From emotional family moments to hilarious mishaps, these 11 TV episodes are the perfect Mother’s Day binge no matter what mood you’re in.
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate the women who raised us, whether it’s with breakfast in bed, heartfelt gifts, or a good old-fashioned TV binge. If you’re looking to wind down the day with a little quality couch time, these episodes are packed with laughs, tears, and all the warm fuzzy feelings.
We’ve rounded up 11 of the best Mother’s Day episodes across beloved sitcoms, dramas, and sketch comedy shows. So whether your mom is into old-school classics or newer favorites, there’s something on this list that will make her feel like the queen she is.
1. The Golden Girls — Season 3, Episode 25 (Hulu)
The girls wait for calls from their kids before brunch, leading to hilarious and heartfelt memories of Mother’s Days past. Sophia’s on edge—her shrimp brunch is on the line!
2. Modern Family — Season 2, Episode 21 (ABC)
Claire and Gloria ditch their whining kids for a Mother’s Day hike, while Phil and Jay cook dinner and reflect on their own maternal bonds. Cam, meanwhile, gets a little too introspective after breakfast in bed.
3. Leah Remini: It’s All Relative — Season 2, Episode 1 (Hulu)
Leah and her sisters host a tea party for their mom, Vicki, who surprises everyone by requesting lunch and a sleepover. The day ends with a sweet recreation of old family photos.
4. Orange Is the New Black — Season 3, Episode 1 (Netflix)
A prison Mother’s Day fair brings out complex emotions among inmates, while Caputo tries to build a bridge between their world and the outside.
5. Everybody Loves Raymond — Season 6, Episode 22 (CBS)
Marie and Debra have a falling out right before Mother’s Day, and the silent treatment sends the family into chaos. With everyone picking sides, the holiday is anything but relaxing.
6. 30 Rock — Season 4, Episode 20 (Hulu)
Liz Lemon’s mom drops a bombshell about Buzz Aldrin, and Jack’s meddling mother stirs up drama between Avery and Nancy. The moms of The Girlie Show definitely bring the drama.
7. The Goldbergs — Season 3, Episode 22 (Hulu)
Barry and Erica forget Mother’s Day—again—and resort to recycled “mom coupons.” When Beverly tries to redeem them all at once, chaos ensues. But it’s the breakfast disaster that really seals the love.
8. Saturday Night Live — Season 35, Episode 21 (Hulu)
Betty White hosts a Mother’s Day-themed SNL in 2010, bringing her legendary charm to unforgettable sketches like “NPR’s Delicious Dish” and “MacGruber.” An icon honoring moms everywhere.
9. The Middle — Season 1, Episode 22 (ABC)
Frankie gets fed up with the childish gifts her kids give her, prompting her to head to her own mom’s house for a do-over. But even that turns out to be more complicated than expected.
10. Bob’s Burgers — Season 7, Episode 20 (Hulu)
Linda is sick and can’t make it to the kids’ appreciation show. When Bob’s camcorder fails, the kids stage a homemade cabaret just for her—pure, quirky Belcher love.
11. Abbott Elementary — Season 3, Episode 12 (ABC)
This touching episode goes deeper than most Mother’s Day specials, focusing on how the holiday affects those who’ve lost their mothers. Barbara and Gregory’s heartfelt moments make this a standout.
So grab your mom, a comfy blanket, and the remote. Whether she wants to laugh, cry, or feel all the feels, these episodes offer the perfect way to cap off her special day.
