Who Run The World…
Women aren't just part of the story anymore—they are the story. And that is small screen's biggest revolution. Here are some contemporary TV series where compelling women step into the spotlight as fleshed-out, lead characters.
Bad Sisters (2022–Present)
This is a darkly funny Irish show about the tight-knit Garvey sisters, who are scheming against Grace's abusive husband. Here, Sharon Horgan stars alongside a fantastic cast that features Anne-Marie Duff and Eve Hewson. It even won the 2023 BAFTA for Best Drama Series.
Bad Sisters — Official Trailer | Apple TV+ by Apple TV
Bad Sisters (2022–Present) (Cont.)
The series scored 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and dominated the Irish Film & Television Awards (2023) with twelve nominations. One review on IMDb says that if "you don't like it when the worst traits of male behavior get exposed... then you really need to watch this show".
Bad Sisters — Official Trailer | Apple TV+ by Apple TV
Dead Ringers (2023–Present)
According to The Guardian, Time, and Variety magazines, Dead Ringers is one of 2023's best shows. It is a gender-flipped remake of the 1988 film about twin gynecologists Beverly and Elliot Mantle. The twins tackle complicated personal and professional relationships.
Dead Ringers - Official Trailer (2023) Rachel Weisz by IGN Movie Trailers
Dead Ringers (2023–Present) (Cont.)
Basically, Rachel Weisz gives a dual performance as the Mantle Twins in this psychological thriller from Amazon Prime. Dead Ringers premiered for the first time at the 2023 Canneseries on April 15, where it was running in the Long Form competition.
Dead Ringers - Official Trailer (2023) Rachel Weisz by IGN Movie Trailers
The Morning Show (2019–Present)
The series debuted on November 1, 2019. Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon star in this gripping drama about women dealing with the tough world of morning TV. It's a raw look into how women both support and compete with each other in high-pressure situations.
Apple TV+, The Morning Show (2019 - )
The Morning Show (2019–Present) (Cont.)
The idea for this show got a big boost from Matt Lauer getting fired from NBC's Today Show in 2017. The producers decided to tweak their original script to include discussions on workplace harassment. Before The Morning Show, Witherspoon and Aniston worked together on Friends for a brief while.
The Morning Show Temporada 3 Trailer SUBTITULADO [HD] by Franklg
Queen Charlotte (2023)
India Amarteifio (Queen Charlotte) rightly adds depth to the backstory of the monarch, while Adjoa Andoh (Agatha) connects the old and new tales quite well. It takes a closer look at themes like duty, love, and racial identity during the Regency era in England.
Shondaland, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)
Queen Charlotte (2023) (Cont.)
The series is a prequel spin-off of Bridgerton. It's got a twist on the history of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and how she gained power in the late 1700s. Alicia Keys' song "If I Ain't Got You" was recorded with Queen Charlotte's Global Orchestra with Keys herself.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story | Official Teaser | Netflix by Netflix
The Handmaid's Tale (2017–Present)
Elisabeth Moss totally knocks it out of the park as June Osborne in this take on Margaret Atwood's book. The show has snagged 15 Emmy Awards. It's set in the strict world of Gilead, where women have to deal with being forced into reproductive servitude.
The Handmaid's Tale (1990), Cinecom Pictures
The Handmaid's Tale (2017–Present) (Cont.)
The Handmaid's Tale started off with Ilene Chaiken working on it over at Showtime, but they decided not to go with the pilot. The show was named the 25th and 38th best 21st-century TV series by The Guardian and BBC, respectively.
Call The Midwife (2012–Present)
Set in East London, this one focuses on women's health issues. With stars like Jenny Agutter and Linda Bassett, it draws in millions of viewers for every episode. No wonder it was considered the 2017 Winner for Most Popular Period Drama.
Call the Midwife - Series 12 | Trailer - BBC by BBC Trailers
Call The Midwife (2012–Present) (Cont.)
Every season tackles the distinct challenges of maternal healthcare during its time. For instance, the thirteenth season, which takes place in 1969, talks about fertility drugs and multiple births. It also covers cerebral palsy, porphyria, and even the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Call the Midwife - Series 12 | Trailer - BBC by BBC Trailers
Deadloch (2023)
Here's a Tasmanian crime comedy with a fun twist to the usual police procedural. It mixes in some dark humor about murder investigations in small towns. Kate Box and Madeleine Sami play the role of mismatched detectives, and their chemistry truly drives the story.
Deadloch | Red Band Trailer | Prime Video by Prime Video AU & NZ
Deadloch (2023) (Cont.)
Deadloch landed a spot in Amazon Prime's top three new comedies of 2023. McCartney and McLennan, along with Kim Wilson, Christian White, Anchuli Felicia King, Kirsty Fisher, and Madelaine Sami, created the concept of Deadloch. Season 2 was then renewed back in July 2024.
Deadloch | Red Band Trailer | Prime Video by Prime Video AU & NZ
The Crown (2016–2023)
Unsurprisingly, The Crown has collected up to 223 award nominations. It has received a lot of love as a drama, with The Telegraph calling it "TV's best soap opera" and giving it a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. All in all, it is made of six seasons and a total of 60 episodes.
Netflix, The Crown (2016-2023)
The Crown (2016–2023) (Cont.)
This royal display does an amazing job of telling the story of Queen Elizabeth II's reign through three fantastic actresses: Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton. Their costumes and props were literally on display at Bonhams in Mayfair from January until February 2024.
Grey's Anatomy (2005–Present)
Shonda Rhimes' creations are among the highest-rated on ABC. They're known for pushing past gender and racial barriers in medical dramas. Rhimes wanted to create a show that she'd actually want to watch, so she thought of a series about smart women going head-to-head.
Shondaland, Grey's Anatomy 2005-
Grey's Anatomy (2005–Present) (Cont.)
So, this centers around Meredith Grey, played by Ellen Pompeo, who begins her surgical residency at Seattle Grace Hospital. The directors change from episode to episode, but Rob Corn is the one who directs the most, with Tom Verica right behind him.
Somebody Somewhere (2022–Present)
As a feel-good show, Somebody Somewhere features Bridget Everett as a woman finding her voice in rural Kansas. It has themes like self-discovery, friendship, and life in a small town. Critics tend to praise its honest portrayal of middle-American life and LGBTQ+ experiences.
SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE season 1 2022 new trailer by Mr.Trailer
Somebody Somewhere (2022–Present) (Cont.)
Back in August 2024, it was announced that the series would wrap up after its third season, and the last season kicked off on October 27, 2024. It has a 100% tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes. The series won the 2024 Peabody Award for Entertainment.
SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE season 1 2022 new trailer by Mr.Trailer
A Black Lady Sketch Show (2019–Present)
The show has received a bunch of Emmy nods for its fresh take on sketch comedy. It blends social commentary with off-the-wall humor, giving us perspectives we don't often get to see on TV. Kristen Baldwin from EW season 3 an A− and called it "consistently, ridiculously funny".
A Black Lady Sketch Show Is Our Black TV Pick of the Week by The Root
A Black Lady Sketch Show (2019–Present) (Cont.)
It lives up to its name, with an all-Black female cast delivering some clever, funny satire. Robin Thede leads a crew of talented women, which includes Gabrielle Dennis and Skye Townsend. Also, Lauren Ashley Smith was the main writer for the first two seasons.
A Black Lady Sketch Show: Courtroom Kiki Part 2 (Full Sketch) | HBO by HBO
Lessons In Chemistry (2023)
Lee Eisenberg's miniseries consists of 8 episodes. It premiered in October 2023 on Apple TV+ and concluded in November 2023. The show picked up 10 Emmy nominations for the 2024 awards, including spots for Outstanding Limited Series and Outstanding Lead Actress, with Brie Larson in the running.
Lessons In Chemistry (2023) (Cont.)
Brie Larson plays the role of Elizabeth Zott, who is a smart chemist who ends up hosting a cooking show called "Supper at Six". This is an adaptation of Bonnie Garmus's best-selling book. Set in the 1950s, the series highlights the problem of growing gender bias in the science world.
Hacks (2021–Present)
Jean Smart's role as seasoned comic Deborah Vance paired with Hannah Einbinder's young writer is dynamic. This is a multi-generational comedy that takes on issues like sexism and ageism in the entertainment industry but does it with a mix of sharp humor and real emotion.
Hacks (2021–Present) (Cont.)
It bagged the Golden Globe for Best TV Series—Musical or Comedy category during its first season. Hacks was made by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky, all of whom come from a comedy writing background. The latest season has a 98% Tomatometer score.
Palm Royale (2024)
Set in 1969, Kristen Wiig plays a woman trying to break into the fancy world of Palm Beach high society. Laura Dern and Ricky Martin also appear in this glam exploration of money, status, and women chasing their dreams. The series is based on Juliet McDaniel's novel Mr. & Mrs. American Pie.
Apple TV+, Palm Royale (2024 - )
Palm Royale (2024) (Cont.)
It has to be one of the hottest new releases on Apple TV+ right now. Apparently, the original title of the show was Mrs. American Pie. But, the show was renamed Palm Royale in April 2023 in order to differentiate it from the existing American Pie film franchise.
PALM ROYALE Trailer (2024) Kristen Wiig, Ricky Martin, Laura Dern by ONE Media Coverage
Girls5Eva (2021–Present)
This series is a musical comedy that has 3 seasons with 22 episodes in total. After being canceled by Peacock in October 2022, Girls5eva was picked up by Netflix for its third season, which premiered on March 14, 2024. Most of the songs have been composed by Jeff Richmond.
Girls5eva | Official Trailer | Peacock by Peacock
Girls5Eva (2021–Present) (Cont.)
The story's about a girl group called Girls5eva, who had their moment in the spotlight as a one-hit wonder back in the late '90s. When a young rapper samples their old song, the members—Dawn, Wickie, Summer, and Gloria—decide to get the band back together.
Girls5eva | Official Trailer | Peacock by Peacock
Big Sky (2020–Present)
Let's flip the usual crime drama feel by focusing on female detectives. David E. Kelley created Big Sky, featuring Katheryn Winnick and Kylie Bunbury as two detectives in Montana. The story is based on the book series called Highway written by Charles James Box Jr.
Big Sky Season 1 Trailer | Rotten Tomatoes TV by Rotten Tomatoes TV
Loot (2022–Present)
In Loot, Maya Rudolph plays a billionaire trying to find herself again after a messy divorce. This workplace comedy mixes laughs with some real feels as it digs into money, giving back, and personal growth topics. It has a 6.8 out of 10 IMDb rating.
Loot — Official Trailer | Apple TV+ by Apple TV
Loot (2022–Present) (Cont.)
Market Realist even noticed some parallels between the storyline of Loot and the breakup and divorce of Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott. The show began on Apple TV+ on June 24, 2022, and the second season dropped on April 3, 2024.
Loot - Official Trailer (2022) | Apple Tv+ by Exclusive Clips
Ginny & Georgia (2021–Present)
You must be aware of this show's bold approach to controversial topics. It clicks with younger audiences but also stays fun for all ages. In May 2023, Netflix decided to bring the series back for its third and fourth seasons and hired Sarah Glinski as the new showrunner.
Blue Ice Pictures, Ginny & Georgia 2021 -
Ginny & Georgia (2021–Present) (Cont.)
After season 2 came out, Ginny & Georgia made it to the Nielsen top 10 for eight weeks. The plot is about Georgia Miller, a free-spirited mother, and her teenage daughter Ginny Miller's complex relationship and the start of a new life in a small town.
Netflix, Ginny & Georgia (2021 - )
We Are Lady Parts (2021–Present)
The series got a ton of praise worldwide for being real and having that edgy vibe. The original music highlights this story about friendship and the pursuit of art. Anjana Vasan heads up a brilliant cast that challenges stereotypes about Muslim women.
Official Trailer: We Are Lady Parts Series 2 | Channel 4 by Channel 4
We Are Lady Parts (2021–Present) (Cont.)
It is largely about a Muslim female punk band in London. The show is getting a lot of buzz, having been nominated for awards, like two at the Gotham Awards and a Rose d'Or award. According to The Guardian, We Are Lady Parts is a "rowdy" and "spoofy" sitcom.
Official Trailer: We Are Lady Parts Series 2 | Channel 4 by Channel 4
Funny Woman (2022–Present)
Funny Woman is set against the backdrop of the Swinging Sixties in London. The first season began on Sky Max on February 9, 2023. By August, they were already bringing back a second season. It is inspired by the novel Funny Girl by Nick Hornby.
Funny Woman | Official Trailer | NEON NZ by NEON NZ
Funny Woman (2022–Present) (Cont.)
Gemma Arterton stands out as Barbara Parker, who is a former beauty queen and becomes a comedy trailblazer in 1960s London. The series highlights the thrilling ups and downs of Britain's cultural scene but with a focus on women's experiences.
Funny Woman | Official Trailer | NEON NZ by NEON NZ
Outlander (2014–Present)
Caitriona Balfe's Claire Randall Fraser grabs people's attention in this historical drama about time travel. It is reported that the first eight episodes got over 5.1 million viewers across different platforms. There are currently seven seasons, with part two set to premiere in November 2024.
Sony Pictures Television, Outlander (TV series)
Outlander (2014–Present) (Cont.)
Sam Heughan and Sophie Skelton round out this family saga across generations. It holds an IMDb rating of 8.4/10 based on over 183,000 ratings and has won numerous awards, inclusive of four Primetime Emmys. The series was put together by Ronald D. Moore, who has also worked in Star Trek.
Sony Pictures Television, Outlander (TV series)
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–2023)
Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, the series won the Outstanding Comedy Series award at the Emmys. The final season was released in April 2023 and concluded in May 2023. Its pilot episode was one of Amazon Video's biggest hits, with a viewer rating of 4.9 out of 5.
Amazon Studios, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–2023)
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–2023) (Cont.)
This comedy-drama is about Miriam "Midge" Maisel, who goes from being a typical housewife in the '50s to a stand-up comic. The fifth and final season wraps up her story, displaying how she made her mark over the years and became a pioneer for women in the entertainment world.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 5 Teaser (2023) With Rachel Brosnahan & Michael Zegen by Movie Raze
The Good Wife (2009–2016)
The Good Wife is an American legal and political drama series. Margulies plays Alicia Florrick, a litigator who returns to work after her husband, Peter Florrick (Chris Noth), is imprisoned for public infidelity and political corruption. It's pretty intriguing, with a Tomatometer score of 93%.
Watch the Complete Series of The Good Wife | Now Streaming | Hulu by Hulu
The Good Wife (2009–2016) (Cont.)
In 2013, The New York Times mentioned that this show "stands out among newer fall shows". Just after the conclusion of The Good Wife, a spin-off titled The Good Fight premiered in 2017 that focused on Diane Lockhart's character. It has won 22 Primetime Emmy Awards.
