# Who is the Bitchiest/Most Hateful Sitcom Mom/Wife? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 13, 2003, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104 "2003-10-13T03:21:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/81 "2012-03-09T02:00:39Z")
Lois on _Malcolm in the Middle_ has been mentioned, but _her_ mother, Ida (played by Cloris Leachman on several episodes), was twenty times worse. Lois had anger management problems and her stress level was always at the ‘about to blow’ level (money problems, four hyperactive sons, a goof-off husband, a shitty McJob, etc.) which I’d allow as extenuating circumstances (not enough to drop charges but to plea bargain), but Ida was boiled down evil: a lying, conniving, amoral, racist [to the point of neo-Nazi], remorseless bitch from Hell who drugged a man into marrying her, pretended to a copy she was being abused by her grandson (it was actually the reverse), refused to learn the baby’s name “til you know if he’s going to make it”, and implied she’d done much worse in the past. For those who watch _Shameless_ on Showtime, Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy), who is easily without compare or any danger of being overtaken the worst father ever to be a main character on a TV show, has probably the worst mother in TV history (Louise Fletcher), an 80 year old violent meth maker who’s responsible for several deaths. Upon being released from prison attempted to kidnap the kids of a former business partner who snitched on her. ETA: Sorry- didn’t notice SykoSkotty had already mentioned her. Frank’s estranged wife/mother of his 6 children on the show si pretty awful as well; she’s not evil in the abusive sense but in the drug addled selfish flakey neglectful sense. She abandoned all 5 of her younger kids (the youngest a newborn) to the care of her oldest, Fiona (Emily Rossum), which pretty much damns any chance Fiona had at a life. Later she showed up with her butch truckdriver lesbian lover to take back her biracial youngest child, but that didn’t last for an odd reason. ---
**Author:** ![BrotherCadfael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@BrotherCadfael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrotherCadfael)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/82 "2012-03-09T03:37:47Z")
> [@Captain\_Amazing](#): > > What about Endora on **Bewitched**? She’s pretty horrible to Durwood. Yeah, I know, it’s an eight year old post but what the hell… Endora was entirely justified in her behavior to that dick. ---
**Author:** ![MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MPB_in_Salt_Lake)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/83 "2012-03-09T05:01:14Z")
> [@AuntiePam](#): > > I gotta defend Hyacinth Bucket. She’s not really mean or hateful, she’s just clueless. I love her optimism. She always thinks everything will work out perfectly, and then here comes Rose and Daisy and Onslow and Daddy. > > I did love the episode where Richard finally told her to shut the fuck up. I always consoled myself with the belief that good ol’ Richard was secretly shagging Elizabeth from next door absolutely fucking ROTTEN each & every mollyfocking time Hyacinth got a call from Sheraton… ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/84 "2012-03-09T05:56:42Z")
> [@Agrippina](#): > > I agree. I think she’s just one of those really smart people who don’t have a grasp on how to interact with people socially. She knows the psychology behind people, but not the emotional side. I’d hve to counter that she cheated on Frasier and drove him to near suicide - something none of the others on this thread managed in their respective worlds.. Seconded by Marie Barone - it’s a wonder Deb did not take an axe to teh entire family. ---
**Author:** ![Cubsfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/85 "2012-03-09T06:20:12Z")
Wow. Carrie on King of Queens is bar-none one of the sexiest women on TV (looks wise any way) ever. Pre-pregnancy that is. She never got back to her old figure after she had that baby but jesus she was hot. I thought Deb Barone was also very cute before she dropped to like 45lbs. Bitchiest wife ever on TV? Yeah, it was Deb Barone. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 8:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/86 "2012-03-09T08:30:14Z")
> [@drm](#): > > In defence of Debra from Everybody loves Raymond, she has a lot to deal with from her husband to her mother in law. I just think she needs a really long vacation. Debra is totally out of the running. She was the only “normal” adult character in the show, and she had to deal with all of the Barones . . . including Marie, who wins this thread. ---
**Author:** ![salinqmind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ec8ea/32.png) [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/87 "2012-03-09T16:44:34Z")
> [@Washoe](#): > > Not from a sitcom, but she was the first person to pop into my mind when I read the thread title. By 1985, those poor kids are going to be the poster children for borderline personality disorder. Question - would poor parenting CAUSE borderline personality disorder? I can see anxiety, depression, poor self esteem, but borderline is major stuff compared to that. I would mention, just for the sake of inclusion, Lynette’s mother (on Desperate Housewives). And Bree is the way she is because of her mother (played by Carol Burnett). ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/88 "2012-03-09T17:05:41Z")
> [@BrotherCadfael](#): > > Endora was entirely justified in her behavior to that dick. York or Sargent? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![MovieMogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/89 "2012-03-09T18:59:35Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > Debra is totally out of the running. She was the only “normal” adult character in the show, and she had to deal with all of the Barones . . . including Marie, who wins this thread. Exactly. Whatever level of “bitchiness” she attained is wholly due to a coward of a husband and a passive-agressive nightmare of a neighbor/MIL. Ray is so thoroughly detestable as a doormat and spineless momma’s boy, that it’s a minor miracle that all Debra was guilty of was yelling and the periodic mistake, instead of smothering her spouse in his sleep. ---
**Author:** ![YogSothoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/8edcca/32.png) [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/90 "2012-03-09T19:31:39Z")
It has to be Peggy Bundy. That whole show was written as an anti-sitcom, where the family doesn’t get together for group hugs and discord isn’t resolved at the end of each episode. Most other sitcom wives are supposed to be critical but with a heart of gold type of thing. Peggy just wants a heart of gold so she can sell it. I would also throw in Peggy Hill from King of the Hill into the mix, as she gets away with a lot of crap as well due to her status as a cartoon Seriously, what is it with women named Peggy? ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/91 "2012-03-09T19:42:06Z")
> [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](#): > > I always consoled myself with the belief that good ol’ Richard was secretly shagging Elizabeth from next door absolutely fucking ROTTEN each & every mollyfocking time Hyacinth got a call from Sheraton… Nitpick: Sheridan ---
**Author:** ![BeeDubU2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@BeeDubU2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeeDubU2)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2012, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/92 "2012-03-10T01:32:32Z")
No mention of Lucille Bluth? Really? ---
**Author:** ![Gr8Kat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gr8kat/32/18668_2.png) [@Gr8Kat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gr8Kat)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2012, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/93 "2012-03-10T03:45:42Z")
> [@BiblioCat](#): > > Well, technically, Susan doesn’t count since they were never married. She died licking their _wedding invitations_. > I think George’s mother Estelle would get my vote. She was quite the shrew. > **Marie Barone from _Raymond_ reminds me so much of my own MIL I can hardly watch that show.** That’s why I never hated Deborah. I sympathized too much. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2012, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/94 "2012-03-10T03:46:30Z")
I don’t really blame Ray for the situation. Marie and Deborah are adults. He shouldn’t be expected to intervene. ---
**Author:** ![Washoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ecae2f/32.png) [@Washoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washoe)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2012, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/95 "2012-03-10T04:16:29Z")
> [@salinqmind](#): > > Question - would poor parenting CAUSE borderline personality disorder? I can see anxiety, depression, poor self esteem, but borderline is major stuff compared to that. Research is still being conducted, but our best guess right now is that BPD is the end result of severely disrupted attachment in early childhood, coupled with a genetic predisposition towards development of the disorder. PM me for peer-reviewed cites if you’re interested. Making an inexpert guess though, I’d say no—having a Refrigerator Mom in and of itself is unlikely to do the trick. The literature suggests that it would have to be coupled with fairly heavy-duty physical abuse. However, the Draper kids will almost certainly have difficulty as adults maintaining nurturing, reciprocal relationships with opposite-sex partners. ---
**Author:** ![MovieMogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2012, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/96 "2012-03-10T04:53:27Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > I don’t really blame Ray for the situation. Marie and Deborah are adults. He shouldn’t be expected to intervene. Bullshit. If you don’t have your wife’s back and stand by her as a united front, then you’re just enabling tension and discord through your passivity. Being married means you aren’t impartial in those disputes–unless you’re a spineless coward (Exhibit A: Ray Barone) ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2012, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/97 "2012-03-10T05:43:47Z")
> [@Lady\_of\_the\_Lake](#): > > This is from 2003, but…I’m sorry, so very sorry. > > Marie Barone was so horrible, so she has my vote (if grandma’s count). I felt so sorry for Debra (granted, I also hated her), because no one deserves what she had… in-laws next door and taking over _everything_, a mil criticizing her child rearing and house keeping skills to her face and backstabbing her left and right, and a husband who avoids it all like the man-child he is…Ugh. > > In fact…now that I’m thinking on it, I hated everyone on that show…even the children. Huh. Even worse than them was Robert’s ex, JoAnn “Cinnamon” Glotz. ---
**Author:** ![grude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47774/32.png) [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2012, 7:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/98 "2012-03-10T07:44:15Z")
I always hated Mrs.Huxtable on The Cosby Show, what a demeaning ice queen bitch! Do we ever once see her showing genuine emotion to her husband or her own children? No she always has this smug look on her face, she manipulates and uses Cliff to teach the kids lessons instead of you know just talking to them like a parent. She treated her highly respected OBGYN husband like a retarded child, constantly scolding him about everything he ate(or tried to) I mean the guy has just been on a fucking long stressful shift at the hospital so he grabs a pizza or whatever on the way home and the second he is in the door and tries to eat it you hear “CLIIIIIIIIIF that better not be a pizza I smell” and his face would drop with dissapointment. I wish the final episode had Cliff say yes that IS a pizza you smell bitch as he fired the shotgun. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2012, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/99 "2012-03-10T08:16:20Z")
> [@grude](#): > > I wish the final episode had Cliff say yes that IS a pizza you smell bitch as he fired the shotgun. 😃 My dream ending for _Married With Children_ was for Al to go on a rampage, murder the rest of the family with an ax, and then be acquitted by a jury of twelve shoe salesmen. ---
**Author:** ![Corcaigh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Corcaigh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Corcaigh)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2012, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104/100 "2012-03-10T11:14:19Z")
> [@salinqmind](#): > > Question - would poor parenting CAUSE borderline personality disorder? I can see anxiety, depression, poor self esteem, but borderline is major stuff compared to that. > [@Washoe](#): > > Research is still being conducted, but our best guess right now is that BPD is the end result of severely disrupted attachment in early childhood, coupled with a genetic predisposition towards development of the disorder. My mother was toxic, very demanding and cold hearted. Many people (who have seen passed her lovely old lady façade are amazed at how normal I am. I’m not sure how normal I compare to anyone else, I do suffer from stress, anxiety, depression and seem to catch every cold, flu or virus that comes within 100 miles of me. Oh and I’m single, never married, no kids can’t maintain a proper adult relationship. Anyways, I’m “hypersensitive” to nasty characters on TV, Bree from DH is one toxic wife/mother - remember the episode where her husband had a heart attack and she stopped to tidy the house before she called an ambulance? Lois from MitM, isn’t too bad, as someone else pointed out, she has a horrible job and four insane sons and her husband seems to be a dick. Lwaxana Troi from ST:TNG reminded me of my mother, all haughty attitude, infantising her adult daughter, has to be the centre of attention at all times… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-bitchiest-most-hateful-sitcom-mom-wife/207104.md?page=6)