The Best Female Lead Characters on Netflix TV Series
Female lead characters are a rising trend in film and television these days. Thankfully, these lead roles that have been designed specifically for women are actually strong and well-developed. What’s more, many of these characters are immersed in beautifully crafted, clever and interesting storylines where romance isn’t the main focus.
What’s more, the entertainment industry as a whole has finally seemed to recognize the importance and value of designing and releasing products that primarily cater to women, not only in tv and cinema, but also in more “manly” fields, like video games and even casinos (for example, Pink Casino is a gambling website all for women). The point: companies throughout the entertainment industry are realising that if you want to appeal to women, you need to give them what they want and you also need to break away from some common stereotypes.
With that in mind, however, if you’re a huge fan of Netflix and you’re looking for some incredible TV shows featuring some unforgettable lead female characters, the following are four awesome shows you will definitely want to add to your “My List”:
- Jessica Jones
Jessica Jones is the second of four live-action Marvel drama series set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to debut on Netflix. This Netflix original thirteen-part series follows protagonist Jessica Jones, played by Krysten Ritter, a super-strong, imperfect hero, fighting with past and present evils within a complex and compelling plot. The show is notable for its realistic setting, dark themes and for having a strong cast composed mostly of female characters. It has been renewed for a second season.
- Jane the Virgin
Looking for a drama with a side of comedy? Jane the Virgin is the show for you! This CW American satirical romantic comedy-drama stars Gina Rodriguez who plays the main character Jane Villanueva, a young devout Catholic woman who is mistakenly artificially inseminated. The show parodies commonly used tropes and devices present in Latin telenovelas and has received critical acclaim, with both Rodriguez and the show winning awards. Jane the Virgin has enjoyed three successful seasons and will be returning for a fourth.
- Grace & Frankie
Another Netflix Original series, Grace & Frankie is an American comedy-drama starring Jane Fonda (Grace) and Lilly Tomlin (Frankie). The show centres around these two women who are forced to live together and support one another after their husbands announce that they’ve fallen in love with one another and leave their wives. Grace & Frankie, who have never been overly fond of each other – must figure out how to move on with the next part of their lives. While at first the show was met with mixed reviews when it debuted, the last season was a huge success and has only gained more positive critical reception. You can watch the first three seasons on Netflix, which has also renewed the series for a fourth season.
- The Good Wife
This American CBS legal and political drama follows Alicia Florrick, played by actress Julianna Margulies. Alicia is the wife of the Cook County State’s Attorney and she returns to her law career after the events of a public sex and political corruption scandal that involves her husband. The show aired for seven incredible seasons, with the final episode airing in May 2016. Check out this amazing show on Netflix and you’ll understand The Good Wife’s success with the critics.
In the mood to binge-watch yet?