It doesn't get more raw and real than Workin' Moms, the CBC comedy that follows Kate (Catherine Reitman) and her friends as they try to get through the trials of motherhood. Whether pumping at work or standing up to her cheating husband, Kate is never afraid of being totally honest. She even navigates being a single mom of two kids while starting her own business.
The characters on Workin' Moms are all pretty smart, and they know that real life is tough sometimes (or most of the time). There are a lot of other funny series that fans of this show can check out, and they all admit that things aren't always perfect.
Updated on May 13th, 2022 by Aya Tsintziras: For six seasons, fans have enjoyed watching the characters on Workin' Moms experience the ups and downs of motherhood. There are even more shows that viewers will enjoy, from the How I Met Your Mother spin-off to a comedy about three best friends helping one another through loss and big life goals.
Life In Pieces (2015-2019)
Stream on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video
The kids and adults on Life In Pieces are all unique and special, and this four-season sitcom is one of the best of the genre. It might not be talked about as much as other family sitcoms, but it definitely needs some more love than it's given.
The Short family consists of John (James Brolin) and Joan (Dianne Wiest) and their three adult children and their respective spouses and children. Nothing comes easily for any of these characters, but that's where the humor comes in, of course.
Difficult People (2015-2017)
Stream on Hulu
Airing for three seasons starting in 2015, Difficult People stars Julie Klausner and Billy Eichner as best friends living in New York City.
Julie and Billy are two of the best sitcom characters as they are creative types struggling to make it, but it's unclear where their real talents lie or what they should be doing with their lives. Whether coming up with random business ideas and getting bored, or finding all kinds of ways to procrastinate actually working, the duo is always hilarious and quirky. The show doesn't mess around when it comes to showing how tough their lives are, which is appreciated.
Parenthood (2010-2015)
Stream on Hulu and Peacock
While Parenthood is a drama, it's a lot funnier than it's typically given credit for. Every member of the huge and quirky Braverman family is hilarious as they all try to get through the ups and downs of life.
Whether they have "the fever" and all start dancing (badly) to an old favorite song, or they're talking over one another at a family dinner, this clan can't help but find the bright side even when things feel hopeless. Every character is pretty witty and funny in their own way, especially Sarah (Lauren Graham) and her daughter Amber (Mae Whitman).
One Day At A Time (2017-2020)
Stream on Netflix
One Day At A Time is a great, funny family show that doesn't lie about how tough life can be sometimes.
While the Netflix show does feature a lot of sitcom-friendly jokes, there is a serious message lying beneath them. Main character Penelope Alvarez (Justina Machado) talks about suffering from PTSD and depression in the first season. Instead of painting a pretty (and false) picture, Penelope keeps it real.
American Housewife (2016-2021)
Stream on Hulu
In a perfect town full of wealthy families, the Otto clan stands out in the best way possible. Instead of living in a mansion, they have a modest house. Instead of having a high-powered job with a huge salary, Greg Otto (Diedrich Bader) is a history prof. And instead of wearing the latest designer threads, Katie Otto (Katy Mixon) is all about jeans and plaid shirts.
American Housewife, which has aired for four seasons so far, keeps it real about family life. When the Ottos' teenage daughter Taylor (Meg Donnelly) is about to leave for college, the big question is how they can afford it.
Crashing (2017-2019)
Stream on HBO Max
Jamie Lee wrote for and also starred on Crashing, the HBO comedy also starring Pete Holmes as a stand-up comedian trying to making his way in the NYC scene.
The show is both hilarious and at times awkward, as Pete has some trouble in social situations and it's tough for him to succeed. The series doesn't shy away from the reality of being a comic in New York, which a lot of people can relate to, as it can take a while for someone to make it.
Superstore (2015-2021)
Stream on Hulu and Peacock
Superstore tells a story that is familiar to many people: sometimes, working retail really sucks.
The characters all need the work, as none of them are very well-off, which makes this a great show about real life that many people will be able to see themselves in. Superstore has great friendships and wisely proves how tough and frustrating it can be to work in the retail space. The characters don't exactly love what they do everyday, but they do enjoy being with each other.
Love (2016-2018)
Stream on Netflix
The Netflix show Love has a lot of interesting things to say about dating, and it also doesn't pretend that relationships are simple.
Gillian Jacobs and Paul Rust play Mickey and Gus, two Los Angeles residents who like each other when they randomly meet, but who aren't able to sustain a healthy and proper relationship for quite a while. They may be in their 30's but they're not married homeowners with kids and thriving careers, so anyone who is still figuring it all out will relate to this show.
Dollface (2019-)
Stream on Hulu
While the Hulu show Dollface has some magical elements, such as Jules (Kat Denning) seeing a "Cat Lady," it's also fairly realistic.
Jules gets so caught up in her love story that she doesn't make any time for her friends. As always happens, once her boyfriend tells her that it's over, she realizes that she doesn't have anyone in her corner. Sometimes rebuilding those bonds feels daunting and impossible, and it's fun and moving to watch this character on her journey.
Better Things (2016-2022)
Stream on Hulu
Pamela Aldon's character Sam is raising her daughters on the hilarious and raw show Better Things. Once upon a time, Sam was a super famous actress, and while she's managed to hold onto her career since then, the roles have definitely started drying up.
Instead of pretending that family life is always amazing, Sam lives in a comfortable but messy home and is constantly annoyed at her daughters, who drive her crazy. Of course, Sam loves her children so much, but the best episodes of Better Things never shy away from admitting that relatives can be frustrating.
Pivoting (2022-)
Stream on Hulu
Pivoting only has one season so far, and the comedy offers up a realistic portrayal of how Jodie (Ginnifer Goodwin), Amy (Eliza Coupe), and Sarah (Maggie Q) grieve the death of their beloved friend Colleen.
Each of the main characters embarks on their own journey while inspiring each other to keep reaching for their goals. Sarah wonders if she can have a less stressful life and quits her job as a doctor, Amy wants to be a hands-on mother (in the afternoons), and Jodie works out with a trainer who she also falls for.
How I Met Your Father (2022-)
Stream on Hulu
The How I Met Your Mother spin-off is another sweet, funny and moving series that feels relatable, proving that dating is hard and it's okay to feel frustrated sometimes.
How I Met Your Father follows Sophie (Hilary Duff), who, like Ted (, is dating in New York City and wondering if finding love is even possible or realistic. Sophie deals with dating apps and friendship and fans love seeing if she's going to meet her soulmate.
Casual (2015-2018)
Stream on Hulu
Casual shows that family is never perfect and that unconventional living situations can be a great idea. The show focuses on Valerie (Michaela Watkins), who is divorced, and who is raising her daughter Laura (Tara Lynne Barr) and brother Alex (Tommy Dewey).
The Hulu comedy show is quirky and different, perfect for fans of Workin' Moms who are looking for a funny series about people who are creating their own path.
The Unicorn (2019-2021)
Stream on Paramount+
The Unicorn only had two seasons, but the sweet sitcom starred Walton Goggins as Wade, the father of two teenage girls whose wife has passed away. Wade's relationship with his friend group Delia (Michaela Watkins), Forrest (Rob Coddry), Ben (Omar Benson), and Michelle (Maya Lynne Robinson) is the most moving part of the sitcom.
The episodes are funny and real, just like Workin' Moms, as Wade makes mistakes but always tries to do the right thing.
The Mindy Project (2012-2017)
Stream on Hulu
Mindy Kaling is perfect as Mindy Lahiri, the doctor at the heart of The Mindy Project who is looking for love and career success in equal measure.
Fans love watching Mindy struggle through complicated dating situations, fall for Danny (Chris Messina), and become a mom to Leo. Mindy also sets up her own practice and is a kind friend and meaningful, intelligent, and memorable character.