The 20 most beloved TV grandparents of all time

Though Jerry's grandmother, affectionately known as Nana (Billye Ree Wallace), did not appear in many episodes, when she did, the laughs were pretty constant. Like when Nana had issues with a bank, and went down in there in early-morning hours to settle the matter, despite it being in a presumably rough neighborhood. She also helped trash a fancy hotel room, but was always good to Jerry, sending him checks while he would help her open a ketchup bottle.

Though not a regular on this highly underrated sitcom that ran five seasons (2016-21) on ABC, Kathryn (exceptionally played by Wendie Malick) was quite memorable when she appeared. Mother to Otto's mom Katie (Katy Mixon), she's a former flight attendant from back in the day when flirting with the male passengers and hooking up with pilots was part of the job requirement. Kathryn was not best role model for her three grandchildren, often telling them tales of her debaucherous career and lifestyle and tipping back a few without much thought. She's brutally honest, subtly demanding and talks to the kids like they are patrons at the bar she's visiting — but quite funny in doing so. 

The eccentric mother of novelist-turned-detective helper Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) from this popular ABC drama. Played memorably by the stellar Susan Sullivan, Rodgers is a former actress mostly known for her stage work. Known for her flair for the dramatic, Martha can get on Castle's nerves, but she is a consistent support system and live-in friend to teen granddaughter Alexis (Molly C. Quinn). 

Marie (Doris Roberts) was overbearing and always involved in her family members' business. However, she was one of the funniest characters on the show, and actually was quite nice to her grandchildren. Of course, she would constantly nag daughter-in-law Debra (Patricia Heaton) about the way she raised those kids. Meanwhile, Frank, played brilliantly by veteran actor Peter Boyle, was more go-with-the-flow and his one-liners and jabs, notably directed at Marie or his boys, were highly entertaining. But, at the end of the day, both would do anything for their family, even if they did not have much notable interaction with the grandkids.

The perfect ying-yang when it came to grandparenting. The Baxters were in a unique situation with grandson Boyd living under their roof for the first several years of his life as daughter and single mom Kristin (Alexandra Krosney; Amanda Fuller) goes back to work while they help raise him. Mike (Tim Allen) was the no-holds-barred, tell-it-like-it-is grandad with a his-way-or-the-highway attitude. Vanessa (Nancy Travis) had no trouble spoiling her grandson, and didn't like to meddle in her daughter's and Ryan's (Boyd's father) parenting — unless she had a strong opinion.

Sure, we can question just how much interaction Grandpa (played by the great Al Lewis) actually had with his grandkids Eddie and Marilyn. More so with the former, as Grandpa's trademark sarcasm could be directed across the entire family. A vampire who doubled as a budding mad scientist with his cellar lab, Grandpa was a wise old goofball, but one of the more lovable characters in television history.

One of the more underrated characters on this list. Played by veteran Tyne Daly, Maxine is a strong-willed, highly opinionated social worker and mother to Judge Amy Madison Gray (Amy Brenneman). Maxine doesn't pull any punches or sugarcoat anything, even with young granddaughter Lauren. Though she can certainly be gruff, especially to the ones she loves, Maxine is a loving and respectful matriarch who is actually quite easy to root for.

Holland Taylor waited until the second half of her acting career to deliver her defining role. Now, she was hardly a functional mother to Charlie (Charlie Sheen) and Alan (Jon Cryer), but had more in common with the former as both lived care-free, unadulterated lifestyles. However, she seemed to have a soft spot for Alan's son Jake (Angus T. Jones). Sure, she would patronize him, but also he might have been the one family member she cared for the most.

The incomparable Maggie Smith, who passed away in 2024, delivered one final grand moment to an exceptional acting legacy while serving as Violet Crawley, The Dowager Countess of Grantham on this popular British period drama. Of course, Crawley was best known for her quick-witted, humorous quips while still making a commanding presence within the family. Perhaps most impressive, though, was her special bond with granddaughter Mary (Michelle Dockery), with who she shares many a common trait.

This long-running and popular CBS police drama told the story of four generations of a New York City police family. Henry (Len Cariou) was a retired NYPD commissioner who is still a widely-respected, well-connected and invaluable sounding board and advice-giver to his three living grandchildren within the Reagan clan. Meanwhile, son Frank (in Tom Selleck's true television resurgence) was the current NYPD chief, and often had engaging conversations with granddaughter Nicky, while also helping keep in line son Danny's two boys — especially during the traditional Reagan Family Sunday dinners. Frank and Henry are both stoic and command the respect of the clan over the run of the series.

One of the greatest fictional grandmothers of all time. Sassy Mona (hilariously played by Katherine Helmond) was in her twilight years, but that didn't stop her from loving her grandson Jonathan (Danny Pintauro) and live-in housekeeper Tony's daughter Samantha (Alyssa Milano), helping them navigate through their young lives. Mona did this daily, all while pursuing wealthy men to keep her company on a cold night. It may have seemed like Mona only cared about men, but she actually offered helpful advice and was there when needed by all members of her family.

One of Cloris Leachman's most underappreciated characters, Ida is the mother of Malcolm's mom Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) — or so we thought? Her husband Victor (Robert Loggia) dies during the series, leaving Ida a bitter widow. However, Ida never seemed to be a nice person, but her meanness came with flair and plenty of humor. Ida is tough as nails, so it made sense she bonded with grandson Reese, the bully in the family. Meanwhile, she considered Malcolm to weak — both physically and mentally. 

Also known as Abe, but it's always been Grampa. Homer's father also has two illegitimate children, including one with a carnival sex worker. A World War II veteran, Grampa Simpson loves to tell outlandish stories, though whether we're to believe they are true or not doesn't matter. They are usually entertaining, and even tend to keep the attention of grandchildren Bart and Lisa. And sometimes even little Maggie, too.

Another significantly underrated set of grandparents, Zeek (Craig T. Nelson) and Camille (Bonnie Bedelia) are masters when it comes to unconditional love. Especially Zeek, whose own shortcomings as an adult and father help shape his need to be there for his grandchildren. Notably Amber (Mae Whitman), whom they take in when she becomes pregnant and decides the raise the child on her own.

Parents of Dre (Anthony Anderson), Earl (Laurence Fishburne) and Ruby (Jenifer Lewis) are divorced, but eventually remarried. Though Earl, often sarcastic and old school, lived with Dre and his family, Diane tended to be more involved with her grandchildren. At least she delivered some memorable moments in that capacity. Ruby is relatively close to granddaughter Diane, who like her, is opinionated with bully-like tendencies. 

Perhaps the most iconic actor on this list. Endora (played by Oscar-nominated, Emmy Award-winning actress Agnes Moorehead) is a deliciously evil — but hilarious — witch who makes it a point to break up daughter Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) and husband Darrin (Dick York, Dick Sargent). Always to no avail, but it was fun to watch. Though Endora had bad intentions in that department, she loved her two grandchildren, being sweet, kind and always ready to spoil them.

In many ways, Jay (Ed O'Neill's second iconic television role) was the CEO of the Pritchett-Tucker-Dunphy clan. He was a wealthy closet king (Pritchett's Closets made him his fortune) with old-school values and opinions. He certainly was not politically correct or socially conscious, and admitted he didn't do a great job during a failing first marriage and with parenting kids Claire (Julie Bowen) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson). However, he was doing his best to make up for that by spending time and providing life guidance — good or bad — to his four grandchildren, while also getting a second crack at parenting his now-adult children.

Played by the venerable George Segal, "Pops" was Beverly's mild-mannered, generally fun-loving father. He was always there for his three grandchildren, whether providing listenable advice, some pocket change or even partaking in their outlandish schemes and capers. However, grandson Adam (Sean Giambrone) might have been his favorite, notably because the boy considered him his best friend. Segal passed away late during the popular sitcom's run, and a void was certainly felt.

There are plenty of television critics and historians who believe Esther (Ellen Corby) and Zeb (Will Geer) are the kind of grandparents everyone wished they had. John Walton's parents lived with their son's family, and honestly, never really got in the way. In fact, their unconditional love and wise, long-lasting advice was highly valued by perhaps the most wholesome fictional family of all time.

While Emily (Kelly Bishop) incessantly badgered daughter Lorelai the entire run of the show, she really was fun to watch — and even more, fun to hate. The only consistent antagonist in the series, Emily was all about status. She never really forgave daughter Lorelai (Lauren Graham) for making her look bad by becoming pregnant as a teenager and running away, but was generally supportive of granddaughter Rory (Alexis Bledel). Meanwhile, husband Richard (Edward Herrmann) usually was there to provide unconditional love, and extremely proud of Rory. Of course, they paid for her expensive high school education and essentially coerced her to attend Yale.