10 TV Shows That Empower Women Through Strong Leads

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A vibrant, pop-art style collage of powerful female TV characters.
A vibrant, pop-art style collage of powerful female TV characters.

Women empowerment TV shows are my current obsession, sprawled out on my lumpy couch in my shoebox Brooklyn apartment, surrounded by coffee mugs I swear I’ll wash tomorrow. The TV’s glowing like some kinda lighthouse in the dark, cutting through the crumbs of my late-night Flamin’ Hot Cheetos binge. These shows, with their badass female leads, hit me right in the feels—kinda like when I tried to “be bold” at a work presentation and accidentally knocked over my water bottle. Total disaster, but these women? They’re messy, real, and make me wanna be braver, even if I’m still a work in progress. Here’s my super biased, slightly unhinged list of 10 women empowerment TV shows that have me hooked, flaws and all.

Why Women Empowerment TV Shows Are Everything to Me

Okay, real talk: I used to think “strong female character” meant some perfect, untouchable superhero. Like, who has time for that? But binging these women empowerment TV shows, I’ve realized strength is about screwing up and still showing up. Like the time I tried to channel my inner boss babe by signing up for a spin class after watching one of these shows—spoiler: I fell off the bike. Twice. These series show women who stumble but keep going, and that’s what’s got me glued to my screen.

  • They’re So Damn Relatable: These ladies are chaotic in the best way, like me trying to cook dinner and burning toast. Again.
  • They Smash Stereotypes: From detectives to queens, they’re out here proving women can do anything, even when the world’s like, “Chill, pick one job.”
  • They Push Me to Try: I started writing down my dreams after one show, even if my notebook’s mostly doodles and coffee stains.
A digitally painted, low-angle shot of a female lead with a wry smile.
A digitally painted, low-angle shot of a female lead with a wry smile.

My Top 10 Women Empowerment TV Shows (And All My Messy Thoughts)

1. Scandal – Olivia Pope’s Strut Is My Life Goal

Olivia Pope in Scandal is the queen of fixing messes while looking flawless. I binged this show during a snowstorm, wrapped in a blanket with my cat shedding everywhere, wishing I had her confidence. She’s smart, sure, but it’s her ability to own her screw-ups that gets me. I tried her power-walk thing on my way to the deli—tripped on a crack in the sidewalk. Still, Scandal makes me wanna stand taller, even if I’m wobbling.

2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer – Slaying Demons and Drama

Buffy Summers is my forever hero. She’s out here fighting vampires while dealing with boy drama and homework—same, girl. I used to sneak episodes on my clunky old TV in my mom’s basement, feeling like I could maybe face my own monsters (like algebra). This women empowerment TV show is a classic for a reason .

A vintage-style illustration of a woman standing with a city backdrop.
A vintage-style illustration of a woman standing with a city backdrop.

3. The Handmaid’s Tale – June’s Fire Keeps Me Up at Night

June Osborne in The Handmaid’s Tale is all about quiet, burning defiance. I watched this during a stormy night, my window creaking, feeling her rage in my chest. Her strength is surviving the worst, and it’s raw. I cried into my ramen when she fought back—reminds me of when I called out a rude barista and my hands were shaking. Stream it on Hulu.

4. Killing Eve – Villanelle’s Chaos Speaks to My Soul

Villanelle in Killing Eve is unhinged in the best way. I binged this during a heatwave, my fan barely working, cackling at her wild energy. She’s a villain, yeah, but her confidence is next-level. I tried her bold eyeliner look once—looked like a raccoon. Still, this women empowerment TV show slaps .

5. Pose – Blanca’s Love Is Pure Magic

Blanca Evangelista in Pose builds a family out of nothing but heart. I watched this curled up with my cat, my apartment smelling like burnt toast, feeling her warmth through the screen. Her strength is love, and it’s fierce. I tried hosting a “chosen family” dinner—burned the chicken, but we laughed. Check it on FX.

6. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – Midge Makes Me Wanna Talk Fast

Midge Maisel’s stand-up in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is straight fire. I watched her while eating cereal at 2 a.m., dreaming of being that quick-witted. Her boldness pushed me to try an open mic night—I froze and forgot my jokes. Still, this women empowerment TV show is gold .

7. Insecure – Issa’s Awkwardness Is My Mirror

Issa Rae in Insecure is like my awkward twin. I binged this on a freezing day, wearing mismatched socks, relating to her messy life. Her realness makes this a top women empowerment TV show. I tried her mirror rap thing—cringed so hard I hid under my blanket .

8. Queen Sugar – The Bordelon Sisters Are My Heroes

The Bordelon sisters in Queen Sugar take on the world with grit. I watched this during a blackout, my phone screen the only light, feeling their strength. Their roots give them power, and it’s inspiring. I tried gardening like them—my herbs are dead now. Still, it’s a must-watch .

9. GLOW – Ruth’s Hustle Lights Me Up

Ruth in GLOW fights for her spot in the wrestling ring. I binged this on a crowded subway, earbuds in, cheering her on. Her grit made me join a gym—I lasted three days. This women empowerment TV show shines bright .

10. Jane the Virgin – Jane’s Heart Is My Happy Place

Jane Villanueva in Jane the Virgin juggles dreams and drama like a pro. I watched this while folding laundry, my dryer humming, tearing up at her choices. Her strength is her big heart, and it’s so real. I tried her planner obsession—lost it in two days. Watch it on Netflix).

A vibrant photo of laughing women, with neon lights and hearts.
A vibrant photo of laughing women, with neon lights and hearts.

My Tips for Finding Your Own Women Empowerment TV Shows

These shows have me rethinking what strength looks like, so here’s my advice, straight from my cluttered Brooklyn life:

  • Chase Your Mood: Feeling pissed? Watch The Handmaid’s Tale. Need a giggle? Mrs. Maisel’s your girl.
  • Go for Real Vibes: Characters who mess up but keep pushing are my fave. Like, I’m still learning to speak up without stuttering.
  • Share the Love: I started a group chat to rant about these shows—makes it more fun, even when my friends clown my picks.

Wrapping Up My Women Empowerment TV Shows Rant

So, yeah, these women empowerment TV shows are keeping me sane in my tiny apartment, lighting up my messy, hopeful heart. They remind me I can be bold, even if I’m the girl who spills coffee on her shoes. What’s your go-to show with a fierce female lead? Hit me up in the comments—I need more to binge. And maybe I’ll try that power walk again, but, like, without face-planting this time.

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