10 strongest women-led TV shows to watch on Women’s Day

Television, over the years, has tried to be a powerful voice for a plethora of dynamic, sometimes strong, and inspiring women, from fierce lawyers and cunning assassins to rebellious comedians and survivors, and has brought about an unprecedented change in defining the age-old norms of storytelling and introduced myriad unforgettable characters to the audience. To celebrate such dynamic but different faces of womanhood like strength, intelligence, and resilience, Women's Day calls for paying homage to them.

Today, television showcases a more complex and diverse representation of women, representing most women of previous stereotyped images. Whether it be a sharp-tongued stand-up comic in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, a fearless criminal defense attorney in How to Get Away with Murder, or a gothic mystery solver in Wednesday, these figures appeal to audiences by being multidimensional. Some series like Orange Is the New Black even bring about a change in the social conversation on real issues concerning the existence of women-centric stories beyond entertainment.

Ten of the strongest women-led TV shows for your viewing pleasure this Women's Day. From thriller to drama to comedy and fantasy, these series range from the most excellent, bold female characters to those which inspire and enthrall audiences. Time to indulge and courageous women visit the screen.

1. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

In a world of standup, mostly liked by men, Miriam "Midge" Maisel stands as a harbinger. The award-winning show has clever lines with beautiful period aesthetics as an actress steals back her voice from society. The final season aired in 2023, providing a grand finale to Midge's emphatic tale around her follower. From hawker housewife to an outspoken comic, his story remains one of heritage and aspiration and is therefore a perfect watch on a day dedicated to women.

2. Killing Eve

The thrilling game of cat and mouse between MI6 agent Eve Polastri and the baffling assassin Villanelle, Killing Eve redefined female-led espionage drama. The pair's chemistry was palpable from the outset, with unpredictable developments and shocking twists that kept viewers guessing. The final season generated its share of arguments, but it has solidified Villanelle as one of the most complex anti-heroines in the history of television. With its incisive writing, dark humor, and feminist subversion of spy tropes, Killing Eve is a must-see for anyone who appreciates narratives about powerful, flawed, and engrossing women.

3. How to Get Away with Murder

Viola Davis plays Annalise Keating on the series, which is one of the most powerful legal experiences among television shows. The show does however deliver a promising infusion of crime, drama, and social commentary over its six seasons. For her role in the show, Davis became the first Black woman to snag an Emmy award for Lead Actress in a Drama Series, forever making Annalise an iconic character. A deeper view of morality, trauma, and justice, it functions as more than just your run-of-the-mill legal thriller. It digs into the complexities of power and survival.

4. Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets is the most fascinating psychological thriller, about a girls' soccer team in the wilderness following a plane crash. The twin timelines reveal their lurking secrets, buried over a long time, into a gory horror-amystery-psychodrama. Unforgiving performances from Melanie Lynskey, Juliette Lewis, and Christina Ricci add extreme intensity and unpredictability to the series as it attempts to delve into survival, trauma, and women's dynamics. With Season 3 projected for 2025, this would be an ideal time to binge-watch this horrifying, women-oriented tale.

5. Fleabag

Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Fleabag has drastically altered the perception of what modern womanhood can mean. Winners of the Emmy Awards, the series alternates between laughter and anguish that envelop the life of a nameless protagonist in grief, love, and self-sabotage. Introducing the now infamous Hot Priest in the second and final season left an imprint on the storytelling timeline by asserting that stories from complex female eyes certainly deserve a seat at the table. A peculiar combination of sharp comedy, intimacy punctuated by the breaking of the fourth wall, and raw emotional depth, Fleabag has stood out as an audaciously refreshing alternative to the stereotyped woman on television.

6. Wednesday

Jenna Ortega took to the heights in 2022, portraying Wednesday Addams in Netflix's hit series. The series takes innovation to the beloved character, reopening it into gothic mystery and adding a touch of Nevermore Academy, where she discovers supernatural secrets. But instead, Wednesday's unapologetic intelligence, independence, and amazing deadpan funny intentions strongly make her a wonderful female lead. A record-breaking premiere and Season 2 in development, with assurances like this show throw open the door for young women to play major roles in telling the interesting, dark, thrilling stories while remaining authentically themselves.

7. Orange Is the New Black

The Orange Is the New Black series put forth one of Netflix's great influences, a raw and diverse portrayal of incarcerated women. It leaned heavily on the characters of Taystee, Red, and Nicky, dealing with the themes of justice, identity, and resilience. Among the first series to deal with the systemic prison system issues, it remained deeply personal in its storytelling. It left such a mark on TV by this representation and social justice in a post-OITNB world that it remains an honor to call it a truly undying Women's Day watch.

8. A League of Their Own

A brand new modern retelling of the old movie A League of Their Own (2022), it further develops the untold stories of women in baseball. Lead by Abbi Jacobson and Chanté Adams, it boasts a diverse cast for the show focusing on gender, race, and sexuality in 1940s America. Unlike the film, this iteration tries to shine a light on the struggles of LGBTQ+ players and Black women who were denied entry into the league. The show's run is one season; however, it surely made an indelible mark in the representation of under-represented voices.

9. The Diplomat

A political drama showing the diplomatic world through the eyes of a female protagonist is led by Keri Russell. The Diplomat is about U.S. ambassador, Kate Wyler, embroiled in international crises and personal dramas. Russell gives an intense and insightful performance that reveals what happens behind the scenes for the few women in top political positions: The series will come back for a second season. It offers a new take on female leadership, an area still largely dominated by men.

10. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

This Bridgerton spinoff traces the origin stories of none other than Queen Charlotte played by India Amarteifio and Golda Rosheuvel with character sketches of how she came into power, her love affair with King George III, and a set of societal changes that she initiates. Unlike its predecessor, Queen Charlotte recounts the story of the strength of a woman in history, as well as her sacrifices. With opulent wardrobes, a red-hot love story, and an articulation of women's resilience, this prequel adds its weight to the Bridgerton universe while converting itself into a glorious narrative.