#9. Marge Simpson [The Simpsons]

A firm favourite from last year’s poll, is it really any surprise to see the mother of Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, on the list once again? Whether it be cleaning up husband Homer’s messes, trying to keep Bart out of trouble, lending a sympathetic ear to Lisa, or simply being a companion to Maggie, the everyday life of Marge Simpson never gets boring or old, For 18 years this blue haired, cartoon, multi-tasking, wonder-mom has been a firm favourite with television viewers and will no doubt continue to be for many years to come!

#8. Nora Macdonald [Life With Derek]
Up two spots from last year’s poll, Life With Derek’s Nora Macdonald continues to be a favourite with readers. Mother to Casey and Lizzie, and stepmother to Derek, Edwin, and Marti, Nora certainly has her hands full! Prior to marrying George, Nora raised Casey and Lizzie on her own, and their strength, independence, and feminism, is a credit to the former single working mother.

#7. Hilda Suarez [Ugly Betty]

Also jumping two spots from last year’s poll is Ugly Betty’s Hilda Suarez. The loud and brashy mother to the lovable Justin has certainly come a long way since the show’s beginnings. The impetuous Hilda has proved that she’s more than a pretty face, transforming from a door-to-door beauty salesperson, to a cosmetology student so she could be a qualified beautician, to finally owning a beauty salon. Making something of herself out of small and humble beginnings has shown her son that you can achieve what your heart desires if you just persevere and believe.

#6. Lynette Scavo [Desperate Housewives]

Remaining consistent in out annual Coolest TV Mothers Day poll, Lynette Scavo has taken out the 6th position in our top 10 for the 2nd year running. Not only has Lynette had her hands full with hyperactive children Preston, Porter (twins), Parker, Penny, and stepdaughter Kayla, buy Lynette has also had to fight a battle against Hodgkin’s lymphoma. And like always, Lynette tried her best to protect her children through this time, even trying to hide the cancer from her children for as long as possible to spare them from worry and fear. Lynette has shown that being a good mother is about being selfless, no matter how difficult it may be at times.

#5. Nikki Sanders [Heroes]

Being a single parent is never easy. Being a single parent with an identity disorder is even harder, especially when it results in superhuman strength that is sometimes too hard to control. Nikki’s son Micah means the world to her and she’ll do whatever is best for him. When Nikki’s multiple personalities began to take over her, Niki did what she thought was best for Micah and left him with relatives while she checked herself into a facility to get help. It isn’t easy to distance yourself from the one thing in the world that keeps you living, but for Nikki, it was the best option in order for her to be the best mother that she could be for Micah.

#4. Tami Taylor [Friday Night Lights]

Tami Taylor is the cool small ton mom that everyone wishes they had. Friendly and outgoing, Tami knows what’s happening with the younger generation of Dillon without being creepy and uncool. This makes her the perfect guidance counsellor at Dillon High, and quite often a surrogate mother to many of its troubled students. That being said, she’s still cool enough to keep teenage daughter Julie in line when needed. Between raising baby Grace, keeping a close eye on Julie, supporting husband Coach Eric Taylor, and providing guidance for the students as Dillon High, Tami still manages to remain her upbeat and sassy self most of the time.

#3. Lily van der Woodsen [Gossip Girl]

This may be a strange nomination considering the initial instruction we received to Lily van der Woodsen when Gossip Girl first started. Mother of Serena and Eric, Lily was initially depicted as your typical Upper East Side socialite, only concerned with wealth and appearances. As the show progressed on, we realised that Ms van der Woodsen ran deeper than that. In the end, all she wants is what’s best for her children and for them to be happier than she ever was – even if it means sacrificing her own happiness. Lily chose not to reunite with her first love, Rufus Humphrey, after her reformed daughter pleaded with her not to. Unable to see her daughter so distressed, Lily complied and settled for other love interest, the wealthy and somewhat cold, Bart Bass, father of notorious Chuck Bass. As a mother, Lily has showed that motherhood is all about sacrifice, and that the outcome is worth it in the end if our children are happy.

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#2. Nicole Trager [Kyle XY]

Mother to Lori and Josh, and adopted son Kyle, Nicole Trager has certainly found a soft spot in many of our readers’ hearts. The psychologist took in Kyle despite her children’s concerns. What was initially meant to be a few days, developed into a little while longer. Although Kyle was a little strange, Nicole saw something special in him and vowed to help him. The connection between Nicole and Kyle increasingly grew so much that when Kyle’s parents found him, Nicole shut down. It was only when Kyle returned that Nicole became her normal self again. During the airing of Kyle XY, Nicole has showed us the magic in having faith and believing in someone, and that sometimes kindness and help can go a long way. Her compassion plays a large role in why she has taken out the #2 position in our poll this year.

#1. Haley James Scott [One Tree Hill]

Considering how rabid and dedicated Portrait readers are when it comes to One Tree Hill, is it really a surprise that Haley has taken out the top spot and replaced fellow One Tree Hill mother Karen Roe, in our poll this year? However, it’s all with good reason when it comes to this young mum. Motherhood hasn’t exactly been easy on Haley - from the unexpected pregnancy during senior year, to Nathan’s accident, to nanny Carrie manipulating behind the scenes, yet through all of this, Haley has managed to remain strong and brave for her son, and do her best to protect him from all the bad things that have happened. But its not just Haley’s strength and protectiveness over her son that has made her your number one TV mother, but also her ability to be cutesy and adorable with son Jamie. Admit it, there cute little moments like “I L-O-V-E You” and their eskimo kisses make you aww and kind of wish Haley was your mom or that you were Jamie.