Workin’ Moms: The Main Characters, Ranked By Likability

If ever there was a show that was relatable to mothers trying to navigate parenthood while holding down demanding careers, it’s Workin’ Moms. While other series demonstrate the difficulties and complexities of the situation, Workin’ Moms delves right into the raw truths, without holding anything back.

From pumping breast milk in the office bathroom stall to being embarrassed in the middle of a business meeting by baby vomit on a blouse, or having to decide between missing that big meeting or bringing your toddler with you because the sitter cancelled, the subject matter is handled with both honesty and hilarity. And a large part of the show’s success is thanks to the talented cast who plays the main characters.

8 Alice Foster

Alice simply isn’t likable, but that’s precisely the point when it comes to the character. She’s an entitled, selfish, know-it-all, rebellious teenager who sometimes seems like she makes it her mission in life to make things difficult for her loving, though struggling, parents.

While Alice seemed to have begun to mature after hitting some dark moments, she still likes to cause trouble. And her arrogant attitude and lack of appreciation makes her the perfect exaggerated picture of the stereotypical pubescent girl.

7 Nathan Foster

Nathan started out as being very likable, a working father who did his best to divide the household and familial responsibilities with his wife Kate as she continued to focus on both being a new mother and having a career.

But fans started to like Nathan less and less after he began to resent Kate for wanting to follow her dreams. He then took things too far by cheating on her in one of the most unnecessary storylines on Workin’ Moms. While Nathan managed to get back into Kate’s good graces and they repaired their relationship and marriage, Nathan’s reputation forever remains scarred because of that huge betrayal.

6 Frankie Coyne

Frankie was at first lovable and sweet, but her whimsical nature and flightiness can get irritating at times. She sometimes tries too hard, and seems to make bad, often rash, decisions. While Frankie has been through some tough circumstances, including postpartum depression, and she has managed to build her life up as a single mother, for which she deserves some credit.

Still, there’s nothing particularly compelling about Frankie worth ranking her among the most likable of the main characters. She’s more someone who can only be taken in smaller doses.

5 Anne Carlson

Ironically, while Anne spends her life working as a licensed therapist, she seems emotionally detached from those around her. She doesn’t have the natural maternal instinct, sometimes viewing her kids as inconveniences. With that said, she does her best to help them, and was hurt deeply when she watched Alice struggling. And, despite her shortcomings, Anne wouldn’t rank among the worst TV show parents of all time.

Yet there’s something likable about Anne. She’s the type of person who will always tell it like it is, never sugar-coating it. Her witty sarcasm and disdain for most people make her both hilarious and entertaining to watch.

4 Val Szalinsky

Val has arguably had one of the most interesting character journeys through the series to date. She started on the periphery as merely one of the funniest side characters on Workin’ Moms, the woman who ran the mommy and baby classes the main characters attended. Her soft-spoken nature and optimistic view had them cringing at times, rolling their eyes at others.

But when the ladies finally got to know Val outside of class, they realized she had a much darker side. Her life and interests outside of the job were in complete contrast to who they thought she would be, which is what makes her so intriguing.

3 Lionel Carlson

Lionel is some combination of the goofy, bumbling dad and the caring, loving husband that is the perfect yin to Anne’s yang. Often expressing that he believes Anne to be completely out of his league, he shows this every day when he goes over and above to treat her, and the kids, well.

He rarely gets upset and even when he tries, he can’t bring himself to be angry or mean, or feels guilty when doing it. He’s a sweet, caring, loving person who might sometimes let others walk over him. But, for the most part, he is appreciated as much as he appreciates.

2 Kate Foster

When it comes to sarcasm, Kate, one of the most intelligent characters on Workin’ Moms, has it in spades. While she is fiercely talented and determined, her best efforts always seem to get her in hot water, whether it’s because she can’t morally do something a client wants, or one client’s actions will hurt another, putting her square in the middle.

She’s quirky and fun, and while Kate is often juggling several balls in the air at once, she manages to make her way through, even if she comes out on the other side with a few bumps. Kate is a loving and loyal friend who won’t hesitate to laugh at her besties as much as she would laugh with them.

1 Rosie Philips

Rosie has become a bigger part of the story over the seasons, first working with Kate at the public relations firm together, then joining her when she decided to branch out on her own and start her own company.

Rosie is sweet, kind, and intuitive, always there to help Kate and ensure she does well. While she’s an assistant and still rising up in her own career, chances are that Rosie will move up the ranks as she gains more experience in the field and learns from Kate. But her eagerness, loyalty, and sunny disposition make her difficult not to like, regardless of what she does.

About The Author