Single Moms Viewing Club

Being a single mom in this day and age is a tough job. Statistics show that in 2019 there were around 15.76 million children living with a single mother in the US. That’s a lot! And since I am one of them myself, I can commiserate. We are not only the mother, but the father, the maid, the nurse, the cook, the teacher, among other roles. We work, we take care of the house and the kids. Most of us look forward to evening time when we can rest and relax. Watching television is probably the most favored activity for respite. There’s a reason why tv apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Crackle, and Peacock are currently popular.

Women watch shows for different reasons at different times. Many of us enjoy watching shows about single moms because we can identify with them. We understand their situations and what they are going through. They give us comedic relief and they inspire us with their strength. We know women like them. We ARE them!

One of the most well known movies with single mothers is Bad Moms. It is a 2016 comedy boasting a great cast and lots of laughs. It even influenced the sequel A Bad Moms Christmas. If you are a fan of watching overworked and under-appreciated moms navigate their way through life, and find moments of fun and happiness, then you will most definitely want to check out the following television shows:

• Workin Moms (Netflix) – 2017 Canadian comedy-drama with 5 seasons of four women forming an unlikely friendship and juggling kids, careers, and love.

• Good Girls (NBC, Netflix, Hulu) – 2018 crime-comedy with 4 seasons of three women scheming to overcome their financial burdens while still trying to be good mothers.

• Dead to Me (Netflix) – 2019 dark comedy with 1 season of “frenemies” experiencing grief, loss, and forgiveness.

• Ginny and Georgia (Netflix) – 2021 comedy-drama with 1 season of a Southern mom moved up North and trying to start over with her family.

• Jane the Virgin (Netflix) – 2014 comedy-drama with 5 seasons of three generations of Latina women struggling with the choices of their mothers and learning to find their ways in the present.

• Punky Brewster (Peacock) – 2021 comedy with 1 season of a matured Punky raising 3 kids after a recent divorce when she is introduced to a little girl who appears to be a younger version of herself.

As you may have noticed, the common thread other than single mothers, is comedy. Lord knows we all need relief from the day’s stresses and tensions! The old saying “Laughter is the best medicine” rings true when a woman feels pulled in a hundred different directions on any given day. Endorphins are released and the weight of depression and anxiety is lessened. It also lowers blood pressure. Plus, when is an improvement in mood before bed ever a bad thing?

Overall, it’s the sisterhood between single moms, the bond that is universally shared, that is so attractive in the aforementioned shows. These screen counterparts make mistakes just like we do. They show the realistic human side of raising children alone. How we question ourselves constantly and feel like failures most of the time. How we try to find time to focus on ourselves. How we strive to put a little bit of romance in our lives as well.

Ladies, put on your pajamas and grab that glass of wine (don’t forget the remote) then settle in for some binge-worthy hours of escape. Prepare to laugh and cry. And maybe even harness a touch of inspiration. For these women are smart and strong. We love them (and sometimes hate them) since we see our own reflections. Sit back and join the Single Moms Viewing Club. Cheers!