I Don't Know Where I'd Be Without These Iconic — And Sometimes Problematic — TV Moms
Happy Mother's Day! Whether you were raised with a mother or not, if you're here, I'm sure television had a major part in your upbringing. So, without further ado, let's celebrate some of the most iconic TV moms of the '90s and '00s!
Paramount Pictures
1.Marge Simpson — The Simpsons
Some people see their mothers as role models, and some view them as a guide book for "what to avoid." For me, no one encompasses that more than Marge Simpson — but I still love her. I began watching The Simpsons during my early formative years. Marge taught me from a young age that women are very often overlooked, and that your hard work will frequently be overshadowed by man's obnoxious and distracting stupidity.
2.Lorelai Gilmore — Gilmore Girls
I used to watch Gilmore Girls with my own mother growing up, and we both adored Lorelai. In many ways, she felt like my TV god-mom.
3.Trudy Proud — The Proud Family
This mother of three — four if you count her husband Oscar who's always involving her in his wild antics — always looked capital "F" — FINE! She was always the voice of reason and wisdom; an inspiration to us all. And on top of that, she had a really cool job that we don't get to see explored too often on the small screen: a veterinarian.
4.Rochelle — Everybody Hates Chris
Whew, one thing I'll always remember is that I was scared of her, just like my own mama! But she raised respectful kids and knew how to keep them in line, even if she was delivering tough love by doing so.
5.Charlotte Pickles — Rugrats
Nickelodeon
Charlotte is a powerful example of a working mother. She taught us a valuable lesson as young women: "EAT, BREATHE, DRINK, AND SWEAT SELF ESTEEM!"
6.Kitty Forman — That '70s Show
Kitty was a cool mom in her own right. She was extremely kind-hearted and nurturing with an infectious laugh that could put a smile on anyone's face. And, in my opinion, she's also the only good part about the spin-off (aside from Red, of course).
7.Helen Morgendorffer — Daria
MTV
The OG girl boss!
8.Lucille Bluth — Arrested Development
She is the epitome of the phrase "live your best life," because she did things on her terms and on her time. Lucille taught me well!
9.Gloria Delgado-Pritchett — Modern Family
Gloria was loving, loud, fun, gorgeous, and ICONIC! She is mother!
10.Linda Belcher — Bob's Burgers
Linda is extremely embarrassing, but mostly hilarious! But what stood out to me the most about her is that she's always been a ride-or-die matriarch for her family.
11.Lisa Landry — Sister, Sister
For so long, Lisa balanced being a single mom and achieving her dream of releasing her own clothing line, Fashions by Lisa. She is supportive, open, hilarious, and determined. She lives life unapologetically, and that's something to admire.
12.Judy Neutron — The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius
That woman gave me second hand anxiety, but she was also a real badass.
13.Lois Wilkerson — Malcolm in the Middle
Another one who instilled the fear of God within me. However, she is also an icon in her own right because can you imagine raising FOUR SONS??? I cannot. She's a fucking superhero.
14.Tanya Baxter — That's So Raven
Disney
I'm sure being the mother of a psychic is not easy to navigate, but she did the damn thing and still had the bandwidth to deal with Cory's foolishness. She held the family down in the best way.
15.Carey Martin — The Suite Life of Zack & Cody
Mama was just trying to launch her music career, but was constantly having to keep two blonde buck tooth kids in check. They didn't deserve her.
16.Peggy Hill — King of the Hill
Okay, I'm going to be honest, I don't like this character at all. But, nonetheless I grew up watching her raise Bobby...and later Luanne. The republican nightmare of a mother that none of us wanted, but she was always fun to watch.
17.Lastly, Reba Hart — Reba
This is the only example of a divorced woman on this list, which I'm sure comes with a whole other set of challenges when you're a mother. Reba handled it gracefully and was always there for her kids through the toughest situations.
