Women Are Taking Over Television And I Couldn't Be Happier
This is an exciting time for television. We've been gifted with so many new creators who actually know what they're doing and tell stories that are worth a damn. We can finally have unique, interesting and relatable characters.
Sure, there are still so many of the same old, straight white men in charge of the way TV programs are run and men are still being placed higher in their respective roles, but even slowly, things are starting to change.
Which brings me to this article.
I wanted to highlight some of my favorite shows on TV right now that just happen to be fronted by women. Whether it's that the leads are strong, accurately represented women, or that they involve influential creators and producers who are women.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
First, I'd like to start with what so many critics are saying is "the best show on television" and I couldn't agree more. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is my absolute favorite show right now. It's important, relevant, inclusive, real and super fun. I completely stand by this show and I will continue to support because it's consistently killing it.
If you don't believe me, then check out all of the acclaimed reviews, stating the fact that this is the best show on television. The show has appeared on multiple year-end lists every year since it started and I promise that I don't write for any of those publications, so it's not just me. So many people love it. The third season currently holds a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, as it did for the previous season.
The show's co-creator and star, Rachel Bloom has won multiple awards, including the Golden Globe and Critic's Choice award for Best Actress. The show itself, has won multiple production Emmy's including Outstanding Choreography.
But enough bragging about the incredible accolades it's received, let's talk about the reason why it's such a powerful and important show. Looking at the title, I've actually been that it was a bit off-putting to some folks, due to the use of the 'c' word. I completely agree and I've done my best to remove it from my vocabulary, and even within the show, the characters explain that "crazy ex-girlfriend" is a sexist term.
But that's the point the show is trying to make.
Another one of the misconceptions of the show and something I've heard people call it without even fact-checking is that it's "My" Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, meaning it's from the ex-boyfriend's point of view and is skewed in the male direction. Well, you couldn't be more wrong. There is no "my," it's about a woman, Rebecca Bunch and how unhappy she is with her life and upon bumping into her ex from over ten years ago, sees a happiness that she forgot she had.
He tells her of this place he's from, West Covina and makes it seem amazing. So, she moves all the way from New York. Now, she's obviously accused of moving there for him, but throughout the series, you learn that it's much deeper than that. People think that she's just obsessed with him, but when people use the "c" word, it's because they don't understand how much more could be going on.
And that's when the show starts to talk about mental illness and where some of Rebecca's previous issues stem from. And the show does an excellent job of showing that, while also being the funniest, most clever and talent-filled show.
Also, in the show includes all types of representation. Let's start with the fact that this isn't just the usual, white couple romantic comedy pairing. Rebecca falls for Josh Chan, a Filipino guy. Sure, it doesn't seem like much, but having any type of minority represented positively is a step forward to me.
Let's not forget all of the queer representation. This isn't one of those shows that needs to "fill a quota." It doesn't have one... or two... or three... it might be four. Yeah, I think it's four, but that's more than most other shows. Plus, this show isn't afraid to say anything. Two of the characters are bisexual and they actually say it and they're represented properly and it's just amazing.
Watch below to see the greatest bisexual anthem where in two minutes the show destroys every stereotype and myth about bi people.
Oh, did I forget to mention?
This show has fantastic musical numbers. And I know people get ticked off by musicals and singing, but this isn't any ordinary musical. For one, the songs cover a multitude of topics, but wrap it up in a catchy song. And those catchy songs are not the show tunes that you're used to.
Rachel Bloom can fucking rap. There are also songs inspired by The Spice Girls, ABBA, throw in some country, oh, and a heavy metal song too.
So please check out the show. It was created by two incredible women, Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosh Mckenna, provides so much visibility and is a really fun watch, too. Plus, you'll get to see amazing guest stars like Josh Groban, Patti LuPone, and Lea Salonga performing some cool new songs.
If you just check out the songs, that's fine too. I highly recommend:
"I'm A Good Person," "Let's Generalize About Men," "The Math Of Love Triangles" "First Penis I Saw"
And one more video to show you what I meant about Rachel Bloom spitting fire.
All three seasons of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend are streaming on Netflix right now, so you better go watch!
UnREAL
UnREAL is a show unlike any other. It's about what happens behind the camera of dating reality shows. No, it isn't in direct relation to The Bachelor, but it's based on it. The show within the show of UnREAL, being titled "Everlasting" and following along the same lines.
UnREAL just returned for its third season a week ago, and it's already been renewed for a fourth season to begin next year. Both the first and second season have received critical acclaim, as well as standout, Constance Zimmer being nominated for an Emmy and for good reason. As I mentioned before, this is the first show of its kind. Offering a dark look behind the curtain of what reality television is and how fake it can be.
The show centers around Rachel Goldberg and Quinn King, the two bad ass ladies who are in charge of Everlasting. In the first season, Rachel is a producer while Quinn serves as executive producer and in the season 2, Rachel is promoted to EP while Quinn becomes the show-runner.
It's wonderful to watch because you get to see two strong and successful women, taking over and not taking no for an answer. Although, the content of Everlasting is questionable to feminist values, both women are the best in the business of getting what they want.
Season 1 and 2 follow along the path of The Bachelor and have a male suitor at the center, while season 3 takes a new turn away from sex-obsessed men and instead, bring in a women suitor. This time, Quinn and Rachel can't pull the same stunts because they face someone who is just as smart as them. That's part of why this season is so important, 3 strong women at the forefront.
Already, it's been highlighted that in the realm of TV, men are controlling the narrative. The president of the television network within the show, told Quinn that this was her last time to make something happen, while the creator of the show, Chet gets to run off making as many mistakes as possible. It's a horrible reality that women don't get as many chances as men and that needs to change.
It's shitty the way the world treats women, especially to the new female suitor. Serena Wolcott, a successful venture capitalist who hasn't had luck in the dating world and that's a horrible double standard in our society. Men are less excited to date a powerful and career-oriented woman.
It makes me think back to Sex And The City. The iconic Miranda Hobbs, a thirty-something woman who is a a successful lawyer. Unfortunately, whenever she mentioned it, men would run as far away as possible. It's so stupid that most guys don't like seeing a woman succeed, but with hope, that'll change.
That's why I'm glad we get a show with strong woman succeeding in a male dominated industry. UnREAL is so important and I encourage you give it a watch. Plus, it's drama filled, exceptionally well written and created by two strong women.
UnREAL airs Mondays on Lifetime and the first two season should be available on Hulu.
The Bold Type
The Bold Type is a fairly new show on TV. It's on Freeform and I know that immediately people are turned off. We get it, the network has had its ups and downs and it's mostly geared toward the younger generation. Well, I'm here to tell you about this exception.
Last summer, The Bold Type premiered and it immediately won hearts over. It's the relevant comedy-drama about women supporting women in their twenties that we needed.
The three leads, Sutton, Kat and Jane all work at a women's magazine Scarlet, which is basically Cosmo. The idea for the series comes from the basis of the life of former Cosmopolitan editor-in-chief Joanna Coles. The character Jacqueline Carlyle, being the one specifically inspired by her.
In that, we get four leading women with different paths and different experiences, all supporting each other. Sutton being an assistant to the executive editor, Lauren, but with a dream to work in fashion. Throughout the first season, she takes the steps toward that, with the support of her friends. Jane is a newly promoted content writer for the magazine wanting to talk about political issues, rather than sex which is what she gets assigned the most, but in writing she realizes that it isn't embarrassing or promiscuous to express one's sexuality. Continuing in that, Kat, the social media director, meets Adena a muslim lesbian photographer who changes everything Kat ever knew about herself. Kat begins the journey of figuring out her sexual orientation and it's one of the most beautiful and honest representations we have on television.
The show continues on to talk about issues regarding sexual assault and abuse, as well as race and immigration, while always placing a high value on female friendships and how important it is to be around people you trust and love.
That's why I love The Bold Type. It shows women uniting and succeeding and it isn't afraid to go where other shows dare not to. And people agree, since the show holds a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and it has been already been renewed up to season 3.
The Bold Type will return this summer on Tuesday June 12. Catch up on the first season on Hulu or On Demand.
Big Little Lies
Big Little Lies is one of those incredible things that comes into your life so suddenly and you never want it to end, but you know it has to. It's an incredible piece of art and it rightfully deserves everything.
Boasting an all star cast of fantastic women including Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley and Zoë Kravitz, Big Little Lies was developed from the novel of the same name, written by Liane Moriarty. Though, a work of fiction, the themes are extremely relevant and important to today.
The show covers topics like domestic abuse and sexual assault, while adding an element of mystery and balancing that with humor thanks to Witherspoon's standout character, Madeline Martha Mackenzie.
The story continues the support of tight female friendships, while also showcasing the ugly parts that can come in relationships.
The three leads, played by Kidman, Witherspoon and Woodley, form a great bond, which includes getting together for coffee every morning. Though, other characters like Renata Klein, portrayed by the excellent Laura Dern, believe in a hierarchy, forging a divide between the women, by . While, Witherspoon's character also has a less than stellar relationship with Kravitz's character, Bonnie, due to the fact that she's married to her ex-husband.
Not giving too much away, there are several huge mysteries occurring throughout the series and the women all come together at the climax of the series.
Big Little Lies is acclaimed, holding a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and basically cleaning up during award season. Kidman won Best Actress at both the Emmy's and Golden Globes, as well as Laura Dern accepting Best Supporting Actress at both ceremonies and the show, itself also went home with Best Miniseries both times, continuing the reign.
Big Little Lies was originally a miniseries, but will be coming back for a second season in 2019. Until then, the first season is available on HBO.
Obviously, there are so many other shows with incredibly strong and unique women, but I wanted to at least highlight a few of the big ones that have already influenced so many people, including myself. I hope you decide to check out even one of these shows. I promise you won't be disappointed. Especially, any men out there. It's important today to take any step toward equality.
Support women. Support people of color. Support queer folks. Support equality.
Even if it's something as small as picking up a remote or logging onto a website. It all helps.