It may not get as much media attention as Thanksgiving or Christmas, but in my opinion, Mother's Day is one of the most important holidays of the year. I mean, we're talking about the woman who is responsible for giving you life. That's HUGE! She's also an expert hugger, certified confidante, and your No. 1 shoulder to cry on. In short, moms are the best and deserve to celebrated every day of the year. (Though, I guess just focusing on Mother's Day will suffice... for now.) But if, for whatever reason, you're unable to be together on this joyous occasion, there are a ton of TV episodes to watch on Netflix if you're missing your mom this Mother's Day.
Speaking as a fellow Netflix connoisseur, beloved TV moms are never in short supply on this streaming service. From Lorelai Gilmore on Gilmore Girls to Parenthood's Kristina Braverman, these iconic female characters have proved time and time again to be outstanding role models in the matriarch department. If anyone is capable of filling the mom void in your heart this Sunday it's these lovely ladies, who encompass all the ups and downs that come with motherhood and remind us of just how lucky we are to have someone like this in our lives. So while being apart, especially on Mother's Day, is definitely hard, these episodes will help make the separation a little more bearable.
1. Gilmore Girls, “There's The Rub”
While most of the show's attention usually centers around Lorelai and Rory's special bond, I sometimes like to focus on the complicated relationship that exists between Lorelai and her mother, Emily. This episode, in particular, (which revolves around their weekend trip to a health spa) really highlights not just how much they can get on each other's nerves, but also how much they can enjoy each other's company. It may even inspire you to book a spa trip with your own mother ASAP.
2. Buffy The Vampire Slayer, "Band Candy"
Sometimes it's easy to forget that our parents were once young too, so when magical candy starts making the adults of Sunnydale act like immature teenagers, it proves to be an interesting reversal of roles. It'll leave you thinking about what your mother was like at your age.
3. Friends, "The One With The Lesbian Wedding"
Rachel's mom comes to visit and announces that she's getting a divorce — a thought that initially devastates Rachel, especially when her mom tries to immerse herself into being "one of the girls." That's when Mrs. Green so poignantly explains: "You didn't marry your Barry, honey. But I married mine." It's a touching moment and one that symbolizes the fact that, regardless of the age difference, sometimes mothers and daughters have more in common than you'd think.
4. New Girl, "Parents"
I mean, this is basically The Parent Trap in TV form. Who wouldn't enjoy watching this? Also, Jamie Lee Curtis guest stars as Jess' mom in pretty much the best casting decision ever. You'll want to call your mom up as soon as the credits start to roll.
5. Parenthood, "What To My Wondering Eyes"
Yes, you will most certainly bawl your eyes out thanks to the incredible performance given by Monica Potter during Kristina's health scare. (Seriously, have one or two box of tissues at the ready.) But it will also help remind you of the power of family, and seeing how these Bravermans come together in such a difficult time is enough to warm anyone's heart and feel grateful.
6. Everybody Loves Raymond, Any Episode
Then again, if the goal is not to miss your mother so much, then a hearty helping of any Everybody Loves Raymond episode is sure to do it. Thanks to all of the hilarious hijinks you'll come to realize that sometimes having some distance from your relatives isn't necessarily a bad thing.
7. 30 Rock, "The Moms"
This one isn't going to pack a very emotional punch, but if you're looking for a mom-centric episode guaranteed to make you fall down laughing, then this 30 Rock classic is the perfect choice. If anything is going to pull you out of a Mother's Day funk, it's this.
8. Gilmore Girls, "Lorelai's Graduation Day
Yet another instance where the Gilmores succeed in pulling on our heartstrings. I mean, just look at how proud they are of seeing Lorelai graduate. Despite all of their past quarrels, she's still their little girl at heart.
9. How I Met Your Mother, "The Magician's Code Part 1"
While the whole purpose of the series is centered around finding out who the mother of Ted's children is, this episode introduced a new mom into the picture: Lily. And, as you can see, she was a natural at it.
10. Once Upon A Time, "Mother"
As the title so subtly indicates, this episode was centered around daughters reuniting with their mothers, making it an obvious must-see for the day. Not only did Emma forgive Snow for her past, but even the evil Maleficent got to meet Lily, proving that even villains are capable of some good old-fashioned motherly love.
11. Gilmore Girls, "The Lorelais First Day At Yale"
Sometimes you just need your mommy, which is a sentiment I think we all can relate to, especially on Mother's Day. That's what makes watching Rory struggle with saying goodbye to Lorelai when she arrives at college all the more relatable. Separation is hard and these two totally feel your pain.
Now go forth and let the Mother's Day marathoning commence!
Images: Warner Bros.; Netflix (11)
