To continue our celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re looking at some of the many top television projects from and about women. Join us and watch along as we explore some of the best series on television through the lens of the female experience.
Please enjoy our 2024 Women’s History Month television watchlist:
1. Golden Girls (1985)
NBC
Breakdown: This iconic sitcom challenged stereotypes about aging women, portraying its four main characters as vibrant, independent individuals with diverse personalities. By addressing taboo topics like menopause and relationships, Golden Girls contributed to reshaping societal perceptions of older women by celebrating their strength and wit.
Watch trailer: https://youtu.be/1O7ZCFME2Z4?si=cXoW7aNdfPVhz2Q6
Watch series: Hulu
2. The X-Files (1993)
Fox
Breakdown: This groundbreaking television series originally aired in the 1990s and later experienced two films and a revival, holds cultural clout to this day. Featuring a strong, complex female protagonist—FBI Special Agent Dana Scully, played by Gillian Anderson—the show defied traditional gender roles, embodying intelligence, resilience, and skepticism in a male-dominated field. Scully challenged stereotypes and served as a role model for women pursuing careers in science and law enforcement. Additionally, the show's exploration of paranormal phenomena and government conspiracies provided a unique platform for addressing societal anxieties and questioning authority, contributing to a broader cultural conversation. The X-Files played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of women in the workforce and influencing discussions on the portrayal of gender in popular media.
Watch trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HKAR9MYvsQ
Watch series: Hulu
3. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017)
Amazon
Breakdown: This celebration of women's empowerment steeps itself in the changing landscape of gender roles in the 1950s and 1960s. The show, created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, follows the journey of Miriam "Midge" Maisel, a housewife turned stand-up comedian, played by Rachel Brosnahan. Midge's pursuit of a career in comedy defies societal expectations of the time and reflects the evolving role of women in the workforce. The series highlights the challenges Midge faces and underscores the resilience and strength of her character. The show sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of women during a transformative era.
Watch trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOmwkTrW4OQ
Watch series: Prime Video
4. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)
UPN / The WB
Breakdown: Few shows or IP hold the same profound significance to both pop culture and female representation as those of the “Buffyverse.” Defying the stigma of its “cult classic” label, this show and its multi-media spinoffs redefined the portrayal of women in the horror and fantasy genres, presenting Buffy Summers, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, as a powerful and multifaceted heroine. Buffy broke the mold by subverting traditional gender roles, showcasing strength, resilience, and leadership in her role as a vampire slayer. Beyond the supernatural battles, the series addressed real-world issues such as feminism, friendship, and empowerment. By featuring a strong, independent female protagonist surrounded by a diverse group of supporting characters, Buffy the Vampire Slayer played a pivotal role in challenging stereotypes and fostering discussions about the representation of women in popular media.
Watch trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1v_q6TWAL4
Watch series: Hulu
5. Fleabag (2016)
BBC
Breakdown: This critically acclaimed series, created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, offers a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the complex experiences and emotions of its central character, known simply as Fleabag. Waller-Bridge's performance and writing provide a refreshing and honest perspective on modern womanhood, tackling themes such as love, loss, and self-discovery with humor and vulnerability. The show challenges societal expectations and confronts issues like mental health, relationships, and feminism, contributing to a broader conversation about women's narratives in the media.
Watch trailer: https://youtu.be/I5Uv6cb9YRs?si=eOdFklxpm-uAAYnm
Watch series: Prime Video
