Mother’s Day is just around the corner so I feel it’s deemed appropriate that we celebrate some of the most iconic classic TV moms. Now, I must admit, I am a Gen X/Millennial Cusper. So although technically a Millennial, I am fortunate enough to have grown up with exposure to fantastic classic music, the old classic movies, and exceptional classic television. With a lot of help from Nick at Nite of course, because what’s a YouTube? And do you remember Nick at Nite’s “Block Party Summer” programming, which first aired the summer of 1995? Good times. That will have to be a throwback for another week.
I had my favorite series for sure. Mr. Ed, Get Smart, Happy Days, Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie… There was Dick Van Dyke, Bob Newhart, Andy Griffith, Lucille Ball… The list goes on and on. We could be here all day. But in honor of Mother’s Day and the wonderful moms of classic TV, here are several of my favorites!
Laura Petrie – The Dick Van Dyke Show
“Ohhh Rob.” It’s hard not to say that in the iconic Mary Tyler Moore whine. Rob and Laura Petrie were a stunning TV couple, and had a young son, Ritchie. The Dick Van Dyke Show aired from 1961-1966.
This clip is from the episode, “Where Did I Come From.” Where Ritchie asks his parents to share with him his birth story:
Lucy Ricardo – I Love Lucy
Out of all the classic TV shows out there, it seems like I Love Lucy hasn’t lost any of its luster. Multiple generations can and do still enjoy watching old episodes. Lucy and Ricky Ricardo are a timeless couple. And in this series, they brought a baby into the family. Coincidently, the episode aired the same day Lucy and Desi Arnaz had their second baby in real life, Desi Jr. I Love Lucy aired from 1951-1957.
So how about the time Lucy promised Little Ricky that Superman was going to be at his birthday party? Ricky arranges for Superman (George Reeves) to appear at his son’s birthday, but Lucy doesn’t get the memo. So she comes up with a scheme to appear as Superman herself. One of the best crossover episodes ever.
Just for laughs. And some Superman swoons:
Samantha Stephens – Bewitched
Bewitched was another classic television show where our star couple had children during the series. This series aired from 1964-1972. Samantha and Darrin Stephens welcomed baby Tabitha to the family in season 2. Back when Darrin was played by Dick York. Baby Adam was born in season 6, when Darrin was played by Dick Sargent. #TeamYork (IYKYK)
This clip is from the episode where Tabitha uses witchcraft to make the characters in her story book come to life. These characters end up following Tabitha and her mom while they go out Trick-or-Treating:
Marion Cunningham aka Mrs. C – Happy Days
Last and certainly not least, 1950’s America’s mom, Mrs. C from Happy Days.
Happy Days followed the life of Richie Cunningham (who I had a serious crush on in high school). Touching on his social life and family life. Mrs. Cunningham was the mom who tried so hard to be there for her children, and their friends. Loving, welcoming, and dang strong as a woman. Happy Days aired from 1974-1984.
Even mom gets in on the fun:
Happy Mothers Day to all you amazing moms out there! (Especially mine. Who yes, every week reads my posts.) ❤️
Serena, What a wonderful tribute to classic TV moms out there. We were so lucky that we had reruns we could watch to enjoy these wonderful ladies and maybe learn a lesson or two. You picked some awesome ones. They all had their special thing about them that we loved. The exceptional beauty of Laura Petrie with her “Ohhh Rob!”that was so funny everytime she said it to Lucy Ricardo getting herself into one fix after another. Samantha Stephens trying not to use witchcraft to appease her husband, and Mrs.C,who was the neighborhood mom ,like mine was (Miss you, Mom) ,who everyone came to for advice, some food or just to hang out and we loved her for it. Serena, I thinks it’s absolutely lovely that your mom reads your articles every week. She must be very proud that she has such a talented daughter. I wish her and all of the moms out there a Very Blessed and Happy Mother’s Day.
Thank you so very much, Lynne! And that’s lovely to hear about your mom. Your very own Mrs. C. 😉
Going back and watching these clips really makes me want to go back and watch these series all over again!