Frankie represents the show's most poignant emotional arc: severe postpartum depression (PPD). She struggles to bond with her daughter, Rhoda, and suffers from intrusive thoughts.
Upon release, Workin’ Moms received largely positive reviews for its bold take on a tired genre. It earned a and a respectable 79% on Rotten Tomatoes .
tackles the rarely depicted, raw reality of postpartum depression and anxiety 0.5.3.
Critics praised it as “a rare combination of drama, comedy, and a three-dimensional portrayal of working women.” Viewers resonated deeply with the show's refusal to sugarcoat reality. However, it was not without its controversy; the season drew some criticism for its "bold realism," with some arguing that the portrayal of postpartum depression in the first season reinforced stereotypes rather than offering constructive insight.
sometimes made their problems feel less relatable to the average viewer. Rotten Tomatoes Workin- Moms - Season 1
The core strength of Workin' Moms Season 1 is its refusal to sugarcoat the postpartum experience. Inspired by creator Catherine Reitman’s own struggles and triumphs, the show draws from her "highly flawed aspects" to create authentic characters, ensuring that even the most chaotic moments feel grounded in reality.
Furthermore, the show's exploration of female friendships is a highlight of the season. The characters support and challenge each other, offering a portrayal of female relationships that is both authentic and heartwarming. The show demonstrates that these friendships are essential for survival, providing a network of support and understanding that is often lacking in the lives of busy working mothers.
Catherine Reitman’s writing subverted these archetypes by making the characters flawed, selfish, and fiercely loyal all at once. They make bad decisions, they yell at their kids, they judge each other, and they fiercely protect their professional ambitions. This raw authenticity made the show a word-of-mouth sensation. The Verdict on Season 1
An IT specialist who finds herself increasingly disconnected from her marriage and new baby, seeking reckless escapism instead of the domestic "dream". Season 1 Plot Highlights Frankie represents the show's most poignant emotional arc:
Workin' Moms Season 1 is a raw, hilarious, and unapologetically honest look at the chaotic reality of returning to the workforce after maternity leave. Created by and starring Catherine Reitman, the series bypasses the polished "Super Mom" trope. Instead, it dives deep into the messy intersection of career ambitions, leaking breasts, and the identity crisis that often follows childbirth.
Workin' Moms broke ground by being unapologetically loud, messy, and funny. It didn't try to make its characters perfectly likable, instead focusing on making them .
"Workin' Moms" is a Canadian television sitcom that premiered on January 10, 2017, on CBC Television. The show was created by Catherine Reitman and her mother, Sharon Reitman. The series revolves around the lives of four working mothers, navigating the challenges of balancing work, family, and personal relationships. This report provides an in-depth analysis of Season 1 of "Workin' Moms."
The series uses a sharp, often provocative comedic tone to explore uncomfortable situations, from leaking breastmilk in board meetings to unconventional therapy techniques. 3. Key Themes of the First Season It earned a and a respectable 79% on Rotten Tomatoes
Her mental health crisis strains her marriage to its breaking point, forcing a raw look at how PPD impacts the entire family unit. Jenny Matthews (Jessalyn Wanlim)
Some viewers have critiqued the show for portraying working mothers as "detached" or for its representation of the divide between working and stay-at-home parents. Series Statistics & Distribution Workin' Moms: Season 1 — a review - firewatersite
Workin' Moms Season 1 doesn’t provide easy answers, nor does it pretend to. It presents four flawed, messy, and deeply human women who, despite their frequent missteps, are simply trying to be the best parents they can be while remembering they are also individuals.
The series is inspired by the personal experiences of its creator, Catherine Reitman , who described the characters as facets of her own "highly flawed" self. 2. Meet the Moms of Season 1
🍼 Kate’s return to work — and a pumping disaster in an office closet 😳 Anne’s rage-fueled honesty (and her legendary “mommy group” takedown) 😂 Frankie’s unexpected emotional rollercoaster 💼 The juggle between boardroom battles and bedtime battles