10 Most Iconic Grandmothers In TV History

Olenna Tyrell – Game of Thrones (2011)

Diana Rigg’s Olenna Tyrell wasn’t the nurturing type, but she may be one of television’s most powerful grandmothers. As the head of House Tyrell, she used intelligence and strategy instead of physical force, often outsmarting the most dangerous people in Westeros. Her wit and refusal to be intimidated made her a fan favorite. Olenna fiercely protected her granddaughter Margaery and challenged kings without hesitation.

Endora – Bewitched (1964)

Endora, played by Agnes Moorhead, set the standard for the meddling TV grandmother long before it became a sitcom staple. She never approved of her daughter Samantha’s marriage to mortal ad man Darrin and made her feelings known in the most dramatic ways possible. Instead of arguing, she used magic, turning Darrin into random creatures or giving him bizarre symptoms just to make a point.

Emily Gilmore – Gilmore Girls (2000)

Kelly Bishop’s Emily Gilmore showed how complicated a grandmother’s role can be when family history is messy. A wealthy and polished socialite, Emily had high expectations for her daughter Lorelai, and their strained relationship often spilled into her bond with granddaughter Rory. Sometimes Rory found comfort with Emily when she clashed with her mother. Emily expressed love through structure, tradition, and criticism rather than open affection, making her both frustrating and fascinating. Over time, she revealed vulnerability and growth, becoming one of television’s most layered and realistic grandmother characters.

Connie “Meemaw” Tucker – Young Sheldon (2017)

Annie Potts’ Meemaw brings warmth, humor, and a little rebellion into the otherwise strict Cooper family, easily earning a top-three spot. She spoils her grandchildren without apology and gives Sheldon the emotional comfort he often struggles to find elsewhere. Meemaw loves poker nights, has no problem flirting her way out of trouble, and always says exactly what she thinks. Beneath the sass, she understands Sheldon better than almost anyone.

Violet Crawley – Downton Abbey (2011)

Dame Maggie Smith’s Violet Crawley delivered some of the sharpest and funniest lines on television as the Dowager Countess of Grantham. She embodied old-world aristocracy with confidence, secrecy, and impeccable timing. Violet was fiercely protective of her family. Whether reminding others of social expectations or bending rules for her own reasons, she always kept people guessing.

Mona Robinson – Who’s the Boss? (1984)

Katherine Helmond’s Mona Robinson brought bold energy to her polished Connecticut household. Instead of acting like a typical grandmother, Mona embraced adventure, flirtation, and fun well into her later years. She encouraged her daughter Angela’s independence, doted on her grandson Jonathan, and frequently pushed Angela and housekeeper Tony Miceli toward romance. Mona never hid her lively dating life and treated aging as something to laugh at rather than fear.

Marie Barone – Everybody Loves Raymond (1996)

Doris Roberts turned Marie Barone into the ultimate meddling grandmother, both exasperating and impossible to dislike. She constantly commented on her daughter-in-law Debra’s cooking, parenting, and housekeeping, usually with a sweet tone that somehow made the criticism sting even more. Marie believed she was helping, even when she created chaos, and her passive-aggressive remarks became a defining part of the show’s humor.

Grace and Frankie – Grace and Frankie (2015)

Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin created a memorable pair as Grace Hanson and Frankie Bergstein, two grandmothers forced into a new life when their husbands fell in love with each other. At first, they shared nothing in common; Grace was polished and controlled, while Frankie was artistic and free-spirited. Over time, they formed a deep friendship. Together, they faced aging, heartbreak, and reinvention with honesty and humor. Their journey showed that grandmothers can start over, build new identities, and find joy long after life takes an unexpected turn.

Kris Jenner – Keeping Up With the Kardashians (2007)

Kris Jenner redefined what it means to be a modern TV grandmother. While managing the careers of her six children and running a global brand, she still makes time for her twelve grandchildren. She has said that being a grandmother brings her the most joy, and viewers often see her spending one-on-one time with each child, whether relaxing by the pool or going shopping. Despite her busy schedule and high-profile lifestyle, Kris balances it all.

Betty Johnson – Punky Brewster (1984)

Susie Garrett’s Betty Johnson served as both grandmother and full-time caregiver to Cherie, becoming a steady influence in Punky’s world as well. A nurse by profession, Betty never sugarcoated the truth when the girls needed guidance. She teased Punky’s foster dad Henry for being too frugal, but the jokes always came with affection.