TV Shows Every Mom and Daughter Should Watch Together

by Nicole JohnsonMarch 20, 2024

Whoever said watching too much television is bad for your health clearly wasn’t tuned in to the good stuff. Quality TV teaches, heals, and starts conversations. And when you find a unicorn series—that creates magic and feels like it was written just for you–it has the power to change you right alongside the characters’ journey and strengthen the bond between you and the person snuggled beside you on the couch.

The following mom-and-daughter TV shows do just that. Our picks feature women in all their forms: teens on the road to self-discovery, superheroes in spandex, and Mother Nature’s formidable matriarchs in the wild. So, whether you’re after comedy, reality, animation, or drama, you’ll find it here in our curation of the essential shows every mom and daughter should watch together.

TV Shows for Moms and Younger Daughters

Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur

Marvel continues to spotlight women and girls with a new generation of female superheroes. Lunella Lafayette, a tween genius, works alongside her trusty sidekick, a T-rex, as they keep New York’s Lower East Side safe. Moms and their daughters can cheer on the young Black superhero who is both strong and intelligent. The show has some mild language and perilous situations.

Where to stream: Disney +
Age recommendation: 7+

Floor is Lava

In this action-packed game show, teams of people from all walks of life compete to win $10,000. This all takes place in a room filled with rising lava. Mothers and daughters can cheer for teams as they watch them work together to win. Based on the kids’ game, this family-friendly show will keep you glued to your screen.

Where to stream: Netflix
Age recommendation: 7+

The Great British Baking Show

This drama-free, family-friendly show is a contest celebrating the joys of baking. Moms can use baking tips from the show and create another opportunity to bond with their daughters in their kitchens. There is some very mild language and alcohol is often used as an ingredient.

Where to stream: Netflix
Age recommendation: 7+

Family Reboot

In this family-centric show, families reconnect on a week-long journey. This fun and touching reality series allows families to disconnect from their hectic lives as they work alongside ‘guides’ (therapists and life coaches) to come together for activities and games. Mothers and daughters may see aspects of their lives reflected on the small screen as they watch together.

Where to stream: Disney +
Age recommendation: 8+

The Baby-Sitters Club

Five young girls band together to start a babysitting club in this coming-of-age series. Moms will love this show based on the classic book series many of them grew up reading, and daughters will love the close-knit group of friends who not only share babysitting jobs but intimate secrets and an unbreakable bond. The girls also use their keen business sense to start their babysitting service, showing young girls everywhere the entrepreneurial spirit is not reserved for just males. Moms should be aware there are many sensitive subjects discussed on the show, like gender identity and divorce, providing many teachable moments.

Where to stream: Netflix
Age recommendation: 9+

TV Shows for Moms and Older Daughters

Ms. Marvel

Superhero fan girl Kamala struggles with fitting in. When she discovers that she has superhero powers, life quickly changes. The diverse representation of a strong and intelligent female superhero will appeal to both mothers and their daughters. Ms. Marvel is both the first Muslim and Pakistani superhero. The series has some language and violence.

Where to stream: Disney +
Age recommendation: 10+

Queens

Led by an entirely female team, Queens explores the corners of Alaska, Mexico, Central America, and Africa, telling the stories of Mother Nature’s creatures through a female lens. Angela Bassett narrates the docuseries, which gets up close and personal with female bonobos, bees, elephants, lions, and more–all sisters, single mothers, and grandmothers whose stories of love and sacrifice just might mirror your own. Check out the trailer, sound-tracked to Billy Eilish’s moody “You Should See Me in a Crown,” here. It’ll give you an idea of how formidable these wild matriarchs are.

Where to stream: Disney+
Age recommendation: 10+

The Owl House

Cartoons have come such a long way from the pandering half-hour waste just trying to sell toys of your youth. Today, kids are consuming high-quality shows like Steven Universe, Adventure Time, and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power–all of which have tremendous depth, powerful narratives, and inclusive characters. The Owl House is another. Here, Luz Noceda, a 14-year-old Afro-Latina, stumbles into a magical realm, leaving her mother, Camila, a widow, and veterinarian behind in the human world. As the episodes continue, the two learn more about each other and themselves.

Where to stream: Disney+
Age recommendation: 10+

Abbott Elementary

This funny sitcom, shot in mockumentary style, features a group of teachers in a fictional Philadelphia public school. The comedy series was created by Quinta Brunson, whose mother was a teacher. Similar to the shooting style of The Office and Modern Family, two of the show’s character’s relationships may be the real draw for mothers and their daughters. While Janine and Barbara are not mother and daughter, the relationship that develops between the school teachers and co-workers is a shining and hysterical example of a realistic mother-daughter relationship. There is some mild language and potty-style humor.

Where to stream: Hulu
Age recommendation: 10+

Wednesday

This Netflix show shifts its lens to Wednesday, the precocious and wonderfully morbid daughter of Morticia and Gomez Addams. When Wednesday is sent to her parent’s Alma Mater, Nevermore Academy, she finds mystery, friendship, and a world where she finally fits in. Featuring a strong female lead, Wednesday also showcases a realistic mother-daughter relationship between the titular character and her mom, which makes this a must-see mom-and-daughter show. Be aware there is some inappropriate language and images that may be frightening.

Where to stream: Netflix
Age recommendation: 11+

Angel City

In 2020, actress, activist, and mother Natalie Portman joined forces with entrepreneurs Kara Nortman and Julie Uhrman to launch the Angel City Football Club, a women’s professional soccer team based in Los Angeles. And since its founding, the team has been crazy successful on the field and in the stands where A-listers fill the seats. This Max docuseries explores the team’s origin story: mothers, daughters, and women rewriting the playbook to make the system finally work for them.

Where to stream: Hulu or Max
Age recommendation: 11+

Black-ish

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In this popular sitcom, the Johnsons show what life is like for an upper-class Black family in modern-day Los Angeles. Bow and Dre raise their five children while working as a doctor and advertising executive. This funny and poignant series is perfect for moms and daughters because it portrays a mother who balances motherhood and a successful career while honestly pointing out just how difficult that can be.

Where to stream: Disney+
Age recommendation: 11+

Never Have I Ever

A hilarious and heartwarming peek into teen-dom, this sitcom is a semi-autobiographical take on the high school experience of funny lady Mindy Kaling, who grew up a first-generation Indian American, like her protagonist, Davi. In the very first episode, you learn that Davi’s dad dies of a heart attack. The tragedy both strains and solidifies the relationship between her and her mother, and over four seasons, the two ebb and flow as Davi dates, effs up, and applies to college.

Where to watch: Netflix
Age recommendation: 12+

Stranger Things

If you haven’t watched this yet, make it a priority! A group of friends discovers they are living above an alternate and frightening version of their world. While the show features some genuinely scary moments that grow more terrifying each season, it also focuses on friendship, loyalty, and perseverance. Mothers and daughters can bond over their shared experiences of what it is/was like to be a tween as they watch this action-packed coming-of-age.

Where to stream: Netflix
Age recommendation: 12+

Anne with an E

Based on L.M. Montgomery’s beloved novel Anne of Green Gables, this Netflix series chronicles the life of a young orphan girl and her adventures while living on Prince Edward Island. Moms will especially love the strong-willed and determined Anne as a role model for young girls. The beautiful scenery, the relationships, and the home Anne finds make this a worthwhile binge for mothers and daughters. This modern retelling is much darker than previous versions of Anne’s story and is better for kids 12 and over.

Where to stream: Netflix
Age recommendation: 12+

Paper Girls

It’s been called Stranger Things but with girls. And we’ll give it to them. There are some similarities: the ’80s setting, kids on bikes, scary-not-scary sci-fi. But Prime’s Paper Girls, adapted from the comics by Brian K. Vaughan, is so much deeper than a Netflix dupe. On its surface, the series follows four 12-year-olds who time-travel to 2019 on their paper route and team up with their future selves to save humanity. But at its core, it’s an incredibly rich character study and journey to self-discovery that both mothers and daughters will relish unearthing together.

Where to stream: Prime Video
Age recommendation: 14+

Gilmore Girls

This classic mom-and-daughter show features a single mom and teenage daughter navigating life in small-town Connecticut. The most appealing aspect for moms and daughters will be the enviable relationship between Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, but be warned that Gilmore Girls has some mature and sensitive content like sex and underage drinking; this is best left to older kids and their moms.

Where to stream: Netflix
Age recommendation: 14+

—with additional reporting by DeAnna Janes

25 Netflix Shows Every Parent Should Binge-Watch in 2024

by Shahrzad WarkentinJanuary 18, 2024

We know “Netflix and chill “doesn’t mean what it used to, thanks to life with littles, but when you’ve got the time to wind down after the kids are in bed, click off Disney+ and click on these adult shows on Netflix that are sure to keep you awake no matter how tired you are—at least through several episodes. From hilarious comedies to heart-pumping thrillers, here’s what we’re binge-watching on Netflix right now.

"The Brothers Sun"

It's late. You're in bed. And you want a little action. But not that kind of action. Try hitting up the new series starring recently crowned Best Actress Michelle Yeoh. She plays the strong-willed mother of a family of gang members whose enemies have come a-knocking. There's a lot of choreographed fighting, fun quipping, and every shade of Yeoh on the acting spectrum.

"Carol & the End of the World"

From one of the brilliant writers for the criminally underappreciated campus comedy Community comes this miniseries about a 42-year-old accounting assistant who has absolutely no idea why the impending doom destined for Eearth means her quiet little life has to change. Like Carol in the mass of hedonistic chaos around her, this animated adult dramedy is a diamond in Netflix's digital rough.

"Bridgerton"

Obsessed? Same. Now that you're done bingeing Queen Charlotte and eagerly anticipating the next installment of the period drama, why not work on a little refresh? While you wait for season 3 to hit the streamer (part 1: May 16; part 2: June 13), catch up on the first two seasons. Then get ready to learn more about Penelope Featherington and her longtime crush, world traveler Colin Bridgerton.

"Wednesday"

The Addams Family reruns you watched as a kid pale in comparison to this witty Tim Burton remake. The series stars Jenna Ortega as the brilliant and totally dark title character. Shipped off to Nevermore, a boarding school for outcasts, Wednesday finds herself in the middle of a mystery. Including nods to the original, with an updated ethos, this show is definitely worth a few hours of your time—okay, eight hours. Once you finish the first season, get ready for season 2 in April.

"Russian Doll"

If you haven't caught on to this sci-fi/fantasy show that's absolutely bingeable, our only question is: Why not? Natasha Lyonne plays Nadia, doomed to repeat her 36th birthday over and over again until she gets it right, a la Groundhog Day, but with less humor and more mind-blowing plot twists. Sit down to two seasons; Netflix says a third is in the works now.

"Umbrella Academy"

Reuniting after their father's death, a group of estranged siblings sees their superpowers and a whole closet's worth of family secrets spill out. So far, the series has wrapped three seasons, with the upcoming fourth season said to be the final chapter. According to Ritu Arya, who plays Lila Pitts, season four will be the comic-book adaptation's best yet. So catch up now!

"Lupin"

Forget the Ocean's. This French series will leave you wanting more after the first heart-pounding scene at the Louvre. A true gentleman thief, Assane Diop (Omar Sy) sets out to avenge his father who was unjustly imprisoned when Assane was a child. Taking cues from his favorite fictional criminal hero, Arsène Lupin, he steals from the rich and exposes the truth. Part three is now streaming.

"Beef"

Steven Yeun and Ali Wong star in this wild road-rage comedy that has more twists and turns than Mulholland Drive. They play Danny Cho, a contractor, and Amy Lau, a business owner, and their "beef" begins when the two engage in a near fender bender. The experience ends up burrowing its way into their lives in ways you would never imagine. You will just eat this one up.

"Derry Girls"

Set in 1990s Northern Ireland—Londonderry, to be exact—this hidden gem is set against a backdrop of political upheaval that's nearing its end. School friends Erin, Michelle, Clare, Orla, and James navigate their teenage years with wit and, well, not really wisdom, but maybe the wisdom of youth that's as hilarious as it gets. Creator Lisa McGee has earned lots of praise for this one.

"Virgin River"

The perfect romantic-yet-not-too cheesy drama finished up its fifth season last year, with a sixth season on its way. While you wait, you can catch up on all the plaid-patterned action and learn about what Mel and Jack are up to in the small town of Virgin River. Should you need more rom-coms while you mom-mom, check out our list of shows like Virgin River.

"Kim’s Convenience"

If you haven't caught this CBC show on Netflix yet, sit down and stream it tonight. Set in Canada, it's the story of convenient-store-owning Korean immigrants and their first-generation adult kids living in Toronto. Based on a play by Ins Choi, its subtle humor balances out the show's more serious themes, meaning you'll laugh, cry, scream, and feel all the other feels.

"Glitch"

Guaranteed you have never heard of this chilling Aussie gem. About a group of dead people who claw their way back to life from six feet under, Glitch is a genre-blending series that will blow your mind. No, those who have risen are not zombies. And, no, they are not ghosts. But, yes, they are back for a reason. Their journeys to find out why will keep you hooked.

"The Diplomat"

Politics are a dirty game. But on The Diplomat, they're also completely absurd, ridiculous, and gloriously silly. Keri Russell stars as the titular ambassador and handles every bonkers plot twist, from international crises to marital exploits with skill and grace. Bless her. Catch up on season 1 now, because the next chapter is on the way, most likely hitting the platform this year.

"Insecure"

Don't have MAX? No biggie. Netflix now has every season of Insecure (and Girlfriends, for that matter) for your streaming pleasure. So when you're done watching Firefly Lane on repeat, treat your viewing queue to Issa Rae's hit comedy about a group of twenty-somethings navigating love, life, and friendship in Los Angeles.

"The Witcher"

Follow the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, a riveting and well-built monster hunter for hire as he journeys toward his destiny in a fantasy-based world where people are often the scariest beasts of them all. And as if spending late nights with Henry Cavill weren't reason enough to hit play on the adventure series, knowing that eye candy Liam Hemsworth is joining the cast for season 4 certainly is.

"Emily In Paris"

An ambitious 20-something lands her dream job as a marketing exec in Paris. And the City of Love does not disappoint with three seasons of romance and adventure finding Emily on every corner. Season 4 got a bit delayed due to the 2023 writers' strikes, but worry not, word is new episodes of Emily, her friends, her lovers, and her wildly inspirational fashion choices will be out this year.

"The Crown"

Can’t get enough of the royal family? This intriguing peek into the reign and romance of Queen Elizabeth II will more than satisfy. It certainly doesn't hurt that it stars the Oscar-winning Olivia Colman for part of the saga as Her Royal Highness, either. Creator Peter Morgan has finally finished his story, with all six seasons streaming on the platform now.

"Good Girls"

What happens when a picture-perfect, stay-at-home mom breaks bad? Good Girls. Part Weeds, part Breaking Bad, this series is a dark but fun fantasy escape that will draw you in from the first episode. In a stroke of horrible prime time decision making, the network canceled the series ahead of season five, but that doesn't mean you won't thoroughly enjoy all four seasons streaming now.

"Griselda"

Okay, yes, Ozark is a lot of fun. But odds are, you've seen Jason Bateman and Laura Linney boss up as money-laundering pros in the Ozark Mountains. So, queue up this thriller with links to the cartel instead. It stars Sofia Vergara playing against type in a queenpin role that will have you doing a double take. Drugs, money, motherhood, talk about binge-worthy. Look for it on January 25.

"Cobra Kai"

Thirty years after Karate Kid, the feud between Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) is still going strong. A surprise hit series, Cobra Kai checks in on the rivals, now all grown up, and finds Johnny and Daniel raising a new class of karate masters in their own dojos. Catch up now because season six is on the burner for 2024.

"Dead to Me"

This dark and twisty mystery about a grieving widow, played by the genius Christina Applegate, and her new best friend, the wonderful Linda Cardellini, will suck you in instantly and will not spit you out until the credits roll on the shocking end. Luckily (and, well, unfortunately), there are three complete seasons to keep you entertained.

"Escaping Twin Flames"

Ripping people off is as American as apple pie. LuLaRoe did it with patterned leggings, Bernie Madoff did it with a handshake, and cryptocurrency used Tom Brady. Twin Flames Universe, the online community at the focus of this 2023 Netflix docuseries, the lure is harmonious true love. And founders Jeff and Shaleia Divine swindled millions of their prey.

"Ginny and Georgia"

In search of a fresh start, single mom Georgia moves her kids, Ginny and Austin, up north. Unfortunately, secrets from Georgia’s past come back to haunt them and threaten to make their new lives anything but perfect. As addictive as it is shocking at times, Ginny & Georgia is the gift that keeps on giving: Netflix has guaranteed that seasons 3 and 4 are on the way.

"Workin’ Moms"

The last and final season of this hilariously relatable mom-com was released in early 2023. As for the binge, we hope you can make it through all seven seasons without peeing your pants, tagging along with the working moms as they balance the impossible chaos of motherhood and returning to the office. If you've already seen the entire series, check out our picks for shows like Workin' Moms.

"The Great British Baking Show"

Mouthwatering cake pops and canapes served up with some friendly competition make this series a must-watch for any home baker (or cookie-lover) looking for inspiration. If, however, you fear the yummy sponges on the screen may induce hunger pangs that send you straight to the kitchen for a snack, there's always the Emmy-nominated Selling Sunset to quell the late-night reality cravings.

—with additional reporting by DeAnna Janes

All photos courtesy of Netflix, unless noted.

I’m a Single Mom. I Won’t Let Santa Take Credit for the Good Gifts

By Nicole Pecoraro

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

November 25, 2023

I want my kids to know that I worked hard to make sure that they got that one thing on their list they really wanted.

Like many, Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. It got especially magical after I had kids. I can’t wait to see their little faces light up on Christmas morning with delight as they burst out of their bedrooms with anticipation to see if Santa actually came.

You know, the man in red with the jolly disposition and the mystical elves that make toys from scratch and report back to the North Pole every night fueled by “cheer.” The man who somehow manages to make it across the entire world in one night and lives solely off of milk and cookies and Christmas spirit.

I love Santa. I love the idea of Santa. And I love that my kids think that Santa is magic. It adds an extra element to Christmas that fills them (and me) with excitement every year. What I refuse to play into is that Santa shows up with the expensive, hard-to-find gifts, while mom and dad bring things like socks and PJs.

The mere concept of a loving Santa and his reindeer helpers is one that I think brings hope and enchantment to kids’ lives during the holidays. After all, if we can get them to believe that there is a person in this world who flies with wingless, hoofed animals (one of which has a light bulb on his face), lives in a hidden land that you can’t find on a map, and has an entire staff of tiny, pointy-eared people who have not yet managed to go on strike for being forced into overtime in dangerous conditions like the freezing cold… well, I think we’ve done our jobs.

Isn’t that enough?

I work my butt off every year to make sure my kids have a good Christmas. To make sure that they are delivered just as many presents as their friends and that they aren’t missing any “hot items” they desperately asked for.

For a month straight, I live off of coffee and evergreen fumes trying to scrape together pennies to bring my little ones the most joy I can on the mind-blowing morning called Christmas. I become a gift ninja: assembling, wrapping, and hiding. On Christmas Eve, I morph into a woman who doesn’t need sleep or hydration to survive and spend hours setting up an entire display for my kids to enjoy when they wake up at the crack of dawn because… SANTA!

Did I mention I love Christmas? I really do.

It’s all worth it. It is. But I will be damned if I am going to let the big guy in the red suit take all of the credit for the gift that I had to fist-fight someone over in Target because it was the last one on the shelf. NO. WAY.

I want my kids to one day replicate the magic of Christmas in their own homes every year. But I also want them to appreciate the season for what matters. Gifts are great. Getting gifts as a kid is one of the most exciting parts of Christmas, but plenty of kids do not get gifts—and if they do, they may not be as cool, high-tech, or expensive as some of the ones my kids have received over the years.

How do I explain to them that some kids (the ones who really need the miracle) don’t get what is on their list from a man who theoretically brings presents to all kids who are good? Do I tell them those kids are bad? What makes those kids less deserving? Nothing.

And how do I explain that if we have had a year when money is tight, Santa suddenly doesn’t have the “disposable income” to supply the mountain of gifts he had in recent years? I can’t. Not without them losing some faith in the magic of the holiday.

Plus, I’m trying to raise responsible and grateful humans who understand the value of material things and what it takes to make and spend money. Christmas happens to throw all of that out the window for the weeks leading up to the big day and at least a good month after.

I want my kids to know that I worked hard to make sure that they got that one thing on their list they really wanted. That even though I might have missed a few important sports games or school events, it’s because I was working—working to make sure we have a roof over our heads, that our bills got paid, and also so that I could do things like buy them that gaming system they’d been pining for.

I want my kids to understand that Christmas is magical and that there are two people who make it so: Santa and me.

But in taking credit for the extra-special gifts, I have a better explanation for the other kids who may not get the same number or types of presents as they do and why our Christmas haul may vary from year to year. Plus, I don’t have to stress about remembering which gifts came from Santa and which didn’t when something doesn’t work correctly and I have to come up with some outlandish story about how I’m going to phone into the North Pole to get a replacement.

If you ask me, the magic of Santa lies in my kids’ believing: believing that there is someone watching them, rooting for them, and willing to dazzle them with his abilities every year because he loves them. He does it all in one night because he’s spectacular. And he brings things they will love and play with for the whole year (hopefully).

But the big-ticket stuff—the gift that they requested for months, the one that cost a small fortune and will bring the biggest smile and the most thanks? That one comes from Mom. After all, Santa has a group of elves to do his bidding—I’m all on my own.

This post originally appeared on Mom Transparenting.

Nicole Pecoraro

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I'm a single mom of three and realtor living in a suburb of Chicago. In my abundant spare time I like to write about parenting, family, divorce and raising a young transgender child. I'm just trying to raise kids who know how to turn off lights when they leave a room.

17 TV Shows Every Mom Should Binge-Watch

by Maria GuidoJune 25, 2023

From Poker Face to Bad Sisters, this list of the best TV shows to binge-watch will fill your entertainment queue for months to come

Motherhood is exhausting, and if you’re doing a running jump onto your couch at the end of the day to cuddle up under a blanket and binge-watch some good TV—you’re not alone. But there’s nothing worse than being ready for some sweet, sweet distraction, and instead falling into a rabbit hole of never-ending decisions. Whether you’re in the mood to laugh, cry, and/or judge other peoples’ life choices with abandon (it comes so naturally!), there’s a TV series on this list with your name on it. And you won’t even need to search!

From Virgin River‘s dreamy setting and soapy characters to Dead to Me‘s dark and twisted tale of friendship, consider your nights and weekends officially booked. (And for those up for date night flicks or scary movies, we’ve got a few picks for you, too.)

Somebody, Somewhere - MAX

Sam (Bridget Everett) and Joel (Jeff Hiller) have the most perfect friendship in this show; it makes it really hard not to dream of joining their two-person BFF squad. They meet at work while Sam is dealing with the loss of her sister, and an unlikely connection forms. Joel becomes Sam's respite while she deals with a high-strung, perfectionist sister, an alcoholic mother, and a father who has been dealing with family drama for so long that he totally (albeit, lovingly) disconnects. The series follows the friends as they navigate all the imperfections life offers and will remind you how a few, integral people make life a whole lot worth living.

Bad Sisters - Apple TV+

Bad Sisters starts at the funeral of the show's antagonist, JP. He's the loathed brother-in-law three sisters have longed to murder, to save their fourth sister—the one he married and has slowly sucked the life out of. So while we know he's dead off the bat, episode after episode we're left to figure out exactly how it happened. Sharon Horgan is the genius behind yet another incredible show, and stars as the sister who inherits the role of matriarch after the death of their parents. This hilariously dark show will hook you from the get-go. You'll be rooting for JP's death and loving every moment of the sisters' twisted plans.

Poker Face – Peacock

Charlie (Natasha Lyonne) has an extraordinary ability to determine when someone is lying. It’s an ability that’s gotten her into some trouble in the past, and when trouble finds her again, she hits the road in her Plymouth Barracuda and vows to keep moving so the evil men on her case won’t be able to track her down. Every town brings her a new opportunity to sniff out a lie and solve a crime. Natasha Lyonne is utter perfection as 2023’s version of Columbo, and you’ll totally be along for the ride.

Based on a True Story - Peacock

Ava (Kaley Cuoco) is a flailing realtor obsessed with true crime podcasts. Her husband, Nathan (Chris Messina), is a one-time tennis great who is aging out of his tennis pro status at the local country club. They both need a big, financial break—when they realize they've unwittingly stumbled upon an actual, real-life serial killer posing as a harmless plumber named Tom. Ava becomes determined to cash in—in the podcast space. This requires the couple to join forces with an unlikely third, sending their lives into total, comedic disarray.

Run – MAX

Who among us hasn’t occasionally wanted to pack their things and run out the door? You don’t have to answer that. HBO’s Run is about a mom and wife who fulfills a pact she made 17 years earlier with her college sweetheart—that if either of them texted each other the word “run,” they’d drop everything and meet in New York. This one only lasted for a season, but it’s a season worth watching.

Behind Her Eyes - Netflix

behind her eyes is one of the best tv shows to binge watch

Louise Barnsley is a single mom looking for love, and when she meets psychiatrist David Ferguson at a bar, you'll immediately sense the chemistry and be rooting for some steamy love in her future. But alas, she learns the next day that Dr. Ferguson is both her new boss and married. So she befriends his wife (as one does), and the weird love triangle that ensues is just too good.

Catastrophe – Amazon Prime

If Sharon Horgan’s name is attached—I’m watching it. If you haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying her work (she’s a producer, director, and actor), Catastrophe is a good place to start. When a one-night stand turns into an unplanned pregnancy, Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney decide to give a real relationship a go. Their intense chemistry combined with the real-life crap we all go through in relationships is the recipe for the perfect watch—if you’re ready to fall in love with two characters and root for them both. The 24 episodes spent with this couple before its run on Amazon Prime ended in 2019 were not nearly enough.

On the Verge - Netflix

On the Verge is one of the best tv shows to binge watch — Netflix

Middle age can suck sometimes, and it’s fine to admit it. This Netflix series takes a look at the lives of four friends who are in varying stages of midlife crises: one has a narcissistic husband who doesn’t recognize her talent, one is bored and struggling with anxiety, one’s younger husband just left her, and one is flailing about trying to find steady income. Created by and starring Julia Delpy, this one is at times awkward but also overwhelmingly funny.

Dead to Me – Netflix

Are you looking for a show with a light, tug-at-the-heart-strings, Hallmark kind of vibe? No? Well, great. Because this series is absolutely not that. Instead, this black comedy follows the unlikeliest of friendships between a widow with major anger management issues and a free-spirited empath as they set out to find the former’s husband’s killer. Just when you think there can’t possibly be another plot twist, your jaw will fall right back on the floor. The chemistry between Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini is out of this world and what makes this show a must-watch season after season.

Big Little Lies - HBO

Big Little Lies is one of the bestTV shows to binge watch

Beautiful families living in breathtaking mansions in Monterey, CA? You'll want to hate-watch it but will become immediately invested in every single one of these characters. Reese Witherspoon is a perfect mom and imperfect wife; Laura Dern is brilliant as a money-loving, hard-working, ruthless professional; and Nicole Kidman, Zoe Kravitz, and others generate more star power than you've ever seen in a single cast. Starting as one thing and quickly evolving into something quite dark and different, the show is an insightful take on a real truth—that despite outward appearances, no family, no matter what they have or appear to be, is perfect. And sometimes, trying to maintain that perfection can be deadly.

Sweet Magnolias – Netflix

I never imagined I was someone who was into sweep, sappy, Southern romance—but here we are. Netflix’s runaway success is a success for a reason; it focuses on good friendships, loyal communities, and hot men. You’ll want Brooke Elliott to be your best friend (and cook you a meal), you’ll be cheering for JoAnn Garcia to get away from her cheating sack of an ex-husband (played by Chris Klein), and you’ll want to wrap your arms around Heather Headly and tell her to stop being so strong for everyone. Also—there are margaritas.

Workin’ Moms - Netflix

Looking for the best tv shows to binge watch? Try Workin' Moms — Netflix

Not only does this show have a perfectly honest take on all things that suck the life out of you in motherhood, but the emphasis on female friendships over romantic relationships is also so damn refreshing. Catherine Reitman is the creator and star of this seven-season Canadian show that thankfully made its way to Netflix. What starts as women meeting each other and bonding over their struggles in a new-mom group evolves into a storyline that goes from infidelity to step-parenting struggles to all things that adult female friends endure. This is not to miss—and if you haven't seen it yet, I'm jealous of the sheer amount of episodes you get to enjoy for the first time.

Togetherness - HBO

Togetherness is one of the best TV shows to binge watch — HBO

This show by Mark and Jay Duplass was canceled after two seasons. I hate to lead with that, but I’m still bitter about it. Starring Melanie Lynskey, Amanda Peet, and Mark Duplass, Togetherness views the rough spots of marriage through a refreshingly honest lens. They live, laugh, make mistakes, and you’ll fall in love with them. Speaking of mistakes… HBO, why did you cancel this show on a cliffhanger?

Virgin River – Netflix

If the trope of the big city girl who has to escape her life by moving to a small town is your thing, you’re going to love Virgin River. Mel is a nurse practitioner who leaves a troubling past behind in LA to answer the call to help a small-town doctor on a year contract. The doctor is grumpy and hard to crack—and so is the local bartender, Jack. But Jack is also hot, and he and Mel have an instant connection. Jack’s just emotionally unavailable enough to capture Mel’s attention (yes, another trope!), but you’ll be rooting for this pair immediately anyway. Escape into the incredible scenery and a cast of small-town characters who all have enough drama surrounding them to keep you coming back for more. There’s a reason this one is a viewer favorite.

Friends from College - Netflix

Friends From College is one of the best tv shows to binge watch — Netflix

Another show that was canceled before its time! Sorry to make you fall in love with these shows that will leave you early, but two glorious seasons are all you’ll get from this cast, including Keegan Michael Key, Fred Savage, and Billy Eichner. Twenty years after graduation, a tight-knit group of college friends reconnects. They’re dysfunctionally dependent on one another, and their relationships are at times totally inappropriate, but this group is so damn real and funny that you’ll fall in love with every single imperfect character.

The White Lotus – HBO

Honestly, I’ll watch Jennifer Coolidge in anything so I probably would’ve finished these two seasons even if they weren’t the most oddly hilarious thing I’ve watched in years. In season one, Murray Bartlett nailed it as the perfectionist manager of a high-end resort, simultaneously grappling with his sobriety and the most high-maintenance guests you’ve ever seen. Season two brought even more drama and laughs, and if you have managed to exist this long without knowing what happens in this show, I’m not going to spoil it for you now. Just know that these two totally different seasons with two totally different casts (save for Coolidge) were both fantastic. Maybe you don’t think you want to know what happens when wealthy guests ascend upon an all-inclusive resort first in Hawaii then Italy, but I promise—you do.

Good Girls – Netflix

This show will make you want to gather your BFFs and start a badass girl gang, complete with money laundering, accidental murder, and hot affairs with drug lords. Okay, maybe this sounds over-the-top, but that’s what binge-worthy TV should be. When you’re finished watching this, you’ll want Christina Hendricks, Ruby Hill, and Annie Marks on speed dial. There are five incredible seasons to binge, and you’ll love every single one.

10 Books for Moms Who Want to Feel Seen (& Not Judged)

by Amber GuetebierMay 25, 2023

Being a new mom can be tough. These books let you know you’re not alone

Navigating life with a newborn is anything but simple. Whether it’s your first or your fourth, the only constant new parents can count on is to expect the unexpected. With all the snarky comments and harsh judgments out there, moms need all the support—and commiseration—we can get. When you get a few minutes, stop doom-scrolling and pick up one of these 10 beautiful books for moms that celebrate the messy truth of motherhood in a way new moms need.

1. Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year by Anne Lamott

Writer and essayist Anne Lamott offers new moms inspiration and commiseration in this collection by one of the most talented writers out there. And don’t worry; the short vignettes are not only relatable, they’re easily readable in the few spare moments you have in between diaper changes , feeding, and naps.

Buy it here, $15

2. Unexpected: A Postpartum Memoir by Emily Adler Mosqueda

As a second-time mom, Emily wasn’t anticipating the postpartum depression and anxiety she would experience. Exploring the not-always-joyful emotions of motherhood, including rage, irritability, guilt, and shame, Emily opens up about the impossible standards of motherhood and offers moms the judge-free understanding that sometimes you aren’t okay.

Buy it here, $24

aint that a mother book cover is a great book for moms

3. Ain’t That a Mother: Postpartum, Palsy, and Everything in Between by Adiba Nelson

Writer and all-around bad*ss Adiba Nelson knows a thing or two about the unexpected journey motherhood brings. As an Afro-Latina, Nelson grew up knowing motherhood was anything but easy. When her daughter is born with cerebral palsy, Adiba begins a fight—a fight for love of her child and of herself. The kind of self-love and courage that created success and changes in her life. It’s a messy, bold, beautifully written story of Adiba’s truth and her quest to live it.

Adiba also wrote a children’s book, Clarabelle Blue Is Just Like You, to offer her daughter visibility in the world and to teach other children the value of loving one another. This new memoir will have you laughing, loving, and celebrating.

Buy it here, $21

4. Enough About the Baby: A Brutally Honest Guide to Surviving the First Year of Motherhood by Becky Vieira

Touted as “an unapologetic guide to the first year of motherhood,” author Becky Viera challenges society to stop undervaluing the new mother and start establishing self-care as a necessity to motherhood. Full of actionable advice about what to expect and how to handle even the most taboo subjects, poop, and postpartum depression among them, this book reminds us that taking care of our own needs is vital to our survival.

Buy it here, $18

5. The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor

Though this book is not explicitly about being a new mom, our relationships with our bodies post-partum can be a mixed bag, full of pressure to get back to “pre-baby weight” and struggling with self-esteem. In this book, activist and poet Sonya Renee Taylor offers us tools for radical self-love and a way out of the shame cycle that perpetuates the oppression of ourselves and others around the world. There’s even a workbook to help you personalize and radicalize your feelings about your own body.

Get it here, $15

6. The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O’Farrell

If you’re looking for a relatable novel to read when you can steal a moment, this one will fit the bill. It’s the story of two different mothers—one a single mom in post-war London and the other a young painter named Elina navigates who can’t seem to remember actually giving birth. A gorgeously written novel that touches on so many feelings we have as we stumble into motherhood.

Buy it here, $14

the cover of its been pouring, books for new moms

7. It’s Been Pouring: The Dark Secret of the First Year of Motherhood by Rachel Papo

In this photo book, author and photographer Rachel Papo set out to document the experience of postpartum depression. A collection of photos and interviews of mothers at their darkest moments, it’s also an honest exposition of Papo’s own postpartum depression and allows mothers everywhere to connect and recognize the real struggle of motherhood. Buy it here, $37

8. Knocking Myself Up: A Memoir of My (In)Fertility by Michelle Tea

Award-winning author Michelle Tea gives an honest and totally amazing account of her life entering into motherhood as a 40-year-old, queer, uninsured woman. A story of love and love of family, Tea tells it all in a can’t-put-down memoir. Buy it here, $28

9. Knocked Down: A High-Risk Memoir by Aileen Weintraub

Told with humor and grace, this is a memoir of a high-risk pregnancy when author Aileen Weintraub is prescribed five months of bed rest. What she experiences includes confronting the state of her marriage and her own grief for her father while fighting for the life of her child. For moms that have experienced high-risk pregnancies, there are relatable emotions, and for all moms, the book offers deep insight into what we do to ourselves as women and mothers in our own minds.

But it here, $7

10. Waiting for Birdy: A Year of Frantic Tedium, Neurotic Angst, and the Wild Magic of Growing a Family by Catherine Newman

A hilarious and honest book by popular Baby Center columnist Catherine Newman, this is her account of navigating toddlerhood while preganat and giving birth to her second child. Spoiler alert: it’s really hard! But with humor, wit, and her warm writing style, new moms everywhere will feel 100% seen in her book.

Buy it here, $17

26 Summer Blockbusters That’ll Get You in Theaters

by DeAnna JanesMay 25, 2023

When the mercury begins to rise, just beeline to the nearest air-conditioned theater, prop up your feet, and enjoy the show

It’s a bird, it’s a plane. Nope, it’s just another sequel! Reboots and remakes are always the name of the summer game, but this year, we also have a ton of family friendly flicks, raunchy comedies, indie gems, and horror thrills to look forward to. Head under the sea for some live-action magic, bear witness to a clash of robotic titans, and then embark on a Mattel doll’s existential journey to self-discovery. This blockbuster lineup of new summer movies in 2023 has a popcorn flick for everyone.

New Summer Movies in 2023 for Families

The Little Mermaid

She wanted to be part of this world, and now she is … again. That’s right, the ocean’s most curious little mermaid, Ariel, is headed for land, in the flesh. Rob Marshall’s starry remake is the latest Disney classic to get the live-action treatment. Ariel’s human form takes shape in R&B newcomer Halle Bailey, with her fishy friends voiced by Daveed Diggs and Jacob Tremblay, and octo-nemesis Ursula coming to life through Melissa McCarthy.

Catch it in theaters on May 26

Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse

The first Afro Latino Spider-Man, Miles Morales took the classic comic to new heights, flaunting his acrobatic prowess in vivid stepped animation. But after his introduction to the Multiverse in 2011, fans were left salivating for an encore. Come next month, they’ll get what they crave: Miles taking on more Multiverse turmoil with his adolescent baggage in tow, of course. Upping the ante, however, are six different animation styles and a whole new cast including Issa Rae and Daniel Kaluuya.

Catch it in theaters on June 2

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Set in 1994, the seventh installment of the Cybertron universe is a follow-up to 2018’s Bumblebee and a tribute to Hasbro’s Beast Wars. In the Heights star Anthony Ramos is in the driver’s seat; he plays Noah Diaz, an ex-military electronics expert who finds himself at the center on an intergalactic war with animalistic robots. He’s joined by Swarm’s Dominique Fishback, former SNL alum Pete Davidson, and the newly crowned Best Actress, Michelle Yeoh. So here’s hoping there’s oomph behind the action.

Catch it in theaters on June 9

Elemental

Ready for a little Pixar therapy? The studio’s next foray into abstract characters takes on the four elements of matter: fire, water, earth, and air. But don’t worry, that’s about the extent of grade-school science knowledge required for enjoying this family-friendly flick. The story belongs to Ember and Wade, an aptly named firecracker, and her new go-with-the-flow buddy. Though they’ve always been told elements don’t mix, the pair eventually learn they have more in common than they think.

Catch it in theaters on June 16

The Flash

The Flash, a 20-something speedster in a red suit, gets his own DC origin film. Directed by It’s Andy Muschietti and written by Birds of Prey’s Christina Hodson, the film introduces Barry Allen, spinning a yarn about how messing with the past can royally screw up the future. But before you book a ticket, know that the actor behind the mask is Ezra Miller, one of Hollywood’s most troubled actors. If you, like Warner Bros., are willing to give Miller another shot, then The Flash might be your next move.

Catch it in theaters on June 16

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Get ready to have “Bumbumbumbum bumbumbum” living rent-free in your head again, because everyone’s favorite dashing adventurer over 50 is back with another bold ancient mystery to unfold. For this chapter, James Mangold is at the helm, with old-guard Harrison Ford manning the whip. Rounding out the cast are Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, and Antonio Banderas. And for you loyalists, yes, Steven Spielberg is on also board (as an executive producer), giving his rare stamp of approval.

Catch it in theaters on June 30

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken

DreamWorks gets in on the action with this summer movie in 2023 with a fish-out-of-water tale voiced by familiar names including Lana Condor, Toni Collette, and Jane Fonda. About a shy teenage kraken whose heritage lies in royalty, the story follows Ruby through the halls of Oceanside High as she tries to fit in. Of course, it’s only once she embraces her roots that everyone grows to love her. Go ahead, say it; we know you want to: Unleash the Kraken, Ruby!

Catch it in theaters on June 30

Haunted Mansion

Though Eddie Murphy navigated the haunted corridors of a creepy old Victorian mansion decades ago, this Disney escapade has no relation. Featuring an entirely different cast and story, Haunted Mansion takes inspiration from the popular amusement ride, its musical audio and décor translating well to the screen. Rosario Dawson stars as a single mom who enlists help to exorcise her new home. And in the skilled hands of Dear White People’s Justin Simien, why even bother with insurance?

Catch it in theaters on July 28

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

Teenage Mutant Tutles: Turtle Mayhem is a new summer movie in 2023 — Paramount Pictures

Nickelodeon is beckoning your little ones’ favorite sewer-dwelling powerhouses out from the underground and into the Big Apple for some mutant mayhem and, of course, slices of pizza. Written by “permanent teenagers” Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and Jeff Rowe, this reboot has LOL written all over it for the kids, as well as the adults in the room whose childhood beds were covered in cowabunga linens featuring the heroes in a half-shell.

Catch it in theaters on August 4

Gran Turismo

Based on a true story, Gran Turismo rides shotgun with a teen whose skills with a video game controller land him behind the wheel of a professional race car. It’s an interesting fast-and-furious choice for director Neill Blomkamp, who wowed audiences with his 2009 feature debut, District 9. See’s Archie Madekwe stars, with Stanger Things’ David Harbour and Pirates’ Orlando Bloom costarring. May the G-force be with them all.

Catch it in theaters on August 4

Strays

Dogs say the darndest things in this comedy from the writer of American Vandal and the director of Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. Will Ferrell voices Reggie, a border terrier who’s only recently gone off the leash, with Sofia Vergara, Jamie Foxx, and Randall Park lending their voices to an adorable pack. But cuteness overload ends there: These profane pups are on a mission to make sure Reggie’s bad owner never leaves the dog house again.

Catch it in theaters on August 18

Blue Beetle

Cobra Kai’s Xolo Maridueña gets lead superhero status in a popcorn movie that not only delivers on the thrills but celebrates Latino culture. He plays Jaime Reyes, a recent college grad who starts to bug out when a techno-beetle claims him as its host, thus turning him into the Blue Beetle. Affiliated with the Justice League and Teen Titans, the superbug has abilities beyond imagination, but in the wrong hands, could destroy the world.

Catch it in theaters on August 18

New Summer Movies in 2023 for Adults

Fast X

If you’ve dedicated the last 20 years to Vin Diesel’s Dom Toretto eluding physics and racing foes in supped-up muscle cars, then we’re not really talking to you. Your ticket’s already bought. For everyone else, there’s a reason this revenge saga still has gas in the tank. Not after awards street cred, Fast X is an absurd watch that will make you laugh, roll your eyes, and then laugh some more, in the best way. Also: Brie Larson costars.

Catch it in theaters on May 19

You Hurt My Feelings

In 2013, director Nicole Holofcener and actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus gifted us with Enough Said, a winsome midlife romance better than most modern rom-com movies. Fast-forward an entire decade, and the duo has teamed up again for another cinematic gem. This one, an honest and honestly hilarious peek into a marriage rattled by an innocent untruth, is more finessed observational storytelling from two of the most brilliant women working in the film industry today.

Catch it in theaters on May 26

Past Lives

In a directorial debut that had Sundance festivalgoers and film critics alike marveling, Celine Song borrows from her own life to tell the story of Nora and Hae Sung, kindred spirits who reunite later in life after being kept apart by time and distance. The indie was produced by visionary arthouse studio A24, so you know it has style and stars Russian Doll’s Greta Lee, so you know you’ll be moved. We recommend keeping the tissues on your person for this one.

Catch it in theaters on June 2

The Blackening

Tropes are oxygen in the horror genre. So anytime a film has the ability to turn them inside out—The Cabin in the Woods, A Quiet Place, Emergency—we take note. The latest, called The Blackening and directed by Barbershop’s Tim Story, invites a group of seven friends to spend Juneteenth camping remotely while a serial killer evens a score. A clever mix of comedy and horror, this slasher works to expel the tired trope of the Black character being the first to die in a scary movie.

Catch it in theaters on June 16

Asteroid City

Wes Anderson can always be counted on for a singular watch. Even though his resume is brimming with films that all share his distinct style, each one is its own world, its own universe even. So, expect the same meticulously created design with Asteroid City. Starring Anderson vets like Jason Schwartzman and Tilda Swinton, and newbies like Tom Hanks and Maya Hawke, the film, elevated by a celestial palette of blues and yellows, is set in 1955 at a Stargazer convention and possibly the epicenter of doomsday.

Catch it in theaters on June 23

No Hard Feelings

A husband, a baby, and a serious indie under her belt in the last five years—we’re ready for J-Law to just let go and tap into her goofy side again. Luckily, No Hard Feelings is just around the bend. From the guy behind Bad Teacher, The Office, and Good Boys, this naughty comedy sees Lawrence playing a hottie hired by a 19-year-old’s parents to help their introverted son emerge from his cocoon. Raunch, slapstick, F-bombs: This summer movie for 2023 earns its R rating.

Catch it in theaters on June 23

Insidious: The Red Door

You only thought the book was closed on the horrifying saga of The Further unleashed by James Wan back in 2010. The star of the series, Patrick Wilson, takes the baton from Wan to direct himself in the latest terrifying chapter. Costar Rose Byrne and writer Leigh Whannell also return for the screamer, which picks up 10 years later, with Dalton heading off to college and his father working through visits from repressed demons.

Catch it in theaters on July 7

Joy Ride

The journey to self-discovery knows no bounds. Taking a route off the beaten path, and littered with foul language, four Asian American friends head east to help one of them find her birth mother. Bonding, breakthroughs, and blunders are aplenty, but the pals at the core of Adele Lim’s winning comedy are the real gems: From Emily in Paris’s Ashely Park to Everything Everywhere All at Once’s Stephanie Hsu, there’s major star power and brilliant humor coming at you all at once.

Catch it in theaters on July 7

Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Part One

Mission Impossible is a new summer movie for 2023 — Paramount Pictures

With Tom Cruise as the screen’s most famous international spy and madcap daredevil, Ethan Hunt, apparently no mission is impossible. Up next on his never-ending to-do list: Push all the limits and hopefully save mankind … again. Action auteur Christopher McQuarrie, who directed the previous two missions, takes the reins for another go, with Vanessa Kirby, Simon Pegg, and Ving Rhames also along for another wild ride.

Catch it in theaters on July 12

Theater Camp

Not just for Broadway nerds, Theater Camp is a stage comedy starring seasoned performers Ben Platt and Molly Gordon as drama instructors at an upstate New York theater camp on the verge of expulsion. The idea for the film spawned from the actors’ much-loved short film parody of the same name, which had viewers in stitches right at the start of the pandemic. A mockumentary that lives somewhere between Wet Hot American Summer and Waiting for Guffman, Theater Camp deserves its round of applause.

Catch it in theaters on July 14

Barbie

Greta Gerwig and crew have tried to keep the plot of their blushing comedy under wraps, but after two trailers, a slew of character posters, and CinemaCon reactions, here’s what we know: When Barbie (Margot Robbie) is booted out of Barbie Land because of her imperfections, she and Ken (Ryan Gosling) head to the real world for an existential adventure. There are dance numbers, shattered plastic dreams, and female empowerment themes unraveling through a neon-soaked reel. It’s going to be fun, fun, fun.

Catch it in theaters on July 21

Oppenheimer

The maestro of mind-benders, Christopher Nolan is dropping another epic on fans this summer. Oppenheimer, a riveting exploration of the enigma behind the atomic age, chronicles the role of J. Robert Oppenheimer, a.k.a. the father of the atomic bomb. Fusing genius with moral dilemma into one highly anticipated blockbuster, the film stars Cillian Murphy, with fellow familiar faces Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, and Robert Downey Jr.

Catch it in theaters on July 21

Talk to Me

Sleepover games like Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board have nothing on Talk to Me. Another slick A24 production, this supernatural thriller watches brave souls make un-nice with spirits beyond the grave. Their portal? An embalmed hand. The rules? Light a candle, get a good grip, then say those titular three words. Stuffed to the gills with truly disturbing imagery, this summer movie for 2023 might just be for parents’ night out only. Viewer discretion is advised.

Catch it in theaters on July 28

Meg 2: The Trench

Summer wouldn’t be summer without a water-soaked romp with a razor-toothed shark. And because bigger and better is, well, better in practice, The Meg is returning with a sequel to its 2018 box-office hit about a mega-Jaws out for blood. Yes, bankable action star Jason Statham will be the man taking on the beast, but perhaps the most interesting bit of news is the thriller’s director—Ben Wheatley, the convention-defying helmer behind indie gems Kill List, Sightseers, and High-Rise.

Catch it in theaters on August 4

11 Funny, In-Your-Face Shows Like ‘Workin Moms’

by DeAnna JanesMay 12, 2023

Now that the series has wrapped, you’re going to need a new roster of shows like Workin’ Moms that celebrate motherhood in all its messiness. So, here you go

All moms are working moms. You’ve heard the maxim before, and if you’re a fan of Netflix’s hit mom-com Workin’ Moms, then you’ve seen it in hilarious action too. Tackling the realities of motherhood—latch refusal, postpartum depression, mommy guilt, social isolation—the comedy series paints a portrait that is honest, fearless, and entirely covered in spilled breastmilk.

Created by Catherine Reitman, who also writes, stars, and occasionally directs, Workin’ Moms hit Canadian screens in 2017 and Netflix’s digital shelves in 2019. Since then, the series has enjoyed seven seasons tagging along with friend group Kate, Anne, Frankie, and Jenny as they juggle the chainsaws that are careers, babies, marriages, and domestic duties.

Last month, the show took its final bow, with Season 7 hitting the streaming platform in its entirety. But that doesn’t mean you have to retire your love for TV moms who not only make you laugh but reinforce that your best is good enough. Ahead is a list that’s fertile ground for filling the Workin’ Moms hole in your watch list.

Catastrophe

Stop us if you’ve heard this one: An Irish woman and an American man meet in London, get pregnant after a one-night stand, and live hilariously ever after. That’s the premise of this Amazon Original show like Workin’ Moms that stars its writers, Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan. A refreshing take on parenthood, Catastrophe appeals to those with children but also a non-child-rearing audience, thanks to its biting banter and anti-storybook romance.

Stream it on Prime Video

I’m Sorry

Diarrhea of the mouth: a chronic condition characterized by verbal streams of consciousness, moments of foot-in-mouth syndrome, and just plain telling it like it is. Andrea Savage stars in this half-hour comedy show like Workin’ Moms about a happily married comedy writer and mother of a kindergartner who spends her day saying out loud what moms have thought since the beginning of time. She’s relatable, and funny, and often finds herself uttering the two words women say way too often: “I’m sorry.”

Stream it on HBO Max

Good Girls

In what might be the best crime comedy you haven’t seen, a group of suburban moms turn to robbery when their bank accounts hit the red. Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks, The Office’s Retta, and The DUFF’s Mae Whitman light up the screen as they take a hammer to toxic masculinity and warped archetypes. It’s been called a Breaking Bad knockoff for women, but this fun caper deserves a sub-genre all its own.

Stream it on Netflix

The Letdown

Life is just one long string of letdowns. But it’s the beautiful moments and little wins in between that make them livable. Alison Bell’s series, in which she also stars, illustrates just that through a humorous and optimistic lens. She plays Audrey, a new mom who’s entered the fifth dimension which is motherhood, and is trying to make sense out of a life that now requires making sure that a tiny human being makes it through the night alive. (Yeah, it’s quite the 180.)

Stream it on Netflix

Breeders

Martin Freeman and Daisy Haggard star in this British dark comedy show like Workin’ Moms about a married couple who love their kids as much they want to kill them. The first season introduces audiences to Paul and Ally, and their two kids under seven, Ava and Luke. Season 2 picks up about five years later, the effects of their chaotic parenting style manifesting in interesting ways. Season 3 tackles the teen years, and Season 4 is eyeballing a summer release. So sit down, hit play, and hold on.

Stream it on Hulu

Better Things

Motherhood is magical, but raising three daughters in this modern world takes some sleight of hand. Which Sam Fox (Pamela Adlon), the working actress at the center of this empathetic portrait of single-mom-dom, does not have. Flawed but unconditional in her love, she spends each episode keenly aware that the bond between a mother and her daughter is everlasting, and yet could go tits up at any moment.

Stream it on Hulu

Ginny & Georgia

Dysfunction doesn’t begin to describe the dynamic between Georgia Miller, a 30-year-old mother who solves her problems with a pistol, and Ginny, her angsty and awkward 15-year-old daughter. The series begins with the two trying to put down roots in New England, but as drama would have it, Georgia’s secrets threaten to unravel their efforts—and their relationship. Though it sounds dark, the bleak moments are diluted with wisecracks that will make you LOL.

Stream it on Netflix

Single Parents

The joys and struggles of parenting young children get the prime-time sitcom treatment with Single Parents. Featuring a group of—you guessed it—single parents with varying backgrounds who have banded together to form their own unconventional family, the series is a charming take on raising kids and looking for love from New Girl’s Elizabeth Meriwether.

Stream it on Hulu

One Day at a Time

A reimagining of Norman Lear’s 1975 classic, One Day at a Time follows the exploits of a Cuban-American family who treat nothing as off-limits; meaning alcoholism, depression, and the female orgasm are all up for discussion. An intensely adored sitcom, ODAAT is a charmer whose fan base has been screaming into the void over its two cancellations. Luckily, there are 46 episodes to enjoy before you find yourself in the same state of despair.

Stream it on Pluto TV

Motherland

Welcome to the mother lode: cliquey stay-at-home mums, PTA politics, clueless dads; if it gives Mom a headache, you can bet it will be toiled over in Motherland. A British comic gem that takes on middle-class motherhood, this one pivots around the flustered Julia, who’s barely keeping it together, and her antithesis, Amanda, a walking billboard for the idiotic mantra, “Women can have it all.”

Stream it on Sundance Now

Wellmania

Though this Aussie raunch-com starring Instagram satirist Celeste Barber doesn’t necessarily tap into motherhood, it does get messy. Really messy. Not only is there vegan spew, but our resident funny lady also indulges herbs, laxatives, and good old-fashioned fecal purging all in search of better health. She’s on this wellness journey to get a green card, so she can get back to New York City to host a cookery competition show, but has no idea the quest is actually a straight shot to self-discovery.

Stream it on Netflix

14 Drama-Filled Shows ‘Virgin River’ Fans Will Adore

by DeAnna JanesMay 3, 2023

When the Virgin River withdrawals become all too real, tune in to these similar-genre shows for drama, romance, and lots of sniffles.

Virgin River: It’s peak comfort viewing that enchants with breathtaking vista shots, small-town drama, and the coziest of plaid ensembles. Based on the 24-novel series from author Robyn Carr, the addictive soapy series explores love in all its nuanced forms while also giving viewers an eyeful of the most scenic mountain town—you know, the kind that makes you want to quit your day job, head for the hills, and live out a thousand lumberjack fantasies.

In Season 1, we meet Mel Monroe, a nurse practitioner, midwife, and certified city girl leaving Los Angeles for a job in Virgin River. There, she bristles with the resident doctor and eventually falls in love with the rugged owner of a riverside bar—cue the shockers, reveals, and cliffhangers. As for the latest installment, Season 5, the word is those 12 episodes will hit Netflix this July. To hold you over ’til then, snuggle up with this list of drama-filled shows like Virgin River. And pro tip: Pop open a nice California red before hitting play.

From Scratch

Love in a foreign land: It’s a worthy construction that’s served the small screen well. You have Emily, whose cup runneth over in Paris, city girl Mel meeting Jack in a town that may as well be another planet, and, here, Amy Wheeler (played by Zoë Saldaña), an artist from Texas whose chance encounter with a Sicilian chef leads to a whirlwind romance that takes a bittersweet turn. Based on Tembi Locke’s gut-wrenching memoir, From Scratch is a limited series, so savor it like a plate of warm pasta alla norma.

Stream it on Netflix

Tiny Beautiful Things

If you watch Virgin River for a good cry, might we introduce you to another emotionally heightened drama that tugs at the tear ducts? Hulu’s Tiny Beautiful Things is adapted from the 2012 book by Cheryl Strayed. And it translates the novel’s series of advice columns over eight episodes while also offering an origin story for protagonist Clare Pierce, a writer whose own life is hanging on by tattered threads. Best part? Clare is played by a beautifully messy Kathryn Hahn.

Stream it on Hulu

Maid

No money, no home, and nowhere to go. Such is the situation for Alex Russell at the beginning of Netflix’s Maid. Like so many women who have “been through it,” Alex is a single mom who flees an abusive relationship and makes ends meet any way she can. The narrative is based on the best-selling memoir by Stephanie Land, which crystallizes insight into overcoming generational trauma, emotional abuse, and homelessness. It’s raw, even hopeless at times, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Stream it on Netflix

Firefly Lane

Soul mates come in many forms. Including best friends whose bond has endured time, distance, and life’s curveballs. Meet Kate (Sarah Chalke), a mom married to a war journalist, and Tully (Katherine Heigl), a TV anchor with big dreams; the duo is at the center of Netflix’s comfy sweater of a series, Firefly Lane, which is adapted from Kristin Hannah’s best-selling 2008 novel. Tracking the pair from their teens to the workplace, this show like Virgin River offers two seasons that will both heal you and completely wreck you.

Stream it on Netflix

Northern Rescue

Back in 2019, Billy Baldwin starred in a familial drama that went underseen and underappreciated. An emotional seesaw that rivals the heartbreaking arcs featured in Virgin River, this Canadian import also explores the ripple effects of grief. After the death of his wife, Baldwin’s John West, a search and rescue commander, moves with his three kids to Turtle Island Bay (yes, it’s just as charming as it sounds), where he struggles with teen rebellion, dysfunction, and more hardships of a single parent.

Stream it on Netflix

Sweet Magnolias

No one really wants to be spoon-fed life’s lessons when they queue up their choice of indulgent streaming content. That is, unless they’re being served by the tight-knit group of women in this romantic drama. Set in South Carolina, Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen have been best friends since high school, seeing each through the roller coaster that is life in an easily binge-able series: think kids, careers, romance, and divorce. A glossy, soapy Southern watch, this show like Virgin River goes best with plenty of Kleenex.

Stream it on Netflix

This Is Us

Similar to Virgin River, This Is Us is an ensemble drama with a dedicated fan base that comes at the world with nothing but love. The perfect balance of beautiful and bittersweet moments, Dan Fogelman’s six-season series revolves around the Pearsons, a family unique in their composition but solid in their foundation. And like any worthy binge fest, This Is Us shocks with the occasional reveal and cliffhanger, but at its core, it’s an easy watch with a universal message: Family is everything.

Stream it on Hulu

Queen Sugar

Selma director Ava DuVernay teamed with industry vet Oprah Winfrey for a sprawling drama that weaves real-life turmoil into its scripted narratives. About three siblings who reunite in Louisiana to take over their family’s sugarcane farm, Queen Sugar tackles urgent issues like mass incarceration and police brutality. But it also gives viewers escapism through romantic encounters and visually stunning cinematography that will make you want to move to the bayou, like, yesterday.

Stream it on Hulu

Jane the Virgin

For five seasons, Gina Rodriguez made us laugh, cry, and swoon. So much so that we envy the virgin viewers watching for the first time. The gist: A devout Catholic whose chastity belt is welted shut ends up pregnant. How she finds herself with child is part of what makes this satirical telenovela so brilliant. It’s also what will attract Virgin River fans. Beyond titles, the two share a soapy nature, confounding fans with paternity puzzles, convenient memory loss, and the highly regarded twin plot twist.

Stream it on Netflix

Heartland

Before Yellowstone lassoed a cult-like following, there was another multigenerational saga roping in viewers and building a fandom. Heartland, a Canadian gem spanning 16 seasons and still going strong, transports audiences to a horse farm at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Its story belongs to Amy Fleming, a young horse whisperer who juggles love and loss, and with wholesome fare akin to Virgin River, it satisfies cravings for both top-notch family dramas and beautifully shot Westerns.

Stream it on Hulu

Hart of Dixie

Rachel Bilson stars in this fish-out-of-water drama that veers into the melodramatic at times, but, hey, isn’t that why you’re here in the first place? Bilson plays Dr. Zoe Hart, a New Yorker who heads to Alabama for a job as a general practitioner. When there, she meets and falls in love with a local—sound familiar yet? Just wait—and spends her day job quibbling with a rival doctor played by none other than Tim Matheson, who stars in Virgin River as the bristly Doc Mullens.

Stream it on Prime Video

Everwood

The 2000s were a wealth of great TV—the decade’s hall of fame is just brimming with hallmark teen and family dramas (see: Dawson’s Creek, Veronica Mars, Friday Night Lights). But because of the premise of this roundup, we’re recommending a trip down memory lane with Everwood. A now-iconic series about a Manhattan brain surgeon (Treat Williams) who moves his two kids to higher altitudes in Colorado, Everwood relishes the same heartwarming tone of a certain favorite starting-over drama.

Stream it on Prime Video

Call the Midwife

Based on Jennifer Worth’s memoirs, Call the Midwife is a British procedural unique in its execution, chronicling the lives of a group of midwives, nurses, and nuns in East London from two points in time: the 1950s and the 1960s. Still in production, the hit series touches a raw nerve with relevant and more-than-timely plotlines, including abortion, disease, and even female circumcision, but handles such sensitive life-and-death issues with a nuanced touch.

Stream it on PBS Passport

Gilmore Girls

No matter how many times you’ve preached the gospel of Amy Sherman-Palladino’s coming-of-age series, checking in with the cast of characters down in Stars Hollow never gets old. Over seven years—and 154 episodes—single mom Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and her teen daughter, Rory (Alexis Bledel), navigate the ups and downs of love, college, and social status, quipping at a breakneck pace and inspiring legions of fans along the way.

Stream it on Netflix

We’re Here to Help You Find a Mother’s Helper & Save Your Summer

by Kate CartiaMarch 30, 2023

We’re here to help you find mother’s helpers near you

As a working or busy mom (let’s be real: all moms are working and busy!), life can often be a juggling act of managing work, home, and kids. Especially during school breaks when our schedules are turned upside down (looking at you, summer). Trying to do it all can be overwhelming and exhausting. We get it. Every day, there’s at least a moment or two where we wish there were two of us. That’s where a mother’s helper comes in. A mother’s helper is a fantastic resource for any parent who needs an extra set of hands around the house. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom who needs a break, a working mom who needs help with the kids, or a single mom who needs some extra support, a mother’s helper provides a winning solution.

If you’re looking for a mother’s helper for the spring and summer months, ZipRecruiter can be an excellent option. You just have to create an account and post your job listing with information about duties, hours, and compensation that you plan to offer. Once your listing is live, you will be able to review applications and contact prospective candidates for interviews. We’re here to break it all down for you so you can spend less time looking for help and more time getting it! Here’s exactly how to find a mother’s helper near you.

Create a Job Posting

ZipRecruiter is about to become your new best friend here. Using the job posting page, creating one is super easy. A few tips? Be sure to include key details about what you're looking for in a helper, such as availability, responsibilities, and qualifications. Here's a quick example:

Job Title: Part-Time Helper Needed

We are seeking a reliable and responsible part-time helper to assist us with various tasks around our home. Our ideal candidate would be available to work approximately 10-15 hours per week, with a flexible schedule to accommodate our needs.

Responsibilities:

Cleaning and organizing various rooms in the house
Laundry and general household chores
Running errands, such as grocery shopping or picking up dry cleaning
Assisting with meal preparation and cooking
Childcare for our two school-aged children

Qualifications:

Previous experience in a similar role
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Detail-oriented and thorough
Familiarity with basic cleaning and household maintenance tasks
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Comfortable working around children
Must have reliable transportation

We are looking for someone who is trustworthy, dependable, and has a positive attitude. If you meet the qualifications and are interested in this opportunity, please submit your resume and cover letter for consideration. Thank you for your interest in our position!

Narrow it Down

This may seem obvious, but depending on the number of interested people who apply to your job posting, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. It's also totally normal to want to give everyone a chance, but we really encourage you to remember that only focusing on those candidates who have skills and experience that closely match what you're looking for not only saves you time, it also doesn't take time away from jobseekers who aren't a fit for you!

Check Out Your Applicants

Take the time to review each candidate's profile and messages before making a decision. We know you're already super busy, but you definitely want to be as thorough as possible here! You can also request additional information from candidates, such as references or a resume.

When reviewing a candidate's profile, check out their education, work experience, skills, and any relevant certifications or awards they may have earned. Look for consistency in their work history and pay attention to any gaps in employment or frequent job changes. Gaps don't mean a negative right off the bat, of course, but it's worth getting more info!

When you're reviewing messages or emails, pay attention to the tone and professionalism of the candidate's communication. Are they responsive and timely in their replies? Is their grammar and spelling correct? Are they respectful in their language and approach?

If you have any doubts or questions about a candidate, don't hesitate to request additional information. This can include references from previous employers or coworkers, and more details about the information on their resume or application.

Ultimately, you want to ask yourself: Is this someone I want in my home, around my kids, and regularly in my family's life?

Ready to Make Some Decisions?

As a mom, there's a good chance you won't have the time to meet every prospective candidate in person to chat. We suggest setting up phone screenings where you spend 10-15 minutes getting a feel for the people who you're considering before committing to a sit-down formal interview. Usually, phone screenings include giving a brief overview of the position, getting some quick details from your candidate, confirming pay expectations, and allowing for a few minutes of additional questions.

From there, you'll be able to only schedule longer interviews with those people you feel are truly strong possibilities. Remember, you're hiring a mother's helper because you need, well, help, so this is the perfect opportunity to manage your time and avoid wasting it on folks who really aren't a strong fit.

If the idea of summer break is completely overwhelming, there are lots of different ideas to keep everyone happy and having fun (camps, cool online classes for kids, crafts, projects, and more!). Hiring a mother’s helper is just one option, but it’s definitely one that can make your summer more about creating memories and less about turning your schedule upside down!

If you click some of the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

Single Mom Woke Up to Her Preschooler’s Paint Disaster & the Internet Can’t Stop Judging Her

by Christina MarficeMarch 27, 2023

The internet can’t stop judging a single mom who woke up to find that her 4-year-old made a mess with a can of paint

Anyone who has ever parented a preschooler (or child of any age, for that matter) knows that they have a mind of their own. That’s why the judgy side of the internet needs to lay off this poor mom who woke up to a huge paint mess in her house, courtesy of her four-year-old. The only people who can talk are the ones whose kids have never made a mess before. Oh, right, that’s no one.

The mom of three, who goes by Peyote on TikTok, posted a video of what she discovered when she woke up in the morning. You can hear the absolute exhaustion in her voice as she pans the camera around and walks through her house to show puddles and streaks of bright blue paint everywhere—on the floors, the front door, the kitchen counters, the coffee table, and the fridge.

@pennylane088

My 4 year old is an artist 🤣😭

♬ original sound – Peyote

With her voice shaking, she says, “It’s really, really fun,” as her son can be heard in the background saying, “Mommy, I love you,” by way of an apology.

“I love you, too,” Peyote replies. “This is my life. I’m exhausted. It’s everywhere.”

None of us should be surprised that the mom-shamers came out in full force over the incident.

“I feel like I should be feeling remorse, BUT how does this happen? Like how long was your child unsupervised for while you were sleeping?” one commenter asked. Another very helpful commenter asked, “Why was the paint out where kids can get into it?”

For all the judgy jerks on the internet, Peyote posted some follow-ups where she further explained the situation. A single mom of three kids, she worked until 2:30 a.m., then was only able to get 90 minutes of sleep before she had to get up and get her daughters ready for school. Seeing that the 4-year-old was still asleep once the older kids were out the door, she did what any mom would do in that situation: she went back to bed.

@pennylane088

Replying to @emileejones21

♬ original sound – Peyote

When he woke up, instead of getting Mom up like he usually does, her son decided to get into the paint—which the former owners of the home had left in the bottom of a bathroom closet, and which her kids had never touched before (until an older daughter decided to paint part of a room and failed to close the lid properly), Peyote explained. Listen, kids do just be like that sometimes. They’re humans with their own thoughts and feelings, and their actions aren’t always predictable.

As Peyote put it, “I’m a single mom raising three kids, doing the best I can. I work late at night, so sometimes sh–- happens. I hope nothing this bad ever happens again.”

We hope so, too, and we hope all the mom shamers on this video continue to enjoy perfectly restful nights and well-behaved kids—as long as they learn some empathy while they’re at it.

TV Shows for Moms and Younger Daughters

Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur

Floor is Lava

The Great British Baking Show

Family Reboot

The Baby-Sitters Club

TV Shows for Moms and Older Daughters

Ms. Marvel

Queens

The Owl House

Abbott Elementary

Wednesday

Angel City

Black-ish

Never Have I Ever

Stranger Things

Anne with an E

Paper Girls

Gilmore Girls

Related reads

"The Brothers Sun"

"Carol & the End of the World"

"Bridgerton"

"Wednesday"

"Russian Doll"

"Umbrella Academy"

"Lupin"

"Beef"

"Derry Girls"

"Virgin River"

"Kim’s Convenience"

"Glitch"

"The Diplomat"

"Insecure"

"The Witcher"

"Emily In Paris"

"The Crown"

"Good Girls"

"Griselda"

"Cobra Kai"

"Dead to Me"

"Escaping Twin Flames"

"Ginny and Georgia"

"Workin’ Moms"

"The Great British Baking Show"

Related reads

I want my kids to know that I worked hard to make sure that they got that one thing on their list they really wanted.

Nicole Pecoraro

Related reads

From Poker Face to Bad Sisters, this list of the best TV shows to binge-watch will fill your entertainment queue for months to come

Somebody, Somewhere - MAX

Bad Sisters - Apple TV+

Poker Face – Peacock

Based on a True Story - Peacock

Run – MAX

Behind Her Eyes - Netflix

Catastrophe – Amazon Prime

On the Verge - Netflix

Dead to Me – Netflix

Big Little Lies - HBO

Sweet Magnolias – Netflix

Workin’ Moms - Netflix

Togetherness - HBO

Virgin River – Netflix

Friends from College - Netflix

The White Lotus – HBO

Good Girls – Netflix

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Being a new mom can be tough. These books let you know you’re not alone

1. Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year by Anne Lamott

2. Unexpected: A Postpartum Memoir by Emily Adler Mosqueda

3. Ain’t That a Mother: Postpartum, Palsy, and Everything in Between by Adiba Nelson

4. Enough About the Baby: A Brutally Honest Guide to Surviving the First Year of Motherhood by Becky Vieira

5. The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor

6. The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O’Farrell

7. It’s Been Pouring: The Dark Secret of the First Year of Motherhood by Rachel Papo

8. Knocking Myself Up: A Memoir of My (In)Fertility by Michelle Tea

9. Knocked Down: A High-Risk Memoir by Aileen Weintraub

10. Waiting for Birdy: A Year of Frantic Tedium, Neurotic Angst, and the Wild Magic of Growing a Family by Catherine Newman

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