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Women’s History Month takes place every March, and while women should be celebrated, uplifted, and honored every day, the month-long period marks a dedicated time to focus on the ground-breaking achievements, vital contributions, and inspiring stories of women throughout history.
There are many ways to celebrate the diverse accomplishments of women across time, and one option is to stream TV shows that accurately portray and/or retell the trials and triumphs of the female experience. From documentaries about history-making scientists, activists, politicians, and more to fictional dramas that follow riveting women characters as they navigate a male-dominated world, stories centered on the challenges women face — and overcome — are paramount.
In a world that too often downplays women’s accomplishments, ignores their intelligence and capabilities, or allows men to take credit for women-led ideas and breakthroughs, it is imperative that we break the deep-rooted cycle of misogyny and recognize women for who they are: incredible, dynamic, perspicacious, resilient people who deserve to be treated as equals.
Celebrate Women’s History Month today (and any day) by streaming the following TV shows that convey just how vital women are to society — and how important it is to recognize and understand the barriers women face — to inspire us all to lift women up rather than tear them down.
‘Dickinson’
Starring Hailee Steinfeld as young Emily Dickinson, this Apple TV+ series follows the now-heralded poet as she struggled to be taken seriously in the literary world and rebelled against the expectations of women in 19th-century New England society.
With its modernized elements, such as R&B music and Wiz Khalifa guest starring as Death, Dickinson is a poignant historical drama with eclectic stylistic choices that make it feel equal parts vintage and contemporary.
‘The Queen’s Gambit’
The Queen’s Gambit follows Beth, an orphan who discovers she has a staggering talent for chess and dedicates her life to becoming the next world champion. As the prodigy pushes herself to become the best player, she grapples with her difficult childhood and subsequent substance abuse issues — and, of course, being taken seriously in a competitive arena historically dominated by men.
The 1950s-era production starring Anya Taylor-Joy received an astonishing 11 Emmy awards and 2 Golden Globes. Stream it on Netflix today.
‘Mrs. America’
A super fitting pick for Women’s History Month, Mrs. America is a historical drama that tells the story of the 1970s political movement that took place to pass the Equal Rights Amendment and the shocking campaign led by controversial conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly to ratify the law.
The star-studded cast lineup, including Elizabeth Banks, Uzo Aduba, Rose Byrne, Cate Blanchett, Sarah Paulson, Margo Martindale, James Marsden, Adam Brody, and more come together to play out how one of the most intense culture wars of the ’70s groundbreakingly altered the political landscape forever.
‘The Wilds’
When a group of troubled young women are thrust together on a retreat to help them overcome their respective issues, the unthinkable happens: their plane crashes on a remote island.
The teens must come together in order to survive, all the while facing their demons, having their truths and traumas come to light, and clashing as they learn more about one another. Heralded as a Lord of the Flies-type story but with girls, The Wilds is a feminist thriller that asserts that women can prevail, even in the most terrifying circumstances.
‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’
Set in 1950s New York City, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel follows Miriam “Midge” Maisel and her idyllic life spent on the Upper West Side with her perfect husband and children. When the housewife discovers she has a knack for stand-up comedy, she boldly decides to defy cultural expectations to pursue her newfound dreams.
The Amazon Prime original is not only an Emmy-winning production but also written and directed by Gilmore Girls‘ Amy Sherman-Palladino — so you know it’s gotta be good.
‘Diary of a Future President’
Disney+’s Diary of a Future President is the perfect show for the whole family. The feel-good series hits on the many highs and lows of a middle school-aged girl’s experiences as it follows 12-year-old Elena, who aspires to one day be the President of the United States.
Presented in passages read from Elena’s diary, with Gina Rodriguez starring as grown-up Elena who has achieved her dreams, Diary of a Future President is an inspiring tale that shows kids — girls especially — that they can do anything they set their minds to.
‘Good Girls Revolt’
Frequently likened to Mad Men but from a women’s perspective, Good Girls Revolt follows a group of female researchers working at News of the Week magazine in 1969.
Fed up with being stuck in low-level, low-paying jobs while their lesser-qualified and lesser-talented male counterparts rise in the ranks — all the while using the work written by women writers without crediting them in the publication — the women demand to be treated equally, which implodes relationships in their workplace and personal lives.
‘Fleabag’
Written by award-winning playwright Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who also stars as the female lead, Fleabag follows a free-spirited, grief-addled, sexually-awoken woman living in London as she tries to heal while pushing away anyone who attempts to help her along the way.
The black comedy series has an impressive 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating and is the perfect Women’s History Month watch for the modern woman who unabashedly embraces her sexuality.
‘The Great’
Starring Elle Fanning as Catherine the Great, this Hulu original follows the rise of Russia’s longest-reigning female ruler through satirical, comedic storytelling.
Arriving in the country as a young girl for an arranged marriage to Emporer Peter, her romantic outlook swiftly changes as she’s thrown into a dangerous, disheartening world — one she resolves to change despite her husband, the military, the church, and the court being in her way. As one of the most revolutionary women leaders in the world’s history, The Great is a great pick for Women’s History Month.
‘Broad City’
If you’re looking for something more lighthearted, consider Broad City. Following two queer Jewish women living in New York City, the comedy series is an off-the-wall love letter to female friendships.
At 20-some years old, Abbi and Ilana may not know quite who they are yet, but there’s one thing they do know: they’re best friends who cherish each other deeply. Though their adventures lead them down bizarre and messy paths, these broads face life’s daily challenges together — a true testament to the power of friendship.
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