TV Shows That Handled Pregnancy Storylines with Real Nuance

Television has long used pregnancy as a dramatic device to shake up character dynamics or introduce new plotlines. While some series rely on tropes or gloss over the medical realities, others have managed to depict the journey with significant depth and emotional honesty. These shows explore complex themes ranging from infertility and miscarriage to the socioeconomic challenges of raising a child. Writers and showrunners increasingly strive to reflect the diverse experiences of expectant parents in ways that resonate with modern audiences.

‘Call the Midwife’ (2012–Present)

This period drama offers an unflinching look at maternal health in mid-century London. The series tackles difficult subjects including thalidomide and poverty while highlighting the resilience of mothers. It balances the joy of new life with the harsh medical realities women faced before modern advancements. The midwives serve as compassionate advocates for women from all walks of life.

‘Jane the Virgin’ (2014–2019)

The show utilizes a telenovela format to explore an accidental artificial insemination with surprising grounding. Jane struggles to reconcile her Catholic upbringing and plans for the future with her new reality as an expectant mother. The series gives weight to her agency and the complex feelings involved in carrying a child she did not plan to have. It manages to balance absurdity with genuine emotional beats regarding motherhood.

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

The sitcom approached pregnancy through multiple distinct storylines that covered surrogacy and single motherhood. Phoebe Buffay carrying triplets for her brother provided a rare comedic look at altruistic surrogacy. Rachel Green navigated the challenges of being a single working mother and co-parenting with an ex. Monica Geller and Chandler Bing faced realistic struggles with infertility that eventually led them toward adoption.

‘This Is Us’ (2016–2022)

This drama is renowned for its tear-jerking portrayal of family dynamics across different generations. It depicts the high risks involved with multiple births and the trauma of losing a child during delivery. Kate Pearson faces specific medical challenges related to her weight and age that add layers of realism to her journey. The narrative emphasizes how the arrival of children shapes the identity of the parents for decades.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–Present)

The medical drama has featured numerous pregnancy arcs that highlight the fragility of life. Characters experience everything from life-threatening complications to heartbreaking miscarriages. The show uses its hospital setting to provide accurate medical terminology and scenarios that many viewers find educational. It consistently portrays the physical and emotional toll that pregnancy can take on high-performing professionals.

‘Parenthood’ (2010–2015)

The Braverman family deals with a wide spectrum of reproductive choices and outcomes. Storylines cover abortion and adoption with a focus on how these decisions impact the extended family unit. Kristina Braverman navigates a geriatric pregnancy that forces the family to confront the possibility of losing her. The show excels at showing the difficult conversations that happen behind closed doors.

‘Black-ish’ (2014–2022)

This sitcom addresses the serious issue of postpartum depression through the character of Bow Johnson. The show balances its usual humor with a sincere depiction of the mental health struggles that can follow childbirth. It highlights the importance of support systems and medical intervention for new mothers. The storyline provided a significant platform for discussing maternal mental health in the African American community.

‘Catastrophe’ (2015–2019)

The entire premise of the show revolves around an accidental pregnancy between two strangers. It bypasses the romance to focus on the messy and unglamorous aspects of expecting a baby with someone you barely know. The series is praised for its honest dialogue about the physical discomforts and fears associated with gestation. It presents a realistic view of how a couple builds a relationship while preparing for a child.

‘Sex Education’ (2019–2023)

The series explores the concept of pregnancy at different stages of life. Jean Milburn faces the unique challenges of a geriatric pregnancy and the adjustments required for a blended family. The show also handles the topic of abortion with care when a younger character makes a difficult choice. It prioritizes the agency of the characters and the emotional complexity of their reproductive decisions.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

Jake and Amy navigate the frustration and disappointment of trying to conceive for an extended period. The show portrays the regimented and unromantic nature of fertility treatments without losing its comedic tone. It validates the feelings of inadequacy that often accompany fertility struggles. The storyline concludes with a realistic depiction of balancing police work with impending parenthood.

‘Girls’ (2012–2017)

Hannah Horvath decides to keep her baby after an accidental pregnancy and embraces the uncertainty of single motherhood. The storyline avoids moralizing her choice and focuses on her personal growth and maturity. It depicts the isolation that can occur when a lifestyle shift separates a new mother from her peer group. The narrative chooses to focus on the mother rather than the traditional happy family ending.

‘Friday Night Lights’ (2006–2011)

The series is notable for its respectful and realistic handling of a teen abortion storyline. Becky Sproles faces a difficult decision and receives compassionate counsel rather than judgment. The show focuses on the economic and social factors that influence reproductive choices in a small town. It remains one of the most praised depictions of teen pregnancy outcomes in network television history.

‘The Mindy Project’ (2012–2017)

Mindy Lahiri navigates pregnancy as a working professional who is also an OB/GYN. The show finds humor in the contradiction between her medical knowledge and her personal behavior as a patient. It addresses the struggle of maintaining a career identity while preparing for a major life change. The series allows its protagonist to remain flawed and ambitious throughout her journey.

‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ (2015–2019)

The show features a pragmatic approach to pregnancy through the character of Paula Proctor. She considers an abortion so she can pursue her law school dreams but ultimately chooses a different path supported by her family. Another storyline involves Heather serving as a surrogate which highlights the legal and physical complexities of the process. The series uses musical numbers to express internal monologues about reproduction that are rarely spoken aloud.

‘I Love Lucy’ (1951–1957)

This classic sitcom was a pioneer in showing a pregnant woman on television even when the word itself was censored. The episodes chronicling Lucy Ricardo having a baby became a massive cultural event that resonated with millions of viewers. It integrated the real-life pregnancy of Lucille Ball into the plot to create a seamless reality. The storyline paved the way for future shows to depict pregnancy as a natural part of family life.

Please share which of these shows you think portrayed the reality of pregnancy best in the comments.