TV Shows That Handled Pregnancy Storylines with Real Nuance

As a TV fan, I’ve noticed pregnancy is often used to create drama or move a story forward. Sometimes it feels a little cliché or unrealistic, but lately, I’ve been really impressed with shows that handle it with honesty and depth. They’re tackling really important and complex issues – things like struggling to get pregnant, the heartbreak of miscarriage, and the financial pressures of parenthood. It’s great to see writers trying to show all different kinds of experiences that expectant parents go through, and it feels much more relatable to what people are actually going through today.

‘Call the Midwife’ (2012–Present)

This historical drama realistically portrays the challenges of motherhood in 1950s London. It bravely addresses tough issues like the thalidomide scandal and the impact of poverty, while also celebrating the strength of mothers. The show beautifully captures both the happiness of welcoming a new baby and the difficult medical conditions women experienced before today’s healthcare. The midwives are shown as caring and supportive figures, helping women from all backgrounds.

‘Jane the Virgin’ (2014–2019)

The show follows a dramatic, soap-opera style storyline centered around an unexpected pregnancy resulting from a medical mix-up, but handles the situation with surprising realism. Jane, a devout Catholic with carefully laid plans, must now come to terms with becoming a mother. The series thoughtfully portrays her feelings and her ability to make her own choices, while also honestly exploring the challenges and emotions of unplanned motherhood. It skillfully blends humor with heartfelt moments.

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

The show explored different paths to parenthood, including surrogacy and single motherhood. A memorable storyline involved Phoebe carrying triplets for her brother, offering a humorous take on selfless surrogacy. Rachel dealt with the difficulties of being a single mom and raising a child with her ex-partner. Meanwhile, Monica and Chandler honestly portrayed the struggles with infertility that ultimately led them to adopt.

‘This Is Us’ (2016–2022)

This show is famous for its emotionally powerful depiction of family life over several generations. It realistically portrays the dangers of having multiples and the heartbreaking experience of losing a baby. Kate Pearson’s story feels especially authentic because it highlights the health challenges that can come with being an older and heavier mom. Ultimately, the series focuses on how having children profoundly changes who parents are, often for the rest of their lives.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–Present)

This medical drama often focuses on pregnancies, showing how delicate life can be. Characters face a range of challenges, including serious complications and the loss of a pregnancy. Set in a hospital, the show is known for using realistic medical details and situations that many viewers appreciate. It also consistently shows how pregnancy can be physically and emotionally demanding, even for people who are successful in their careers.

‘Parenthood’ (2010–2015)

This Is Us explores the complex realities of family life, including difficult topics like abortion and adoption, and how these choices affect everyone involved. A central storyline follows Kristina Braverman’s late-in-life pregnancy, which brings the family face-to-face with the possibility of loss. The show is particularly good at portraying the honest, often uncomfortable, conversations families have in private.

‘Black-ish’ (2014–2022)

This comedy series tackles the important topic of postpartum depression through the character of Bow Johnson. While still maintaining its funny moments, the show honestly portrays the mental health challenges some women face after having a baby. It emphasizes how crucial support from family and friends, as well as professional help, are for new mothers. The storyline also opened up a valuable conversation about maternal mental health within the African American community.

‘Catastrophe’ (2015–2019)

The show centers on a surprising pregnancy between two people who don’t know each other well. Instead of a love story, it honestly portrays the challenges and realities of becoming parents under unexpected circumstances. Critics appreciate its frank depiction of the physical and emotional difficulties of pregnancy, and how a relationship can develop while preparing for a baby.

‘Sex Education’ (2019–2023)

This series looks at pregnancy at various points in life. It follows Jean Milburn as she navigates the challenges of becoming pregnant later in life and building a blended family. The show also sensitively portrays a character facing a difficult abortion decision, focusing on her personal choices and the complex emotions involved in reproductive health.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

Jake and Amy deal with the emotional challenges of trying to have a baby for a long time. The show honestly portrays the often stressful and unglamorous side of fertility treatments, but still manages to be funny. It acknowledges the feelings of self-doubt that many people experience when facing fertility issues. Ultimately, the story shows what it’s really like to juggle the demands of being police officers with getting ready to become parents.

‘Girls’ (2012–2017)

Hannah Horvath unexpectedly becomes pregnant and chooses to raise her child alone, navigating the challenges of single motherhood. The story doesn’t judge her decision, but instead explores her journey of self-discovery and growing up. It realistically portrays the loneliness that can happen when a new mother’s life changes and she feels distanced from her friends. The show prioritizes Hannah’s experience as a mother, rather than focusing on a typical, conventional family outcome.

‘Friday Night Lights’ (2006–2011)

The show is well-regarded for its sensitive and believable portrayal of a teenage abortion. The character Becky Sproles navigates a challenging situation with empathy and support, rather than facing criticism. The storyline explores how financial situations and community pressures can affect a young person’s reproductive decisions, and it’s considered one of the best examples of how teen pregnancy is depicted on network TV.

‘The Mindy Project’ (2012–2017)

Mindy Lahiri experiences pregnancy as a busy doctor – and a patient herself. The show playfully highlights the funny contrast between her medical expertise and her own sometimes-unpredictable behavior. It honestly portrays the challenges of balancing a career with the big changes that come with becoming a parent, and allows Mindy to be both imperfect and driven throughout the process.

‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ (2015–2019)

The show realistically portrays pregnancy, notably through Paula Proctor, who considers abortion as a way to continue her education but ultimately decides to parent with family support. Another story follows Heather as a surrogate, exploring the legal and physical challenges involved. Throughout the series, characters express their private thoughts and feelings about reproduction through songs, addressing topics often left unsaid.

‘I Love Lucy’ (1951–1957)

This beloved sitcom broke new ground by featuring a pregnant woman on TV – at a time when even talking about pregnancy was often avoided. When Lucille Ball’s character, Lucy Ricardo, became pregnant, it was a huge moment that captivated the nation. The show cleverly wove Ball’s real-life pregnancy into the story, making it feel authentic and relatable. This storyline helped normalize pregnancy on television and opened the door for other shows to portray it as a common part of life.

I’m really curious – out of all the shows out there, which one do you guys think actually got pregnancy right? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments – which show felt the most real to you?

2025-11-28 07:45