Let’s be honest, it’s difficult to find an assortment of really good shows that portray women in the best roles. Most shows tend to have men as the protagonist or the hero, with women as the supporting characters, or the “damsel in distress” role. Here are some shows available on streaming services that will relieve you of seeing women as the lesser roles in television.
1. Jane the Virgin. In this spin on telenovelas, a woman named Jane who plans to remain abstinent until marriage is accidentally artificially inseminated due to a mix up at the gynecologist’s office. It may sound a bit odd, but Jane refuses to let this incident take over her life. Instead, she pursues a writing career, raises her kid as a single mom, and pursues relationships all with the support of her mother and grandmother, two other strong females present throughout the series. Another powerful female role takes form in the character of Petra, the headstrong and fierce woman whose husband’s sperm was inseminated in Jane. This show is also known for portraying women of color as the lead roles and addressing serious topics such as immigration and abortion. Available on Netflix.
2. The Handmaid’s Tale. This series based on Margaret Atwood’s novel stars Elizabeth Moss as Offred, a woman who is forced to serve as a handmaid to a commander, meaning she must be raped by him once a month to try and become pregnant with his child. Despite the oppression and severe cruelties women face in this apocalyptic society, there are several persistent characters, including Offred, with thoughts of regaining independence and standing up for their gender. Watching this show (or reading the novel) will have you hating the patriarchy and feeling empowered as you watch the compelling journeys these women go through. Available on Hulu.
3. Jessica Jones. Fans of Marvel will love this dark show which portrays Jessica Jones as a private investigator with special abilities trying to put the events of her mysterious past behind her. Jessica is a hard-headed and cynical woman who refuses to let anyone get to her, and she definitely does not let anyone boss her around. This noir thriller shows our leading lady struggling with posttraumatic stress disorder while trying to go about her daily life and deal with the man who mind-controlled her in the past. Jessica Jones is much darker than Marvel films, and it’s refreshing to see a superhero series revolved around a woman that also touches on very serious issues. Available on Netflix.
4. American Horror Story. This show is loaded with strong women! The horror anthology series features brand new characters each season with different plots revolved around a haunted house, an asylum, a coven, a freak show, a hotel, Roanoke, a cult, and the apocalypse. Key female characters in this show are portrayed by Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Kathy Bates, and Lady Gaga. Whether you’re more interested in a brave investigative journalist or a powerful group of witches, this show has a new cast of iconic women introduced in each season. Available on Netflix and Hulu.
5. Brooklyn Nine-Nine. This list would be incomplete without including a popular sitcom with three strong female figures. Brooklyn Nine-Nine documents the daily activities and adventures of the NYPD detectives in Brooklyn’s 99th precinct. Aside from being totally hilarious, this show includes women who refuse to be out-shined by their male coworkers. Between the tough-as-nails, badass Rosa, the smart, resourceful Amy, and the bold, sardonic Gina, these women are both relatable and inspiring to their female viewers. Available on Hulu.
These shows are filled with a variety of female figures to look up to, especially ones that are determined not to be controlled by the men in their life. If you’re looking for something with strong female characters or just want a new show to binge, consider starting with any on this list.