Everyone surely recalls at least one movie or TV show where the female lead is portrayed as primarily an object of attraction, who is sensitive, obedient and must be saved by the male protagonist. While all of this is not necessarily bad, it can set a dangerous precedent. By portraying women who are unidimensional creates stereotypes in people’s minds that they are meant to play that singular role in real life too. This restricts women and compels them to grapple with trying to prove their worth against entrenched beliefs.
But some TV shows are breaking boundaries, here are Serein’s top 5 recommendations on shows you should watch for that powerfully written female lead:
- The Queen’s Gambit
Language: English
Ever been frustrated with being told that you are never going to be successful just because of your gender? Just because there are no past precedents of people from your identity achieving what you have set out to achieve? Elizabeth Harmon was an orphan and a chess prodigy. This show revolves around how Elizabeth rises to supremacy in a game that is governed, coveted and dominated by men.
- Chudails
Language: Urdu
Vigilantes saving the day, quietly eliminating evil, is a trope as old as time. Chudails is no different but packs a twist. Four women – a former lawyer-turned-housewife, an upper class event planner, a teenage boxer, and an ex-convict- brought together by patriarchal injustices. They start a fashion boutique as a front for their secret agency that is hired to fight against all kids of social ills like child marriage, harassment, abuse, homophobia, unrealistic beauty standards and more.
- The Marvelous Mrs Maisel
Language: English
Miriam “Midge” Maisel has always had a sharp wit and a killer sense of humour. But coming of age in 1950s America, she has only seen women fulfil the role of a loving mother and an obedient wife. And that is exactly what she thought she wanted to be. This was until her husband tries his hand at the burgeoning stand-up comedy scene in New York City. When he fails, Midge takes to the stage and the rest is history as she fights against social stigma to make it big.
- The Great
Language: English
Queen Catherine of Russia was a real historical figure and one of the most successful monarchs of the country, thus the title of “The Great”. But this show takes her real life and injects speculative events to it. The result is a visualisation of women’s lives in the 1700s Russian court, their influence in political dramas, their diplomatic sways in international relations. Ultimately, one ambitious young German princess uses all of these elements to take over the top office and topple the Czar, her husband.
- Queenie
Language: English
Queenie is a dramedy series based on Candice Carty-Williams’ novel of the same name. The story centers on Queenie Jenkins, a 25-year-old Jamaican-British woman navigating life in South London. As she hits rock bottom, the show follows her journey rebuilding her life through self-discovery and the support of her community. The show explores complex themes of personal growth through realities of race, gender, relationships, and cultural expectations.
There are countless more TV shows that are going against the grain. Write to us with your favourite ones that portray real human stories of women’s experience and challenges. Write to us at hello@serein.in and let us help you on this journey of inclusion, belonging and real, tangible change.