Positive Representations of Co-Parenting in TV and Movies—and What We Can Learn From Them
When divorce shows up in TV and movies, it’s often portrayed as ugly—shouting matches, custody battles, and children caught in the middle. But in reality, co-parenting after divorce can look very different. Increasingly, we’re seeing positive divorce stories on screen that show parents learning to work together, stay respectful, and keep their children at the center of their decisions.
These portrayals matter. They remind us that divorce is not necessarily the end of family, but sometimes the beginning of a healthier, reimagined one. Here are some of the best examples of healthy co-parenting in media—and what we can take from them.
1. Splitting Up Together
This ABC sitcom starring Jenna Fischer and Oliver Hudson centers on a divorced couple who still share a home. Using a co-parenting style called “birdnesting,” the kids remain in the family house while the parents rotate living in and out. While played for laughs, the show highlights a real-life co-parenting arrangement that minimizes disruption for children. It’s proof that with respect and flexibility, creative models can work beautifully.
2. Kate & Allie
Way back in the 1980s, Kate & Allie portrayed two divorced mothers who decided to raise their kids together under one roof. It was ahead of its time in showing that divorce doesn’t have to mean isolation—it can mean building new family structures with support and humor. For modern viewers, it’s a reminder that your co-parenting team doesn’t have to look “traditional” to succeed.
3. Marlon
In this NBC sitcom, Marlon Wayans plays a father co-parenting with his ex-wife after divorce. What makes this show stand out is the warmth and respect between the parents—they laugh together, bicker sometimes, and show up for their kids without bitterness. It’s a refreshing take that proves exes can be partners in parenting, even if the marriage didn’t last.
4. Sesame Street’s “Little Children, Big Challenges: Divorce”
Yes, Sesame Street deserves a spot here. In this thoughtful segment, Abby Cadabby talks about her two homes—one with her mom, one with her dad. The clear message? Parents may not live together anymore, but their love for their child is unchanged. For kids navigating divorce, this simple modeling of healthy co-parenting is priceless.
5. Reba
The sitcom Reba starring Reba McEntire is another strong example of positive co-parenting after divorce. Despite her ex-husband’s remarriage, Reba remains central in her children’s lives, and the show depicts her managing blended family dynamics with humor and resilience. It emphasizes that while divorce changes family structures, it doesn’t erase love, responsibility, or connection.
What We Can Learn
These shows and movies highlight important lessons about healthy co-parenting after divorce:
Children need love and consistency, not perfection. Whether parents live together (Splitting Up Together) or apart (Marlon), stability matters most.
Support systems are vital. Kate & Allie demonstrates that parenting doesn’t have to be done alone—leaning on community can make co-parenting work.
Respect transforms everything. Media that portrays divorced parents as allies, not enemies, helps normalize cooperative dynamics.
Families can look different—and that’s okay. From birdnesting to blended families, there’s no single “right” way to co-parent.
How Experts Can Help
Of course, co-parenting doesn’t always come naturally. That’s why working with experts can make such a difference:
Parenting coaches can offer scripts, strategies, and systems to smooth transitions.
Therapists for you and your kids provide neutral ground for parents and kids to process emotions.
Mediators can help build parenting plans centered on kids, not conflict.
Divorce coaches can guide you through both the emotional and logistical challenges of co-parenting after divorce.
At Fresh Starts Registry, we connect people with vetted professionals—from therapists to co-parenting coaches—who understand the complexities of divorce and parenting. With the right guidance, you don’t have to figure out co-parenting on your own.
✨ The takeaway? Positive portrayals of co-parenting in media remind us that divorce is not just an ending—it’s a chance to rebuild family in healthier, more creative ways. And with expert support, you can create your own version of a positive co-parenting story.