Our Top 5 Tender Grandparent Moments

Sunday, September 7th is National Grandparents Day!

Grandparents hold a special place in our lives. They are storytellers, teachers, and steady sources of love and wisdom. Whether it’s passing down family recipes, sneaking the grandkids an extra cookie, or offering advice that changes everything, grandparents remind us of what truly matters. At UP Faith & Family, we know that some of the sweetest, most heartfelt moments on screen come from the bond between grandparents and their grandchildren.

In honor of National Grandparents Day, we’re highlighting five unforgettable grandparent moments from our movies and series that showcase just how special grandparents really are.

5. Grandma’s Wisdom in Summer at Charlotte’s

In a world of uncertainty, Grandma’s house is always a safe haven. In Summer at Charlotte’s, work-a-holic city slicker Summer retreats to her grandmother’s cozy cottage to escape the pressure of planning her upcoming wedding. Her grandmother greets her not just with a warm meal and a smile, but also with the kind of heartfelt guidance only a grandparent can offer. On the morning of the wedding, she advises Summer to picture her life years down the road and ask herself if she’ll truly be happy with the choices she’s making. It’s the kind of honest, grounding wisdom that only a loving grandparent can give, and it gives Summer the courage to take control of her future.

4. Tim Helps Katie Keep a Secret in Heartland

Some of the sweetest bonds between grandparents and grandchildren come from shared secrets. In Season 17, Episode 5 “How to Say Goodbye,” Katie brings home a used dirt bike, determined to fix it up without her mom knowing. When Tim catches her trying to stash it behind the house, instead of shutting her down, he quietly offers to help her repair it. The catch? She has to promise to eventually come clean to her mother, Lou. What follows is a sweet (and funny) scramble when Lou arrives home unexpectedly. This moment beautifully captures the way grandparents often balance being allies and mentors; they offer a mix of support, protection, and gentle nudges toward honesty.

3. Matchmaking Grandmas in Just for the Summer

Grandparents often see love stories before they even begin. In Just for the Summer, childhood sweethearts Jason and Pen pretend to date to appease their matchmaking grandmothers. But these grandmas aren’t about to let the plan fail without a little “help.” In one scene, Pen’s grandmother goes so far as to clog her own sink just to get Jason to come over. It’s a lighthearted moment that shows how deeply grandparents want the best for their grandchildren, even if it means orchestrating a little mischief! Underneath the comedy is a truth we all recognize: our grandparents just want to see us happy, and they’ll move mountains (or dishcloths!) to make it happen.

2. Jack’s Pride in Amy in Heartland

One of the most moving grandparent relationships on UP Faith & Family is the bond between Jack and Amy in Heartland. In Season 18, Episode 7 “World on a String”, Jack spends the day with his old friend Nathan Pryce Sr., who is living with Alzheimer’s. When Nathan Sr. mentions Amy, he reflects on her kindness, her resemblance to her late mother Marion, and her gentle spirit. Jack, proud and emotional, agrees wholeheartedly, declaring Amy is “one in a million.” It’s a quiet but powerful moment that reminds us how grandparents often see us at our very best, and never miss a chance to tell the world how proud they are.

1. Charlie’s Tough Love in Charlie & Me

In Charlie & Me, Tom Bosley plays Charlie, a grandfather determined to ensure his granddaughter Casey has the love and support she deserves even if it means teaching his own son some lessons along the way. After a near-fatal heart attack, Charlie knows time is precious, and he sets out to guide his workaholic son Jeffrey into becoming a more attentive father. In a powerful scene, Casey is already at her big talent show, waiting and counting on her dad and grandfather to be there. But Jeffrey is tied up with yet another work call, and they’re on the verge of missing it. That’s when Charlie steps in, reminding his son that showing up for family matters more than anything else. With a firm declaration that he’s “well enough to be counted on,” Charlie makes it clear that being present for the people you love is the most important role anyone can play.

Celebrating Grandparents Everywhere

Grandparents are a blessing! They are keepers of family traditions, steady shoulders to lean on, and cheerleaders for life’s biggest milestones. They remind us of where we come from and encourage us to dream about where we’re going. This National Grandparents Day, let’s celebrate the grandparents in our lives by making new memories with them whether it’s sharing a meal, listening to their stories, or enjoying a cozy family movie night together.

On UP Faith & Family, you’ll find countless stories that highlight the love and wisdom grandparents bring into our lives. So gather the family, press play, and create moments you’ll cherish for years to come. After all, the best way to honor our grandparents is to spend time with them, making today’s memories tomorrow’s treasures.

Need some ideas for a new family movie to stream? Check out our favorite family-friendly movies and series. Stream anytime on UP Faith & Family. Start your 7-day free trial today.