“Being a mom isn’t a job. There’s no clocking out. It’s who we are.”
— Lorelai Gilmore in Gilmore Girls
So, here’s a moment of truth: if motherhood were a paid position, no company in the world could afford the salary worth the labour. In between the messy house and the temper tantrums, being a mom means SHOWING UP and being there even if you’re running on just two hours of sleep, regardless of how many cups of caffeine you’ve had. There’s no annual leave, no punch card, and no HR department to file complaints with, and yet, it is an experience one wouldn’t trade for the world.
This Mother’s Day month, permit yourself to sit down (yes, actually sit), make yourself a soothing bowl of instant noodles or grab that chocolate bar you’ve been hiding from the kids, and dive into some seriously good TV. Here is a list of TV shows and movies, heavy on the subject of Motherhood, for you to binge, laugh, sob, and guaranteed to make you feel like you’re not the only one winging it. Because if anyone deserves a break, it’s you.
Sweet Magnolias (2020) – Netflix
Set in the charming Southern town of Serenity, this feel-good series follows three lifelong friends as they juggle motherhood, relationships, careers, and everything in between. With plenty of sweet tea and drama to go around, this warm, comforting watch reminds us how strong women (and moms!) lift each other through life’s highs and lows.
Stepmom (1998) – Netflix/Amazon Prime Videos
Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon shine in this emotional rollercoaster about motherhood, blended families, and learning to love through the mess. Packed with tear-jerking moments and unexpected laughs, Stepmom is a beautiful reminder that family isn’t just about biology — it’s about showing up, heart first (and maybe with a few tissues on standby).
Gilmore Girls (2000) – Netflix
Arguably, the show millennials relate to the most, Gilmore Girls, follows fast-talking, coffee-loving Lorelai and her bookish daughter Rory through life’s ups and downs in the charming town of Stars Hollow. Packed with quick wit, heartfelt moments, and unforgettable characters, it’s a cosy reminder that growing up (and parenting) is messy, magical, and full of second chances.
Big Little Lies (2014) – HBO Max
This star-studded drama is not just about the drama (though there’s plenty of that), but also about the complex, sometimes messy, and deeply protective nature of motherhood. With a powerhouse cast including Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley, Big Little Lies delves into the lives of women trying to balance perfect lies and hidden truths while raising kids. It’s the kind of show that’s as suspenseful as it is relatable, with jaw-dropping twists and a lot of mom power.
Jane the Virgin (2014) – Apple TV
This telenovela-inspired dramedy follows Jane Villanueva, a devout young woman who is accidentally artificially inseminated during a routine check-up. As she navigates the unexpected twists of motherhood, romance, and family dynamics, the show delivers heartfelt moments, witty humour, and plenty of surprises.
Little Women (2019) – Netflix
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel brings the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy to life, exploring their dreams, challenges, and the bonds that hold them together. With standout performances by Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, and Florence Pugh, this film beautifully captures the essence of sisterhood, enduring motherhood and maternal love.
Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway (2023) – Netflix
Based on a true story, this dramatic yet inspiring film follows Mrs. Chatterjee, an Indian mother who takes on the Norwegian government after her children are taken from her due to cultural misunderstandings. With Rani Mukerji bringing fierce determination to the role, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions that shows a mother’s unstoppable love, even when the odds are stacked against her. This movie is as heart-pounding as it is heartwarming!
Ginny & Georgia (2021) – Netflix
Imagine Gilmore Girls with a bit more edge. Ginny & Georgia follows a free-spirited young mom and her teenage daughter as they move to a new town, hoping for a fresh start. But beneath the picture-perfect surface, secrets, drama, and a whole lot of chaos unfold. With sharp dialogue, emotional twists, and a focus on the messy beauty of mother-daughter relationships, this series is equal parts wild, heartfelt, and relatable.
Mom (2017) – Netflix
In this gripping thriller, the late Sridevi delivers an amazing performance as Devki Sabarwal, a stepmother who takes matters into her own hands after her daughter becomes the victim of a horrific crime. The film delves into the depths of a mother’s love and the lengths she’ll go to seek justice. With its taut narrative and emotional intensity, Mom is a compelling exploration of maternal instincts and resilience.
Workin’ Moms (2017) – Netflix
Maternity leave is over, and these four Toronto moms are back at work, juggling careers, kids, love lives, and the occasional meltdown. Centring around very relatable mom issues like pumping breast milk in office bathrooms to postpartum depression, Workin’ Moms delivers sharp humour and raw honesty. Created by and starring Catherine Reitman, this series is a hilarious and heartfelt look at modern motherhood.
