It is so important for women, especially young girls, to see strong women as lead characters in today’s media. These are my favorite TV shows that highlight just that!
1. “Parks and Recreation”
Set in a fictitious small town in Indiana, “Parks and Recreation” follows the tenacious government employee Leslie Knope as she tries to improve her town despite the obstacles thrown her way. Nurse Anne Perkins comes to Leslie to renovate the park by her house, but that interaction blossoms into a deep and true friendship and adventures ensue from there. Leslie highlights determination, loyalty, and is an amazing example for young girls that want to follow their dreams.
2. “New Girl”
“New Girl” follows quirky and eccentric teacher Jessica Day as she moves in with three new men in Los Angeles after her devastating breakup. What starts out as an awkward living situation that Jess doesn’t quite know how to navigate quickly turns into a strong-knit group of friends that are experiencing the ups and downs of their 20s and 30s. Jess is awkward and strange, but even more importantly she is kind and compassionate. Her intentions are pure and her deep-rooted desire in life is to help those around her.
3. “The Crown”
This Netflix original series follows the daily struggles of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign from the beginning of her gaining power to modern day. She takes over the crown after her father dies of cancer and quickly has a difficult time balancing staying impartial while sticking firm to her beliefs. In a time that men held more weight at home and in government, it’s refreshing to see the Queen use her power and challenge male officials for what she thinks is right.
4. “Jane the Virgin”
This telenovela-inspired series follows Jane Villanueva, a responsible, 24-year old woman who is determined to become a teacher and live life according to the rules. Everything changes when she is accidentally artificially inseminated while she is currently waiting until marriage, and it affects virtually every aspect of her life. All of her life plans seem to unravel and Jane is stuck not knowing how to handle her situation. Over the course of the show, Jane learns from each hardship she faces and she grows because of it. She learns that life never really goes the way you plan it and she makes the most out of what she is given, and even finds the silver lining in it.
5. “The Mindy Project”
Set in the bustling city of New York, “The Mindy Project” explores the life of OB/GYN doctor Mindy Lahiri as she starts to navigate life with her new career. She’s a hot mess. Balancing her professional and personal life can be a bit of a struggle for her, but she illustrates the ups and downs of adult life quite well. You might not always agree with the decisions she makes, but you always understand and sometimes may even make the same mistakes that she does. Never lacking humor, this is a great show with a successful, relatable main character.
6. “Big Little Lies”
Based on the bestseller by Liane Moriarity, “Big Little Lies” follows three moms in Monterey, California, and their interactions with one another, as well as many other intriguing side characters. Many of these women are rich, successful, and have a “better than though” complex. However, we start to see each unravel after a terrible incident occurs. It includes marriage troubles, past-trauma inflicting present pain, and intense conflict between the mothers themselves. While this is a dark story, it involves heartwarming moments and funny scenes that make you like characters that you would normally find unlikable. These women can be spiteful, but you find the good in each one, which is a nice reminder that we should always look for the good in others.
7. “Gilmore Girls”
“Gilmore Girls” is the story of mother and daughter best friends Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, and their lives in their eclectic town of Stars Hollow. Lorelai left her rich and proper community when she became pregnant at 16 and raised Rory by herself while working her way up the ranks of an Inn. Rory grows up to be a smart and determined teenager who has her eyes set on Harvard, and she gets the financial help of her formerly estranged grandparents to do so. Rory and Lorelai’s witty banter and sometimes questionable shenanigans are delightful to watch and remind you of the importance of family and friendship.
These entertaining shows do a great job at showing the ups and downs of life through female leads, as well as offering positive and negative examples that you can learn from and incorporate into your own life.