19 TV Shows That Every Woman Should Watch At Least Once In Their Life

Because women really do run the world.

1. Fleabag

Prime Video

What it's about: Phoebe Waller-Bridge is Fleabag, a dry-witted, sexually active young woman who attempts to deal with her grief while living in London.

Why you'll like it: The show is known for being hilarious, relatable and constantly breaking the fourth wall. Plus, Waller-Bridge not only plays the main character, she created and wrote the entire series, which was inspired by her one woman show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe!

Where to watch it: Amazon Prime Video.

2. Big Little Lies

HBO

What it's about: In an idyllic seaside town, the apparently perfect lives of a group of affluent mothers is slowly unravelled by secrets, lies and a murder.

Why you'll like it: Besides being deliciously juicy and addictive, the most important thing Big Little Lies portrays is the act of female solidarity. The strong as hell female cast — led by Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Zoë Kravitz and Laura Dern — also tackle a number of important issues, like domestic violence, rape and motherhood. It's also based on a fantastic book by Australian author, Liane Moriarty.

Where to watch this: Foxtel.

3. The Handmaid's Tale

Hulu

What it's about: Set in a dystopian future, fertile women — called Handmaids — are forced into child-bearing slavery to uphold the values of a religious and totalitarian government occupying most of the United States.

Why you'll like it: Be warned, this show is not for the faint-hearted. The storylines are intense and at times, graphic and painful to watch. But is it worth it? Absolutely. Within the current repercussions of the #MeToo movement and the political landscape, the issues that The Handmaid's Tale touches on are more important than ever.

Where to watch this: SBS On Demand.

4. Charmed

CBS

What it's about: Three sisters discover that they're powerful witches with unique powers. Together, they form the "power of three", which can be used to battle against the forces of evil that infiltrate Earth.

Why you'll like it: There's a reason why Charmed lasted eight seasons — it was so bloody good! It's the perfect blend of kickass female empowerment, witchcraft and at its core, family. Plus, the chemistry between the three main characters is out of this world good. But my favourite part about rewatching this is the '00s fashion — honestly, we've come a looooong way.

Where to watch this: Stan.

5. How To Get Away With Murder

ABC

What it's about: Criminal defence lawyer Annalise Keating takes a group of ambitious law students under her wing. They all become involved in a murder plot that threatens to unravel all their lives.

Why you'll like it: No one writes badass female characters like Shona Rimes (yes, the genius behind Grey's Anatomy) and Annalise is no exception to this. She's smart, talented, powerful and often steals the show — which is a testament to the brilliant acting by Viola Davis. The storylines are also full of suspense, drama and even a little bit of romance.

Where to watch this: Netflix.

6. The Marvelous Mrs Maisel

Prime Video

What it's about: Set during the 1950s, Miriam "Midge" Maisel is the perfect Jewish housewife that has everything she has ever wanted — there's the husband, the two kids and the gorgeous apartment to boot. But all of that quickly changes when Midge's husband suddenly leaves her. Forced to re-evaluate her life, she discovers a talent in stand-up comedy and decides to pursue a career in it.

Why you'll like it: Despite being set in a different time, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel tackles issues that are relevant today through Midge's journey and her unparalleled talent in an industry saturated by men. There's tears, laughter, rage and romance — so binge-watch away, you won't regret it.

Where to watch this: Amazon Prime Video.

7. Veronica Mars

Warner Bros Television

What it's about: The murder of a local high school student shakes up the town of Neptune. For Veronica Mars, this means the loss of her best friend and her dad being fired as country sheriff. Later, Veronica's dad opens up a private detective agency and helps her search for the killer.

Why you'll like it: I recently rewatched the entirety of Veronica Mars and was reminded of how good this show is, even though it's 16 years old. The writing is sharp and witty, the characters are layered and complex (no one is truly good or bad) and the main character, Veronica, is this pint-sized independent badass that never fails to deliver a sarcastic comeback.

Where to watch this: Stan.

8. Parks And Recreation

NBC

What it's about: Amy Poehler stars as Leslie Knope, a mid-level bureaucrat in the Indiana Parks and Recreation Department that has high hopes about improving the town (and her career!). But it's only when she undertakes a project to turn an abandoned plot of land into a public park that her real journey begins.

Why you'll like it: Two words: AMY POEHLER, aka one of the queens of comedy. But besides that, it's an incredible show with loveable characters and remains one of the best sitcoms to exist in TV history.

Where to watch this: Stan.

9. Younger

TV Land

What it's about: Based on the novel of the same name by Pamela Redmond Satran, the show follows Liza Miller, a newly divorced mother trying to revive her dreams of becoming a literary publisher in New York City. The catch? To get her foot in the door, Liza pretends to be much younger than she actually is. What follows is a juggling act of Liza attempting to manage her job and the chaos of her personal life.

Why you'll like it: Besides starring the one, the only, Hilary Duff (she plays Kelsey Peters, Liza's co-worker), Younger is the sort of show to make you laugh out loud. It also tackles some real issues, like ageism, sexism and the personal sacrifices that a lot of career-driven women have to make in order to rise to the top of their industry.

Where to watch this: Stan.

10. The Good Wife

CBS

What it's about: After a highly public sex and corruption scandal involving her husband — the former state's attorney — Alicia Florrick returns to a career in law.

Why you'll like it: The Good Wife is one of those shows that gets more and more addictive with each episode. It's more than likely due to its strong female characters — like Alicia, Kalina and Dianne — who kick butt both in and out of the courtroom. Plus, it's inspiring to watch Alicia, someone who gets obstacles thrown at her all the time, never lose her will or determination.

Where to watch this: Ten All Access.

11. Cable Girls (Las Chicas Del Cable)

Netflix

What it's about: Taking place in the 1920s, four women from different backgrounds are hired as telephone operators in Madrid.

Why you'll like it: This is a fantastically feminist Spanish drama. Although the series takes place in an era where women were thought of as daughters, wives, mothers and not much else, the four leads continually defy the oppressive limits set upon them in their work and daily life. They support one another and it is this combined sisterhood that drives them to fight back.

Where to watch this: Netflix.

12. Buffy The Vampire Slayer

20th Century Fox Television

What it's about: All she wants to do is have a normal life, but Buffy Summers is the latest in a line of young women chosen to slay vampires, demons and other forces of evil. She does this with the help of circle of friends, who become known as the "Scooby Gang".

Why you'll like it: Buffy is one heck of a badass and main character. She's tiny, but manages to beat the shit out of everyone and save the world. But on a more serious note, the show has great writing, good teen drama and is constantly referred to as one of the greatest TV shows of all time.

Where to watch this: Stan.

13. The L Word: Generation Q

Showtime

What it's about: Set 10 years after The L Word — its revolutionary predecessor — Generation Q follows the highs and lows of a diverse group of LGBTQ+ characters living in LA.

Why you'll like it: It's exclusively about queer women and shows them at different stages of life, meaning there's a storyline for everyone to relate to. And while Generation Q is a reboot that has been adapted to deal with modern issues, it still respects and honours the significance of the original series.

Where to watch this: Stan.

14. 30 Rock

NBC

What it's about: 30 Rock takes you behind the scenes of a fictional late night sketch show and the workplace antics that come with producing it. It stars Tina Fey as Liz Lemon and Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy, her arrogant new boss.

Why you'll like it: The show is written, created and based on Fey's experiences as a head writer for Saturday Night Live, which means you know it'll keep you laughing from the first to the last episode.

Where to watch this: Stan.

15. Harlots

Hulu

What it's about: In 18th century London, Margaret Wells struggles in her dual roles of brothel owner and mother.

Why you'll like it: First of all, Harlots is written and directed by women AND features an incredible female cast. They play complex characters that navigate storylines full of intrigue and gossip, but that also deal with race, religion, sexuality and motherhood.

Where to watch this: SBS On Demand.

16. Jessica Jones

Netflix

What it's about: Following a tragic end to her superhero career, Jessica Jones opens up a private detective agency to her rebuild her life and fight her inner demons.

Why you'll like it: If you're a fan of Marvel, this will be right up your alley. It's set in the MCU and features a darker take on your usual superhero flick through a strong, female lead that fights back to take control of her life.

Where to watch this: Netflix.

17. GLOW

Netflix

What it's about: Set in the 1980s, a group of women take part in a professional syndicated wrestling circuit called the Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling (GLOW).

Why you'll like it: GLOW is like a breath of fresh air in the stuffy room of things to watch on Netflix. You'll get hooked on the incredible attention to detail — music, costumes, hair, makeup — that round off the 1980s aesthetic. But what will keep you watching is the characters who are not only smart, funny and incredible, but also flawed, which makes them even more likeable.

Where to watch this: Netflix.

18. Orange Is The New Black

Netflix

What it's about: Piper Chapman is suddenly sentenced to a 15-month prison stay in Litchfield Penitentiary for a decade old drug charge. Once behind bars, Piper has to navigate the hierarchy of the inmates and the reality of prison life.

Why you'll like it: There are so many good things to say about OITNB. It's funny, it's honest, it's empowering and it features a stellar female cast that embodies all types of women and real-life struggles that everyone can relate to.

Where to watch this: Netflix.

19. The Bold Type

Freeform

What it's about: The Bold Type is about three best friends at different stages in their careers who all work at an affluent women's magazine. Think Sex in the City meets Devil Wears Prada — but with a less terrifying editor-in-chief.

Why you'll like it: The show is inspired by the life and career of Joanna Coles, a former editor-in-chief at Cosmopolitan. It's entertaining as heck and tackles a number of issues concerning women in particular, including sexuality, gender discrimination, racism, feminism and so much more. It can be corny at times, but the friendships are true, wholesome and make you grateful for your own little coven of besties.

Where to watch it: Stan.