Entertainment

Surprisingly Feminist TV Shows That You Can Stream Right Now

by Amy Roberts
Saeed Adyani / Netflix

The eternal search to find something good to stream online can be a minefield, especially if you're looking for streaming TV shows that are feminist in some way. Well, I'm here to tell you that there might still be some hidden treasures that you haven't considered watching before. Ther are a whole bunch of shows streaming right now that are surprisingly feminist, and all of them are well worth watching. Would I steer you wrong?

From the outside, most of these shows might not look all that feminist, but let me assure you that all of them feature characters, moments, themes, or story lines that will make you feel mighty and empowered. You may applaud. You may end up feeling so pumped by these shows that you'll want to dance around your house in victory. Or cross No Man's Land after Steve Trevor told you not to. All of that is totally cool and understandable. You do you, babe. (Well, maybe not the No Man's Land thing.)

So, go chill some wine, stack some chips, and arrange an assortment of the finest takeout menus you can find. These shows will definitely surprise you with their feminism, are all worth a stream, and are so good that you won't want to stop watching them once you've started.

1

'Master Of None' (Netflix)

Master Of None is a masterpiece, you guys. And the way that Aziz Ansari writes women and gives them agency in their storylines makes for refreshing viewing.

Editor's Note: On Jan. 13, Ansari was accused of sexual misconduct by a woman who went on a date with him. Ansari has since responded to the claims, saying:

"In September of last year, I met a woman at a party. We exchanged numbers. We texted back and forth and eventually went on a date. We went out to dinner, and afterwards we ended up engaging in sexual activity, which by all indications was completely consensual.

The next day, I got a text from her saying that although 'it may have seemed okay,' upon further reflection, she felt uncomfortable. It was true that everything did seem okay to me, so when I heard that it was not the case for her, I was surprised and concerned. I took her words to heart and responded privately after taking the time to process what she had said.

I continue to support the movement that is happening in our culture. It is necessary and long overdue."

2

'The Keepers' (Netflix)

True crime stories aren't always the first stop of feminism, but the way in which the women of The Keepers rally together to find answers about the unsolved murder of Sister Cathy is inspiring. Their refusal to accept the version of events that the corrupt men of their town have presented is also deeply empowering.

3

'Archer' (Netflix)

Archer is full of stealth feminism. The women of the show are fun, messy, and strong as hell. They're also given silly story lines equal to the male characters' and freely enjoy sex, drugs, and whatever the hell else they want to do with their lives.

4

'Mr Robot' (Amazon Prime)

The women of Mr Robot are complex, intelligent, tough, and defiant, and the show repeatedly frames them as being some of the most important characters of the entire show.

5

'Better Call Saul' (Netflix)

Despite sharing a romantic bond with lead character Saul, Kim Wexler is never reduced to being a love interest. Instead, her relationship with Saul takes a backseat to celebrating just how phenomenal a lawyer Kim is.

6

'Santa Clarita Diet' (Netflix)

Sheila (Drew Barrymore) experiences a brutal transformation that gives her a taste for blood and flesh. The upside of that is that the transformation also makes her feel better about life and more empowered to demand things that she was too afraid to ask for before. Including sexual favors from her supportive husband, Joel.

7

'The Affair' (Showtime)

The Affair is a soapy melodramatic masterpiece, people. I love it, and so should you. Where the show really excels is in showing both the male and female perspective of the same events, providing a powerful commentary about gender politics in the process.

8

'Crazyhead' (Netflix)

It's basically a British Buffy The Vampire Slayer, except with demons in the place of vampires and with two quick-witted female warriors out to slay. It's also hilarious.

9

'Preacher' (Hulu)

Tulip O'Hare, you guys. If you aren't worshiping this character already, then you obviously haven't seen the weird and wonderful offerings of Preacher. Fix that now.

10

'Hello, My Twenties!' (Netflix)

This South Korean drama about a group of young women sharing a house together might look quaint and fluffy, but it's actually full of complexity and compelling feminist politics. Oh, and there's also a subplot involving a potential ghost, if you're into that kind of thing.

11

'Happy Endings' (Hulu)

Still one of the finest sitcoms to have ever been cancelled (dammit), Happy Endings featured hilarious female characters who went against the gender norms.

12

'Black Mirror' (Netflix)

Charlie Brooker's satirical science fiction series features standalone stories that can be terrifying, moving, and thoughtful. And when women predominantly feature in episodes, they generally always embody unique and powerful characters reflecting modern feminist concerns.

13

'Difficult People' (Hulu)

Though Difficult People can admittedly stray into the eyeroll-worthy abyss of white feminism, it still has moments worthy of applause. Julie Kessler, in particular, is so honest about her shortcomings and unapologetic about her intense hatred of things that she's an absolute breath of fresh air.

14

'iZombie' (Netflix)

When I first saw this show advertised, you couldn't have paid me to watch it. But now? I'm obsessed. It's fun, silly, and, most importantly, it features stories centered around female empowerment.

15

'Firefly' (Hulu)

Another cancelled show that still stings to think about. Joss Whedon's Firefly might not scream feminism from the outside, but the show frequently subverted gender norms and gave female characters agency in some amazing story lines.

16

'House Of Cards' (Netflix)

Claire Underwood is an absolute boss, and, if you're not already privy to that fact, then you need to look at your life choices.

I think our TV schedules are officially stacked with some great options now. So get comfortable and get streaming. Some of the results might just surprise you.