonus, Penelope’s mother, Lydia, is played by the great Rita Moreno.
Jessica Huang, 'Fresh Off the Boat'
Since we have broken so many rules already, here’s a bonus mom. It's true that Jessica Huang, played by Constance Wu, is a pusher. As an immigrant mom, she wants her children to be successful and has a very specific vision of what that looks like. She considers her husband, Randall, a fourth child and doesn't always agree with his crazy ideas. Still, her heart is in the right place, even if it is misguided at times.
