15 Female-Focused TV Shows to Binge-Watch

In the age of streaming, where television shows are consumed in massive doses, the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming. If you’re on the lookout for shows that spotlight strong, nuanced female characters, then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a curated list of 15 female-focused TV shows from the past decade that you may have missed. These shows boast at least two seasons, so there’s plenty for you to binge-watch.

Dramas With Female Leads

1. “Queen Sugar” (2016-2022)

Created by Ava DuVernay and produced by Oprah Winfrey, “Queen Sugar” tells the story of the Bordelon siblings who inherit a sugarcane farm. The series beautifully captures the emotional nuances of sisterhood and womanhood.

2. “Orphan Black” (2013-2017)

This Canadian science fiction thriller stars Tatiana Maslany in multiple roles as clones. It’s a dizzying, high-stakes drama centered around themes of identity and autonomy.

3. “Killing Eve” (2018-2022)

This British spy thriller focuses on a cat-and-mouse game between a MI5 officer and an assassin. Both characters are complex women, and the dynamic between them is electric.

4. “Harlots” (2017-2019)

Set in 18th-century London, this show focuses on the lives of sex workers and the challenges and discrimination they face. It’s a gritty, authentic drama featuring a nearly all-female cast.

5. “Wynonna Earp” (2016-2021)

A modern Western with a supernatural twist, “Wynonna Earp” is a female-driven show that blends action, humor, and emotional storytelling.

Comedic Charms

6. “Broad City” (2014-2019)

This irreverent buddy comedy showcases the zany escapades of two best friends navigating life in New York City. It’s bold, hilarious, and unabashedly feminist.

7. “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (2017-2023)

Set in 1950s New York, this comedy-drama tells the story of Miriam “Midge” Maisel, who pursues a career in stand-up comedy after her marriage falls apart.

8. “One Day at a Time” (2017-2020)

This reboot of a 1975 series centers on the lives of a Cuban-American family. The mother, a nurse and military veteran, serves as the emotional backbone of the family.

9. “GLOW” (2017-2019)

Centering around the world of women’s wrestling in the ’80s, “Glow” is as much about female friendship and empowerment as it is about body slams.

10. “Fleabag” (2016-2019)

Created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, this British comedy is both hilarious and emotionally poignant. It’s a raw, honest look at modern womanhood.

Dramedy and Genre-Bending

11. “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” (2015-2019)

Combining musical numbers with comedy and drama, this series offers an authentic portrayal of mental health issues, all while being incredibly entertaining.

12. “Better Things” (2016-2022)

Created by Pamela Adlon and Louis C.K., this series focuses on a single mother juggling her acting career and raising three daughters.

13. “Sweetbitter” (2018-2019)

Based on the book by Stephanie Danler, this coming-of-age drama set in the NYC restaurant scene explores love, friendship, and adulthood.

14. “Claws” (2017-2021)

This dramedy takes us into the lives of manicurists involved in money laundering, offering a blend of crime, comedy, and strong female friendships.

15. “Russian Doll” (2019-2022)

Starring Natasha Lyonne, this dark comedy-drama centers around a woman who keeps reliving her own death. It’s a cerebral and engaging take on the meaning of life.

Conclusion

The past decade has seen a significant boost in the number of female-focused TV shows that are not just about romance or catering to stereotypes. From comedies and dramas to genre-bending dramedies, these shows offer rich narratives that focus on complex female characters. They may have flown under the radar compared to more mainstream hits, but each of these shows is a gem waiting to be discovered. So, grab your remote and get ready to binge-watch some quality television!