March marks Women’s History Month, so, before diving into the movies, I thought it would be fun to take a moment to focus on TV shows that center women; be it their strength, their smarts, heroism or a villain arc. So, if you are looking for a list of fun binges to dive into, here are a few throwback series in honor of the ladies, both on and off screen.
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”
Starting out with our oldest show on the list, a late 90s show and my personal favorite, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy, this show follows Buffy through her young adulthood taking on the responsibility of being aVampire Slayer. The show opens every single episode with, “In every generation, there is a Chosen One. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer.” Giving immediate power to not just Buffy, but every slayer before and after her.
The show also stars Alyson Hannigan as Willow, Emma Caulfield as Anya and many other female costars who embody much more strength, smarts and wisdom then their male counterparts. As a child this show made me feel capable and inspired. Even if reality wouldn’t offer me the same hand in becoming a slayer, I felt I was able to be whatever I wanted to be because of this show. I find myself falling back into it year after year as a rewatch. If you haven’t seen it, maybe consider adding it to your routine too.
“Gilmore Girls”
Next on our list is a series that came out just a few years later, a 2000s hit “Gilmore Girls.” This show is centered around mother-daughter duo Rory and Lorelai Gilmore, played by Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham.
Described by many as their go-to-cozy-comfort show, I think its popularity grew from the two characters’ relatability and witty charm. At one point or another, many moms and daughters can lean into the show to help them through tough transitions like watching your child grow up, move out, experience heartbreak, and all other growing pains of life.
The story also showcases each woman’s ability to be independent. They each remain rooted in their personalities and strong character, never needing a male character to help hold up their intrigue as characters or further the plot.
Viewers stay invested because of the duo’s journey, so much so that the fifth season of the show suffers the biggest hit in viewership as we see a rift grow between mother and daughter. If you choose to binge this watch, see if that season hits a little harder for you like it did for fans in the early 2000s.
“Fleabag”
Airing for the first time in 2013, the show made waves and got people talking for its candid fourth wall breaks and unstereotypical female lead. Showing nitty gritty, uncomfortable and sexual conversations in the most unabashed light.
Episode one starts with Phoebe Waller-Bridge (creator of the show), as the main character Fleabag engaging in a hookup. She breaks the fourth wall many times, clueing the audience into how she got into this predicament, vocalizing her inner monologue during the event – something that was not seen often in 2013 TV. This brought equal amounts of intrigue and honesty to the world of female characters on our screens.
The next two seasons follow her as she navigates complex relationships with her family, grief, lovers and most importantly herself. An absolute must watch, especially for those who are now fans of shows like, “Overcompensating,” “Euphoria” and “Portlandia.” The quickest binge on our list, perfect for those into dark and satirical, but honest comedies.
Stay tuned as later this week I will be diving into women centered films in “Hayley’s Hot Takes” and Eli’s list of women centered mustreads in the “Reading Raft.”