Binge-worthy shows for the self-quarantined: Leading ladies
So many television shows feature leading men, but what about leading ladies? Women are fierce, funny and captivating.
I remember athletes Michael Jordan and Mia Hamm were in a Gatorade commercial back in 1997. As they compete against each other the song, “Anything You Can Do” plays. It’s up to the audience to determine who does it better or if it really matters. Along that line though, here are a list of shows were the women “do it better.”
‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’
What it’s about: It’s 1958 Manhattan and Miriam “Midge” Maisel has everything she’s ever wanted: the perfect husband, kids, and an Upper West Side apartment. But when her life suddenly takes a turn and Midge must start over, she discovers a previously unknown talent, one that will take her all the way from the comedy clubs of Greenwich Village to a spot on Johnny Carson’s couch.
Why you should watch: Amy Sherman-Palladino, the mastermind behind Gilmore Girls, does it again. Fast talking, witty women dazzle audiences in this series.
Where to find it: Seasons 1-3 are available on Amazon Prime.
‘Outlander’
What it’s about: An English combat nurse from 1945 is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743.
Why you should watch: Will she make it back to her own time? Will she change history forever? Is it all a dream? I have no idea, but I’m watching to find out!
Where to find it: Seasons 1-3 are available on Netflix.
‘Game of Thrones’
What it’s about: Nine noble families fight for control over the lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for millennia.
Why you should watch: Watch out! These ladies are out for blood. Daenerys, Cersei, Arya and Sansa are not to be trifled with and that is a big draw. In a time when men were considered “superior” these ladies prove that that is not the case. Also Jason Mamoa’s in the first season and I haven’t mentioned him in a while.
Where to find it: Seasons 1-8 are available on HBO Max.
‘Alias’
What it’s about: Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Garner) is an international spy recruited out of college, trained for espionage and self-defense.
Why you should watch: This series spies have a social life. Bond and Ethan Hunt were all business. They never had friends outside of the job or family issues. I feel like juggling both worlds is what it would be really be like for a spy.
Where to find it: Seasons 1-5 are available on Amazon Prime.
‘Charmed’
What it’s about: Three sisters discover their destiny, to battle against the forces of evil, using their witchcraft. They are the Charmed Ones.
Why you should watch: Although this show is considered corny by some, it’s also just good fun. Filled with fairies, monsters and everything in between this show is for people who don’t need their witch craft to be too dark. The program also demonstrates the importance of family.
Where to find it: Seasons 1-8 are available on Netflix.
‘Big Little Lies’
What it’s about: The seemingly perfect lives of upper-class mothers at a prestigious elementary school unravel to the point of murder.
Why you should watch: This is a phenomenal cast and a great mystery. I had no idea how it was going to play out until the end.
Where to find it: Seasons 1-2 are available on HBO Max.
‘Scandal’
What it’s about: A former White House communications director starts her own crisis management firm only to realize her clients are not the only ones with secrets.
Why you should watch: Kerry Washington is amazing. What gets me about this show is she is wrapped up in a scandal while she helps eliminate scandals. Oh the irony.
Where to find it: Seasons 1-7 are available on Hulu.
‘Fleabag’
What it’s about: A comedy series adapted from the award-winning play about a young woman trying to cope with life in London whilst coming to terms with a recent tragedy.
Why you should watch: Men always wonder what women are actually thinking and although the main character might not represent every woman, we do get to hear her thoughts when she breaks the fourth wall and tells us. The result is pure comedic genius.
Where to find it: Seasons 1-2 are available on Amazon Prime.
‘Homeland’
What it’s about: A bipolar CIA operative becomes convinced a prisoner of war has been turned by al-Qaida and is planning to carry out a terrorist attack on American soil.
Why you should watch: Claire Danes. Everything she’s in is gold. “Romeo and Juliet,” “My So Called Life,” you name it. This is no different.
Where to find it: Seasons 1-8 are available on Showtime.
‘Shots Fired’
What it’s about: Examines the dangerous aftermath of two racially charged shootings in a small Southern town, providing an explosive autopsy of our criminal justice system.
Why you should watch: All star cast dealing with issues that are currently making headlines. This is a timely and riveting series.
Where to find it: Season 1 available on Hulu.
‘Z: The Beginning of Everything’
What it’s about: A biography series based on the life of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald (Christina Ricci), the brilliant, beautiful and talented Southern belle who becomes the original flapper and icon of the wild, flamboyant Jazz Age. “Z” starts before Zelda meets the unpublished writer F. Scott Fitzgerald (David Hoflin), and moves through their passionate, turbulent love affair and marriage.
Why you should watch: Christina Ricci captivates, and we get to see how brilliant Zelda Fitzgerald was.
Where to find it: Season 1 is available on Amazon Prime.
Steve Dassatti, special to GoColumbia
This story was originally published September 11, 2020 at 2:31 PM with the headline "Binge-worthy shows for the self-quarantined: Leading ladies."