There are so many joys that come with parenting, but perhaps one of the greatest joys lies in the fact that you never run out of moments to laugh at. Thankfully, there are plenty of TV shows that chronicle the highs and lows of parenting, all with a humorous twist. From Apple TV originals to classic shows from the early 2000s, there is a wealth of shows that capture some of the biggest challenges that come with raising kids. In this list, we include our favorite ones for you to watch when you’re feeling just a little bit overwhelmed by parenting, and when you just need a good laugh.
Trying
Commissioned especially for Apple TV, Trying tells the story of Nikki and Jason. All they want is to become parents. However, they encounter their fair share of fertility struggles and eventually, decide that they want to open their home and hearts up to adoption. However, they both come from close and protective but chaotic family structures. This, coupled with a bit of a motley crew of friends, makes for interesting misadventures as they dive head-first into the world of parenting.
Breeders
Breeders is another English sitcom about parenting, except this one follows Paul and Ally through their personal struggles with becoming reluctant parents. While they are both dedicated, doting parents, they each carry their own baggage. Ally has a history of depression, while Paul has some anger issues. In the show, we see them both grapple with trying to be the best parents they could ever be, while still trying to be happy with themselves and who they have become.
The Letdown
The Letdown is an Australian TV show that gives the audience a peek into Audrey’s life as she and her partner adjust to their new lives as parents. She slowly makes her way back into her pre-parenthood life, but things don’t go quite as well as she hoped they would. Audrey quickly begins to realize that now that her daughter is around, her life is drastically different to what it was before. This show is well-written and gives us insight into the struggles we face as new parents, but will have you in stitches at the same time.
The Duchess
This show is very unique in its telling. In The Duchess, we meet Katherine, a single mother who lives abroad in London with her young daughter. She has become very protective of the life she has built for herself and her daughter, and we see her humorously tackle the challenges of trying to co-parent with her daughter’s father. While the two are no longer together, she does desire to have another child with him and considers how this will affect their already unconventional family unit.
Catastrophe
Rob and Sharon have a short fling in London that turns into an unplanned pregnancy and impending marriage. In Catastrophe, we see the couple learn to adjust to their new lives while trying to raise their family as best they can. The show finds levity in their darkest moments and is entertaining as playing at Big Dollar online casino, although maybe not quite as rewarding.
