Through the years, there have been many single mom characters on various American TV sitcoms. Some of these characters have become cultual icons of sorts and have exerted much social influence through their performances on these sitcoms. Presented here, is an article that provides brief profiles of one writer’s compendium of the top ten TV sitcom single moms.
One Day At A Time..
On this long- running CBS sitcom, Ann Romano, played by Bonnie Franklin, is a feisty, hard- working divorced mom. Her teenaged daughters, played by McKenzie Phillips and Valerie Bertinelli, regularly present a host of issues and problems for her to contend with, in addition to working full- time as an advertising executive. A very popular character on this sitcom was Schneider, their apartment building superintendent, played by actor Pat Harrington. This excellent sitcom aired from 1975 until 1984. Ann Romano’s stick- to- it- ivitiness made her a positive role model for many single and divorced moms across America.
Kate And Allie..
For five years, from 1984 until 1989, Kate And Allie was a popular sitcom that aired on CBS. The protagonists, or leading characters on this program were played by Jane Curtin and Susan Saint James. Eventually starting their own catering company, these divorced moms regularly juggled the responsibilities of running a business with raising their children and wading the often- murky waters of the dating scene. Their strong sense of independence was a positive influence on many single and divorced moms and helped make this sitcom one of the most popular television programs of the 1980’s.
Reba..
Starring country music singer Reba McEntire in the lead role, Reba was a sitcom that ran on the WB and The CW Television Networks. This All- American, funny show aired from 2001 until 2007. On this family- centric sitcom, Reba is a divorced mom of three children who works as a secretary / receptionist, then as a real estate agent. With a sharp sense of humor and wry insights, this single mom regularly tackled an array of issues and problems with strenth, diplomacy and humor.
Cheers..
Carla Tortelli, played by Rhea Perlman, was the wise- cracking waitress in the Boston, Massachusetts bar known as “Cheers. The single mom of several children, Carla Tortelli was a tough little woman who wasn’t afraid to tell people what was on her mind. Even though this sitcom single mom possessed a gruff exterior, she was actually a nice, albiet very sensitive woman. Cheers ran on NBC from 1982 until 1993.
Frasier..On this long- running sitcom, Roz Doyle, played by Peri Gilpin is the producer of series namesake Dr. Frasier Crane’s popular call- in radio show. She is the single mother of a girl named Alice May. An attractive and articulate, yet hard- as- nails woman, Roz Doyle was often the true “brain” behind many of Dr. Crane’s ideas and achievements.
Murphy Brown..
Candice Bergen played smart, sophisticated single mom Murphy Brown on this long- running CBS sitcom. From 1988 until 1998, American television viewers were captivated by this television news anchor and reporter. Showing that older single women could be successful career women and moms, Murphy Brown was a major cultural force who consistently projected an ambitious and professional image.
Julia..
Julia was an excellent sitcom that aired on NBC from 1968 until 1971. The show’s namesake, Julia, was a widowed single mom played by Diahann Carroll. This ground- breaking series marked the first time that an African- American woman was the main character in a network television program. Julia was the single mom of a young son named Corey and she worked as a nurse. A very pleasant and likeable show, Julia projected a positive image and provided inspiration for many young women. Although this show was criticized by some people as being un- realistic, it was very popular with many television viewers across America.
Alice..
Played by Linda Lavin, Alice was a good- natured, hard- working waitress who worked at Mel’s Diner. Mother of a young son named Tommy, Alice maintained a fierce streak of independence, yet was also fun- loving, compassionate and logical. Alice continuously faced hurdles and problems, but always tried to find solutions. This CBS sitcom aired from 1976 until 1985.
Who’s the Boss ?..
Angela Bower, played by Judith Light, was a wealthy businesswoman who was also a divorced, single mom. Along with her housekeeper, played by Tony Danza, she faced an array of problems with logic, common sense and humor. This single mom was constantly busy and didn’t make a big deal out of things. Who’s The Boss aired on ABC from 1984 through 1992.
Shirley Partridge, played by Shirley Jones, was the coolest TV sitcom single mom of all. As the widowed leader of a rock band comprised of her sons and daughters, Shirley Partridge not only had to regularly face a host of issues and dilemmas, but she also had to concentrate on writing hit songs and going on tour. Shirley Partridge drove around in a psychedelic school bus and wore funky clothes. When it came to mothering however, she was always ready to lend advice or suggestions. The Partridge Family ran on ABC from 1970 until 1974.
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Regular viewer of all of the programs
