With feminism popping up in all parts of our society, it’s only natural that it would hit Netflix too. Girl power shows are taking over entertainment, and for good reason; It’s refreshing to see badass female characters, taking charge, and making no apologies. If you haven’t jumped on this progressive femme-filled ship, then you are completely missing out.
Here are some shows, now streaming on Netflix that you can binge to get yourself up to speed:
Chewing Gum
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dpm3UcJd3no&w=560&h=315]
Michaela Coel stars in this British sitcom set in London. Coel plays 24-year-old Tracey Gordon, a super religious virgin, who has been holding in her sexual tension for much too long. Tracey, young and innocent, has a strong desire to learn about sex and explore the world. This hilarious series will have you cackling as you watch Tracey try to lose her virginity.
Gilmore Girls
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqSuEy7jkr8&w=560&h=315]
This classic show featuring the iconic mother-daughter duo will never stop being a girl power go-to. Single mother Lorelei is a quick-witted, bubbly, childlike character who is going against everything her rich and lavish mother and father ever wanted for her. Her daughter, Rory, is a headstrong, logical, book-nerd with an addiction to coffee, just like her mother. The dynamic between the two sparks a mass amount of spunky banter fueled by caffeine that’ll have fans quoting every word. With strong female leads like these, no wonder this made the list!
Anne With An E
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5qJXYNNINo&w=560&h=315]
Based on the book series, “Anne of Green Gables” by. L.M. Montgomery, Anne With An E tells our story of a beloved quirky redheaded orphan named Anne. Anne is a natural rebel in the most innocent and goodnatured way you could imagine. You’ll adore her quick unfiltered responses and bright smile. You’ll also be thrilled to see a little girl with a strong sense of self, going against the social norms, without any desire to fit in.
Quantico
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6MMBCJ-nQQ&w=560&h=315]
The drama-thriller Quantico is total girl power gold starring Priyanka Chopra as Alex Parrish, an intelligent headstrong FBI recruit. Not only is this show portraying a strong female lead, but this show also made the list because Chopra is the first South Asian actress to lead an American network drama. So badass!
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybKUX6thF8Q&w=560&h=315]
Yes, this is the same Sabrina you knew as a kid…well, kind of. This Sabrina is a little more satanic and a little less goofy. The girl power showcased in this new series is not only shown through actual magic but also through the bond of the female witches. Sabrina, played by Kiernan Shipka, shows us what it’s like to try to be the best she can be for both her mortal friends and her witch family while keeping her secret hidden from her boyfriend, Harvey (yes, he’s in the adaptation!). That is a whole lot for a young half-witch to deal with! The character of Sabrina is girl power in so many ways!
Cable Girls
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSBa8u_oEQM&w=560&h=315]
Ok, yes, this show is in Spanish, but the subtitles will not bother you, I promise. Cable Girls will immediately capture you with its group of strong diverse women characters all dealing with their own sh*t in 1920s Madrid. This period drama progressively explores sexuality, women as criminals, and the power of female friendships. It’s invigorating to see characters fight the feminine stereotype in such a dynamic way. It’s also incredible to watch the friendships between the girls form, as they are all so very different from each other.
Alias Grace
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-fofQ9VpPQ&w=560&h=315]
Alias Grace is an adaptation of a novel by feminist advocate Margaret Atwood. It tells the story of Grace Marks, a murderess being evaluated by a well-known psychiatrist. Throughout the series, sessions between the two reveal Marks story and what led her to murder. The audience will feel compassion for the murderess as experiences in her life come to light, making sense of the crime she committed. It gives a clear picture of the hardships that women face in everyday life. Although Alias Grace is set in earlier times, its message transcends into today’s times.
Drop Dead Diva
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB1zKeN5cvk&w=560&h=315]
Drop Dead Diva fits into many genres of television; It is a legal series, a comedy, but also a drama, and it has hints of fantasy. The lead character Jane, played by Brooke Elliot is a plus-sized lawyer who has the soul (this is where the fantasy part comes in) of a supermodel. This comedic character makes for many hilarious and unique plot lines throughout the series. And, Elliot is a plus-sized woman in a leading role, which makes this show even more progressive!
Reign
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVtDw7fpYOQ&w=560&h=315]
If you like period dramas, this should definitely be on your watchlist. Reign is a fictionalized romantic drama based on the early years of Mary Queen of Scots. The writing of this show is brilliant and showcases strong female leads. I mean, it’s based on Mary Queen of Scots, so obviously. The series successfully exposes the ways in which women must work to have power in a world that has been ruled by men. Women, nowadays, can still relate to the struggle of fighting for control and respect in a world designed for men. This is definitely a must-watch for any modern feminist.
Jane the Virgin
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JPNVHRNCrY&w=560&h=315]
The satirical dramedy, Jane the Virgin is based on the premise of a young Venezuelan-American woman living in Miami getting accidentally artificially inseminated by her doctor during an annual check-up. Jane who was saving herself for marriage must come to terms with the fact that she is pregnant and that the father is a former promiscuous bad boy, who just beat cancer. All the factors incorporated in this hilarious, yet shocking “accident”, make this show worth the binge.
Crazyhead
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_whoNJNxxO8&w=560&h=315]
Crazyhead, the British comedy-horror makes the list because of its lead characters Amy and Raquel played by Cara Theobold and Susan Wokoma. The hilarious duo is just trying to make it through their 20s, but of course, while doing so they must also fight some pretty scary demons. I’m talking real demons, like, monsters, not just the “demons” of our 20s. That’s pretty badass. And, you thought you had it hard in your 20s.
Queen of the South
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqu2WoiqT8&w=560&h=315]
Queen of the South is a crime-drama thriller set in Dallas. It tells the story of Teresa who seeks refuge in Dallas after fleeing from Mexico, where her drug-dealing boyfriend was just killed. Not over the sting of her boyfriend’s murder, Teresa smuggles drugs and attempts to avenge his untimely death. Teresa gives audiences a glimpse at the nitty-gritty reality of the drug world through a girl’s perspective. The character’s choice to “do bad” in response to her feeling of love for her boyfriend is a bold script choice and goes against the common female character cutout.
Call the Midwife
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVfdZevxf_o&w=560&h=315]
This series is based on a memoir by Jennifer Worth, a midwife in the gritty scene of East London during the 1950s. The show realistically depicts the gloomy somber streets of East London during this period in history with its poverty, poor hygiene, and rampant crime. The environment in which these female characters are placed creates their strong characters because in that atmosphere you have to be strong. Call the Midwife also delves into female friendships and the special bonds they share. Because it is centered around birthing and delivery the characters are put in extremely vulnerable situations where they must help each other overcome obstacles. Women can be powerful in many ways and this show gives you a clear picture of the idea of female strength.
Glow
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZqDO6cTYVY&w=560&h=315]
Glow which stands for “The Gorgeous Women of Wrestling” is an American comedy that revolves around the characters in an 80s wrestling circuit. Set in L.A., this series stars Alison Brie as a struggling actress named Ruth Wilder, who finally finds “fame” as a woman wrestler. This absurd plotline allows for so much girl power and you’ll love all the spandex and glitter. It’s women’s wrestling, so, of course, cute outfits are a must.
Orange is the New Black
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY0qzXi5oJg&w=560&h=315]
Based on the memoir by Piper Kerman, the comedy-drama Orange is the New Black tells the story of a woman’s time in a minimum security federal prison. The diverse characters that Piper interacts with in prison each have their own struggles and stories, which we slowly discover throughout the seasons. It is interesting to examine the way in which these characters choose to deal with their situations and the bonds they create with each other in order to make it through. The character-driven series truly shows the emotional and mental power of women.
Jessica Jones
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWHUjuJ8zxE&w=560&h=315]
Marvel’s Jessica Jones focuses around Jones, a retired superhero turned alcoholic private investigator. The show takes a more explicit and sexual route than other Marvel shows. It explores dark topics such as rape and sexual assault, however, these are vital plot points in the everyday woman’s struggle in our society, so it’s only natural that Jessica Jones includes these topics when taking a realistic approach to crime. Audiences will love the dark noir-inspired cinematography mixed with the world of superheroes.