What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedMum
Series · 2016
If you loved Mum, start with Keeping Mum (Niall Johnson, 2005) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Mum across media.
If you cherished the quiet, poignant humor of Mum, you will appreciate these stories that navigate the delicate intersection of grief and domestic life.
Books on the same thread
A Man Called Ove: A Novel
Fredrik Backman · Book · 2016
Explores: Grumbling protagonist, Unexpected friendship, Redemption.
Like Mum, this story explores the transformative power of unexpected companionship after a profound loss, balancing a grumbling, authentic protagonist with the warmth of newfound human connection.
The Boy in the Black Suit
Jason Reynolds · Book · 2015
Shares a thread with Mum: Grief.
If the emotional weight of Mum resonated with you, this narrative offers a similar focus on the process of rebuilding one's life following the death of a parent.
Kitchen (キッチン)
Banana Yoshimoto · Book · 1988
Shares a thread with Mum: Grief.
This work shares the focus of Mum on the intimate, often messy realities of coping with death while surrounded by the complexities of family and social dynamics.
Maame
Jessica George · Book
Explores: Cultural identity, Parental expectations, Self-actualization.
Much like the protagonist of Mum finding her way forward, this story captures the tension of navigating personal growth and domestic expectation while managing difficult family relationships.
Films on the same thread
Mommy
Film · 2014
Explores: Mother-son relationships, Mental health, Unconditional love.
If you valued the way Mum depicts a widow finding hope through a supportive outsider, you will recognize that same blend of emotional struggle and unexpected emotional support.
Manchester by the Sea
Kenneth Lonergan · Film · 2016
Shares a thread with Mum: Grief.
While darker in tone, this film mirrors the central journey of Mum by examining how one survives and eventually moves forward after experiencing a life-altering personal loss.
Keeping Mum
Niall Johnson · Film · 2005
Shares a thread with Mum: British Comedy.
This film provides a sharp, darkly comedic look at the same suburban family dynamics that defined Mum, focusing on the hidden secrets within a domestic household.
All About My Mother
Pedro Almodóvar · Film · 1999
Shares a thread with Mum: Grief.
This narrative echoes the core of Mum by centering on a woman navigating the aftermath of a tragic death while relying on the strength of her friendships.
Podcasts on the same thread
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts · Podcast · 2026
Explores: mental health awareness, female friendship, coping mechanisms.
The conversational bond between the hosts mirrors the supportive, humorous friendship seen in Mum, offering a comforting space to discuss life, trauma, and coping through shared storytelling.
Sh**ged Married Annoyed
Chris & Rosie Ramsey · Podcast · 2026
Explores: domestic life, modern marriage, parenthood struggles.
For those who enjoyed the suburban domesticity of Mum, this podcast delivers a similar candid, humorous look at the realities of modern relationships and the everyday struggles involved.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Mum a series about a woman starting over?
Yes, Mum follows a mother navigating a milestone in her life as she rebuilds her world following the death of her husband. The series depicts a year of new beginnings for her, supported by her family and her life-long friend, Michael.
What is the premise of the show Mum?
Mum is a comedy that chronicles a year of new beginnings for a mother following her husband's death. She is surrounded by her family, including her son Jason and his girlfriend Kelly, as well as her brother Derek and his partner, Pauline.
Who provides support to the main character in Mum?
In Mum, the main character is supported by her life-long friend, Michael. She is also surrounded by her family members, including her son Jason, his girlfriend Kelly, her brother Derek, and Derek's new partner, Pauline, as she works to rebuild her life.
Does Mum focus on the life of a widow?
Yes, Mum centers on a mother at a milestone in her life as she rebuilds following the death of her husband. The comedy explores her journey through a year of new beginnings alongside her supportive friend Michael and her extended family members.