2019 was a banner year for awesome films and television shows written, created and fronted by women—it was the year that female-empowerment productions broke records and that women showrunners and directors changed national perspectives on critical matters, such as abuse and mental health, and made us heartily laugh.
Below are some of the highlights.
The Top 10 Feminist Television Shows of 2019
#10: “Claws“
“Claws” just keeps getting better with each season. The hit show returned this summer with even more drama and more fabulous nail sets; in addition to the wildness of the plot and characters, the show keeps pushing the limit to address key issues such as domestic abuse and assault, but the real victory lies in its characters taking control and gaining power in their own lives.
#9: “Euphoria“
“Euphoria” took teenage drama to a completely different level, showing the dark realities of teens today. The show takes necessary risks in heavily focusing on drug abuse and addiction within teenagers, the permanently harmful effects of social media, and various aspects of trauma. In addition to addressing the sensitive matter of sexual violence teenagers face, Euphoria is clearly meant to be a realistic representation of girlhood in today’s society.
#8: “The Deuce“
Season 2 of “The Deuce” uses the female perspective to talk about the commodification of women in the porn industry, in 1970s New York. The second season featured Maggie Gyllenhaal’s character finally calling the shots in the industry, something that was nearly unheard of.
#7: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel“
Though set in the 1950s, the incredibly funny series continues to redefine the meaning of being a female comic. The main character, a Jewish housewife, discovers that she is great at performing stand-up comedy, and continues to prove it to the overwhelmingly male-dominated industry.
#6: “Fleabag“
Though debuting in 2016, the second season of the critically acclaimed series “Fleabag” came back with a force. Phoebe Waller-Bridge puts on an incredible performance as the dry, sarcastic titular character embarking on a journey of love and self-respect as she tries to overcome the grief within her own. The show’s witty humor and framing of the character’s dysfunctional family bring light to the struggle of confronting your flaws and trying to redefine yourself through self-love.
#5: “Big Little Lies”
Returning back to the screen after its raw first season, “Big Little Lies” returned with a plot even more twisted than the last—but who isn’t a fan of drama? The second season delved deeper into heavier themes of mental health, sexual abuse and unaddressed trauma as the aftermath of the climax from the first season unfolds. The amazing cast of women beautifully showed the painful and invigorating process of facing your demons to transform into a stronger version of yourself.
#4: “POSE“
It’s safe to say that “POSE” broke through as a game-changer. The acclaimed musical show is a reflection of the ballroom culture scene in New York circa the 1980s and ‘90s. “POSE” showcases a true representation of ballroom culture as Black and Latinx LGBTQ members are at the forefront, and behind the scenes. POSE completely changed the scope of how LGBTQ members are able to tell their stories, from their own point of view.
#3: “Shrill“
Based on Lindy West’s memoir Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman, the show “Shrill” takes an unapologetic approach to fat feminism. As Annie, the main character, navigates the world being a plus-sized woman, she finds herself being constantly belittled in nearly every aspect of her life; ultimately, she begins to build herself into an empowered woman after making a life-changing decision, ultimately becoming someone who knows her true value. “Shrill” is a reminder to women of all sizes that they don’t need to be nice and easy-going to be liked—and that they’re already powerful.
#2: “The Handmaid’s Tale “
“The Handmaid’s Tale” has proven to be a timely and urgent psychological drama, giving a new perspective on the effects of a tyrannical, oppressive political climate. While seasons 1 & 2 were both simultaneously exciting and draining, Season 3 offered a needed glimmer of hope for some of the handmaids.
#1: “Broad City“
While some of us may be sad that “Broad City” is no more, its final season placed a period on the hilarious show. We witnessed both Abbi and Ilana address certain fears about their futures while embracing the fact that they need to grow up at some point. With endless support for each other, the characters show that taking more chances is a crucial part of development that can seem less daunting with your best friend by your side.
Click back to page one for the top 10 movies!
