33 TV Moms Who Really Have This Whole Parenting Thing Down (or Not)

 19. Joyce Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Not many moms find out their daughter is a “chosen one” meant to slay vampires. That bombshell defined a lot of Buffy and Joyce’s early relationship, but once she accepted that her daughter was fighting hoards of demons she became one of her daughter’s biggest supporters–even if she did worry about Buffy going out on patrol every night.

(And yes, we are still crying over Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 5 Episode 16 “The Body.”)

20. Ellen Harvelle (Supernatural)

Although Ellen is ensconced in the world of demon hunting, her first priority is her daughter Jo’s safety, and, at first, Ellen forbids her daughter from going on hunts. When she realizes she can no longer forbid Jo from hunting demons, she becomes her partner.

Yes, it’s a dangerous profession, but the family that hunts demons together stays together.

21. Lynette Scavo (Desperate Housewives)

Throughout seven seasons of Desperate Housewives, Lynette goes through her ups and downs. This includes an addiction to her children’s ADHD medication, having to go back to work, and finding out her husband has a kid with another woman. Also let’s not forget, the time her husband deciding to open a pizzeria and then got injured so that Lynette has to do most of the legwork.

Yes, Lynette goes through a lot, and she’s often either at her wit’s end or the smartest person in the room, but that makes her a joy to watch.

22. “Moms” (The Fosters)

We can’t pick one of the dynamic duo from The Fosters for this list. Lena and Stef are partners, and they navigate the many obstacles that come from raising their five children with grace and poise. Sure, they disagree sometimes, but when it comes to their children, their hearts are always in the right place.

23. Olivia Benson (Law and Order: SVU)

Olivia first found Noah, or Baby Boy Doe as he was called at the time, when the Special Victims Unit uncovered a child pornography ring in Law and Order: SVU Season 15 Episode 14, “Wednesday’s Child.

Olivia has since adopted Noah, and although she faces some of the most vile criminals at work, she makes sure that Noah is her priority.

24. Maya DiMeo (Speechless)

Maya DiMeo will do anything for her family, including moving her family from school district to school district to find the perfect fit for her nonverbal son JJ, who has cerebral palsy.

Maya’s life is upended when she finds the perfect fit in an aide to speak for JJ at all times, but with JJ’s independence comes a bit of secret heartbreak.

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