Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always loved watching TV. I could spend hours upon hours watching my favorite shows, and falling in love with the characters. This has stayed the same, but in recent years, I have felt more drawn to female led shows. There’s something really inspiring about watching a female protagonist take control of a situation, and work through it elegantly. In this post, I wanted to give you all 5 amazing female led tv shows to add to your watchlist. All of these shows feature female leads that motivate me, and push me to be better.
Girlfriends
My first recommendation for you all is Girlfriends. The show was created by Mara Brock Akil(The Game, Being Mary Jane, Forever) and is centered around four black women in LA and their intersecting friendships. Some people call Girlfriends the black version of Sex and the City, but this show is so much more than that. The show follows the character’s love lives, and friendship struggles, but also their trials, triumphs, and worst moments. The show is an honest representation of what it means to be a black woman trying to define her place in the world. I love this show, and it deserves so much more praise from viewers. The show is available to watch on Netflix, Philo, and Tubi.
Scandal
Olivia Pope is an absolute powerhouse. Scandal was created by Shonda Rhimes, and follows Olivia Pope the founder of crisis management firm Olivia Pope & Associates. Pope is the top fixer in DC which means that she fixes problems for powerful people in Washington. Whether it’s a senator’s mistress threatening to come out to the public, or an ambassador accused of murder, Olivia takes care of it. Watching Olivia control the narrative showed me that we have so much more control than we think over how we’re perceived. Additionally, Olivia is such a complex character because she seems so untouchable at first, but is slowly is humanized. The show is available to watch on Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix.
One Day at a Time
This forgotten gem of a show got me through quarantine. One Day at a Time is a remake of the original show from the 70s. In this version, the show is about a single Cuban mother, Penelope, supporting her two children and mother. The show is so heartwarming and endearing. We watch Penelope juggle raising her kids, keeping her mom in check, while also chasing her dreams and aspirations. The show explores homophobia, depression, the US citizenship process, alcoholism, and PTSD in a respectful and impactful way. Despite the heavy themes, the show has countless funny moments that you won’t be able to stop laughing from. The show is available to watch only on Netflix.
Partner Track
I will always harbor a small grudge against Netflix for canceling this show because it had so much potential. Nonetheless, the first season is absolute perfection. Partner Track is about first generation Asian American lawyer, Ingrid. She is a senior associate at a law firm in NYC, where she works in mergers and acquisitions on a male dominant team. She’s dealing with microaggressions from her coworkers, pressure from her family, and competing to become a partner at her firm. Even though it was canceled, still consider watching it. This may encourage Netflix to make other shows like it if the watch hours increase. The show is only available to watch on Netflix as well. Add it to your list immediately.
Lessons in Chemistry
Lessons in Chemistry is a limited series based off the book written by Bonnie Garmus. The series and novel are follow female scientist Elizabeth Zott in the 60s. She is trying to perform ground breaking science, and change the world, but of course the patriarchy says no. She loses her job as a research tech, and becomes a television cooking show host to make ends meet. She uses her science background to frame her teaching, and in turn empower housewives watching. Her story exemplifies how to not let your circumstances be the determinant of your future. You can be so much more than what the world wants you to be. The show is only available to watch on Apple TV. It’s well worth your time.
I hope you all found at least one inspiring female led show to add to your list. Thank you so much for reading. Make sure to subscribe for new posts. Stay sharp ;).