So, you’ve recently welcomed a little one into your life. You may find yourself with an abundance of time on your hands—time spent at home day and night, caring for a tiny human who relies on you completely. Your surroundings might be chaotic, sleep could be a distant memory, and visits from friends may have dwindled. You might even be struggling to recall the last time you took a shower or cooked a meal. What’s a new parent to do?
The answer is simple: dive into your favorite streaming service. Whether you’re navigating the early days of parenthood or embracing life as a stay-at-home parent, there’s a perfect show for every emotion you may encounter. Here’s a curated list of 20 fantastic series that will make you laugh, cry, and remind you of the joys of life before the little one arrived—and those that are yet to come.
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Gilmore Girls
Whether you’re a mother or daughter, the Lorelais are sure to resonate with you. You’ll feel frustrated when Rory repeats her mother’s past mistakes and empathize with Lorelai’s struggles to be a better parent than her own. With a mix of romance, music, and rapid-fire dialogue, this show will help you remember that life exists beyond those late-night feedings. -
Parenthood
Fans of Lauren Graham as Lorelai will appreciate her role in Parenthood. This series brings together the Braverman family across three generations, depicting the joys and challenges of love, loss, and parenting. It’s a heartfelt reminder of the beautiful chaos of raising kids. -
The Mindy Project
If you’re feeling a little resentful of your new baby and reminiscing about your single days, Mindy Lahiri will help you appreciate what you’ve left behind. A modern-day Bridget Jones, she navigates relationship woes and career challenges while reminding you to be thankful for your little family. -
Nashville
This show immerses you in the world of country music, showcasing some incredible talent. The engaging storylines and catchy tunes will provide pleasant escapism, keeping both you and your baby entertained. -
New Girl
Zooey Deschanel shines in this quirky comedy about a young teacher moving in with a group of guys. The romantic tension is palpable, but it’s the strong friendships that truly shine. A perfect reminder of the importance of good friends—maybe they’ll come over to meet the new addition! -
Orange Is the New Black
In this Netflix original, you might relate to Piper’s experience, as caring for a newborn can feel confining. The show humorously explores the challenges of motherhood while keeping you entertained through its wild storylines. -
The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Kimmy’s infectious positivity will inspire you as she adjusts to life after being rescued from a bunker. Her mantra, “You can do anything for ten seconds,” is a great reminder that you can handle anything parenthood throws your way. -
Weeds
This series delves into the extremes a mother will go to for her family, including some questionable choices. Watching Mary-Louise Parker navigate her unconventional life might just give you hope for your own journey. -
The Office
Missing your working days? The antics at Dunder Mifflin will remind you of the office camaraderie you might miss. Plus, the sweet romance between Jim and Pam is a delightful distraction. -
The White Queen
If you enjoy historical dramas, this British mini-series based on romantic novels will transport you to another era filled with intrigue and drama—perfect for those moments when you want to escape reality. -
Game of Thrones
New parents often find themselves unfazed by on-screen violence after experiencing childbirth. This epic series will engross you and keep the conversation flowing with fellow parents who are also fans. -
Doctor Who
Even if sci-fi isn’t your jam, Doctor Who offers a blend of humor, adventure, and drama that’s hard to resist. The Doctor and their companions provide captivating stories that will keep you entertained. -
Once Upon a Time
With a new baby, it’s natural to reminisce about childhood tales. This show reimagines fairy tales with a darker twist, making it a must-see for those who appreciate a good story. -
Friends
Ah, the nostalgia of your 20s! This classic sitcom will remind you of the joys of friendship and the fun times before responsibilities came knocking. A great excuse to reconnect with your pals. -
Portlandia
A satirical look at Portland’s quirky culture, this show offers smart humor that can help you feel like yourself again amidst the challenges of new parenthood. -
Futurama
When you need a good laugh, this animated classic about a pizza delivery guy who wakes up a thousand years in the future is a brilliant choice—ideal for late-night viewing when your attention span is thin. -
3rd Rock from the Sun
This hilarious show about aliens observing human life can be particularly relatable as you adapt to your new role as a parent. The humor is spot on and will lift your spirits. -
30 Rock
Tina Fey stars as Liz Lemon, a woman juggling career and personal life challenges. This show cleverly captures the ups and downs of adulthood, reminding you that everyone faces hurdles. -
Modern Family
A mockumentary-style series exploring the lives of a blended family, Modern Family showcases the humor and heartache that comes with family dynamics—something every parent can relate to. -
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
For those moments when you need a reminder of your strength, this show features a powerful female lead who takes on the world. Not exactly family-oriented, but it’ll help you reclaim your fierce spirit.
Happy binge-watching, new parents! For more parenting insights, check out this post about at-home insemination kits or learn more about infertility treatments. If you’re interested in au pairs, this link provides great resources.
In summary, this list of shows offers a perfect mix of humor, drama, and nostalgia for new parents looking to escape into captivating stories during those long hours at home.