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2017 was a glorious year when it came to female-driven TV shows. With feminism gaining ever-greater momentum in politics and social media, there was a rise in sitcoms and TV series which brought about a welcome change in gender representation on screen. Whether it was giving powerful lead roles to women, or getting women professionals to take the charge behind the camera – 2017 definitely changed things for the better.

Check out some of the best female-driven TV shows of 2017.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

This show is funny, engaging and female-driven(yay!) and you know it within the first 10 minutes of the pilot episode.
Rachel Brosnahan plays Midge, a Jewish housewife living THE LIFE with her husband and kids. This period comedy drama follows through her ups and downs and her eventual realization about what she really wants to do with her life (which is definitely not bake and look after the kids everyday). The show masterfully depicts life in the late 1950’s and has a diverse range of characters played by a very talented cast. It has won 2 very well-deserved Golden Globe awards, among a host of other accolades.

Shameless

Shameless is a show which follows the lives of the Gallagher family as they try to survive in the South Side. The show is blunt, honest and (pun intended!) shameless. Shameless can be considered a female-driven shows because, although it’s about the Gallagher family, a large part of it focuses on Fiona Gallagher. Played by Emmy Rossum, the character of Fiona is flawed to perfection. Rossum has also beautifully directed some of the episodes in the series and has successfully delivered masterpieces. The show is packed with complex yet simple characters who are relatable to a great extent. The best thing about the show is how each character has their own set of issues and problems. Even though they make some very questionable decisions, the viewer will be able to empathize and understand the thought process and sentiments which drive them towards such decisions.

The Crown

It is interesting to watch a female monarch at work in this Netflix original. First aired in 2016, season 2 of the female-driven historical drama series gives us an insight into the various crises – both political and personal, which forced Queen Elizabeth II to make tough choices. This series was nominated for 3 Emmy awards and bagged one of them, although its viewers swear it definitely deserved more nominations and wins. What sets this show apart is the meticulous portrayal of the Queen’s character. You can find yourself evaluating all the possible options with the Queen and yet be taken by surprise at times. And all through the two seasons, it is reassuring to see our Lilibet rise above everything in the end, which sends a very powerful and positive message to viewers, particularly women.

Big Little Lies

This show revolves around the lives of three housewives in one of the most high-end suburbs in California. Filled to the brim with family drama, sex, deception and feelings of vengeance aplenty, it also sheds light on the psychological aspects of its female protagonists’ lives, and the power struggles they have to deal with. What starts on a relatively lighter note slowly evolves into the likes of a crime thriller with the characters being revealed as increasingly more complex by the minute. The best thing about the series is definitely the character development, and how well it mingles with the storyline – which in itself is a masterpiece. This show is female-driven to the core, but puts up a different view of women and their psyche- one that doesn’t conform to the stereotypes usually presented by pop culture. Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman put up one of their best acting performances, with all the subtlety and grace at their command – the cherry on the top to what is already an amazing show.

Some other female-driven shows of 2017 that are worth a watch are:

• Handmaid’s Tale
• 13 Reasons Why
• Grace and Frankie
• Orange is The New Black
• Veep
• How To Get Away With Murder
• Big Mouth
• Bold Type
• GLOW
• The Sinner
• Bomb Girls
• Insecure
• Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
• Better Things
• Harlots

So if you’re craving some great shows to watch (who isn’t) and have not watched any of these, it’s time to make a date with your TV or laptop screen!