In pictures: The 12 most iconic TV mums that raised generations of viewers
They say mothers make the world go round – and that's no less true on television.
An iconic TV mum can be a friend, a role model or a mirror to your own experiences, navigating life with love, support... or the exact opposite, in some cases.
In honour of Mother's Day, we've rounded up the TV mums who have become more than just characters. This group of unforgettable women have made us laugh, cry and reflect on the universal experience of family.
From comedy icons to the heartfelt matriarchs of legendary dramas, swipe through to see the list.
Gloria Delgado-Pritchett – Modern Family
Modern Family has stiff competition in the mum department, as Gloria's daughter-in-law Claire Dunphy has her fair share of iconic moments.
But with her hilarious temper, passion for life, glam looks and uh, unique stories from her village in Colombia, Sofia Vergara's Gloria has the edge.
She's nothing if not authentic. Passionate about imparting her Colombian roots to her children, Gloria is also not afraid to be loud, emotional and speak her mind.
While her parenting has some quirks (she did dress Manny as a girl for the first year of his life), she's also attentive, fiercely loyal and accepting of her sons – and stepkids Claire and Mitchell – for who they are (well, now).
Chilli – Bluey
It's not a 2025 list of great TV characters without a member of the Heeler family, right?
Chilli is the beloved mother of Bluey and Bingo, known for her grounded and patient approach to parenting.
No one can balance playtime with life lessons quite like Chilli.
Moira Rose – Schitt's Creek
Catherine O'Hara certainly knows how to play an iconic mother.
In Schitt's Creek, her character Moira Rose is the eccentric, over-the-top mother to adult children David and Alexis, whose very, very resistant to her formally rich family's new, less wealthy lot in life.
Moira is dramatic and known for her theatrics, and especially her very unique way of speaking.
Her parenting has always been a little... unconventional, but throughout the series her connections with her kids grow and she's always there when they need her.
Kitty Forman – That '70s Show
That '70s Show wouldn't have worked without Eric Forman's ying and yang parents, the iconic Kitty and Red.
In contrast to her husband Red's grouchy demeanor, Kitty was the more cheerful parent who always tried to see the positives and treated Eric's friend group like they were her own.
She was always doting, sometimes overbearingly so, and often seemed oblivious to the debauchery taking place in her basement.
But Kitty could flip on the dime and as a result, delivered some of That '70s Show funniest, most scathing lines.
Lois Wilkerson – Malcolm in the Middle
Speaking of non-traditional motherhood characters, Jane Kaczmarek's Lois terrified not just her own but a generation of kids watching Malcolm in the Middle.
As the no-nonsense matriarch of her truly chaotic testosterone-heavy household, Lois ruled with an iron fist and was no stranger to doling out harsh punishments.
But despite her constant yelling and frustration, Lois went above and beyond to protect her family.
When Reese was being bullied at school, Lois plotted to get revenge on the bullies one-by-one... OK sure, that's also an unconventional approach, but it shows how much she cares!
Carol Brady – The Brady Bunch
It takes a special kind of woman to parent six kids with an easy-breezy, even-tempered nature like Carol Brady.
Despite a blended home with six kids, Carol always seemed to have time for everyone, helping to mediate, give sage motherly advice and celebrate their accomplishments.
Although she was a stay-at-home mother, Carol bucked stereotypes of the time with a range of passions and hobbies that helped to round out her character.
She was a freelance writer, sculptor, activist, singer and of course, an iconic TV mum.
Lorelai Gilmore – Gilmore Girls
The TV mum we all deserve.
No matter what's going on, Gilmore Girls' Lorelai Gilmore is always there with a coffee and pop culture reference.
Since having daughter Rory at 16, Lorelai forged a life her them on her own terms, towing the line of a mother-daughter relationship and a strong friendship.
She's strong, independent and cares so much about the people in her life that it's impossible not to admire her.
Plus, everything is done with a sarcastic quip and she can't cook. Deeply relatable.
Marge Simpson – The Simpsons
With her blue hair and husky voice, Marge Simpson is one of TVs most recognisable mothers.
She's also the grounding force of The Simpsons, endlessly supportive of her three children and hapless husband Homer, who is oftentimes more of a nuisance than Bart or Lisa.
Plus, her kids have not grown up in 35 years. She's a saint.
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