The Evolution of TV Moms Throughout the Years

4. Things Are Going To Change Around Here!

With the changing times viewers were ready for different kinds of TV moms and shows of the 1970s answered their call. From feminists, to moms of color, working mothers and single moms, change had come just as surely as it had in the real world. Bea Arthur was brilliant as “Maude Findlay” on Maude, Esther Rolle was unforgettable as “Florida Evans” on Good Times, and The Partridge Family saw Shirley Jones as mom “Shirley Partridge” keeping her five musical kids in order all on her own. Diahann Carroll’s portrayal of the title character in Julia was groundbreaking in that it depicted a professional African American widowed mom in a non-stereotypical role. One Day at a Time’s Ann Romano, played by Bonnie Franklin, tackled a lot of issues the audience could relate to as she raised her two teenage daughters as a divorced single mom. There wasn’t a lot of time for apple pie making in this era.