One of the topics we frequently discuss at Frolo is the representation of single parents in the media. Single mums and dads are quite often the butt of the joke or represented as chaotic or reckless. But they’re not all bad, are they? Rather than getting into the nitty gritty of good vs bad depictions, we thought we’d pull together a list of 10 TV shows that feature single parents and let you give them a watch for yourself.
Here are 10 TV shows that feature single parent characters, and how to watch them online.
- 800 Words (2015-2018): This Australian comedy-drama series follows George Turner, a widowed father of two teenagers who moves his family from Sydney to the small New Zealand town of Weld. George struggles to adjust to his new life and the quirky locals, all while raising his children Shay and Arlo as a single parent.
- Gilmore Girls (2000-2007, 2016): Lorelai Gilmore is a single mother who had her daughter Rory at a young age. The show explores their close-knit relationship as Lorelai navigates work, dating, and parenthood on her own.
- One Day at a Time (2017-2020): This sitcom remake centres around the Cuban-American Alvarez family, led by single mother Penelope, a former military nurse raising her two children Elena and Alex. The show tackles issues like mental health, immigration, and LGBTQ+ identity through the lens of Penelope's experience as a single parent.
- The Fosters (2013-2018): Stef and Lena Foster are a lesbian couple who raise a blended family of biological, adopted, and foster children. When Stef's ex-husband Mike re-enters the picture, the show explores the dynamics of co-parenting as a single father.
- Jane the Virgin (2014-2019): After a medical mix-up, 23-year-old Jane Villanueva becomes unexpectedly pregnant. As a devout Catholic, Jane decides to keep the baby and raise her child as a single mother. The show follows her journey through pregnancy, relationships, and parenthood.
- Parenthood (2010-2015): This ensemble drama features the Braverman family, including single mother Julia and her adopted son Victor. The show delves into the challenges and joys of parenting, including Julia's experience as a working professional raising a child on her own.
- SMILF (2017-2019): This is a comedy series that follows the life of Bridgette, a single 20-something mother, as she navigates relationships, work, and raising her son in South Boston. The show explores the challenges of balancing motherhood and personal life, with Frankie Shaw starring as the lead and creator.
- Raising Hope (2010-2014): After a one-night stand results in an unexpected pregnancy, 23-year-old Jimmy Chance becomes a single parent to his daughter, Hope. The comedy follows Jimmy's journey as he navigates parenthood with the help of his eccentric family.
- The Letdown (2017-2019): This Australian comedy series centres around new mother Audrey, who struggles to adapt to the realities of parenting as a single parent. The show offers an honest and humorous portrayal of the difficulties of raising a child alone.
- Schitt's Creek (2015-2020): While not the main focus, the Rose family includes Moira, a former soap opera actress who becomes a single parent after her family loses their fortune. The show explores Moira's relationship with her two adult children as they rebuild their lives.
What's your favourite single parent TV show or character? Get the conversation going in a Frolo Group Chat today!
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