Entertainment

8 TV Shows That Teach Inclusive Feminism & Focus On Women's Stories

by Megan Walsh

Craig Sjodin/Freeform

Intersectional feminism focuses on the ways gender, race, class, and sexual orientation impact one another — because they all do. Many branches of feminism have focused exclusively on the stories of white women, ignoring how women who are marginalized in other ways are often left out of the conversation. Feminism is supposed to be for all women, and it can only do that by being inclusive and sensitive to those it has excluded over centuries. And media that tries to give a voice to different kinds of women should be celebrated, like these eight TV shows that teach inclusive feminism.

Look, let's get real: a lot of media, even if it's woman-friendly, is not feminist, let alone inclusively feminist. Most media-loving ladies have had to come to terms with the give and take of enjoying a program that does some things right, but messes up on others. Even TV shows that are lauded for their feminist message will often barely include any people of color or LGBTQIA+ characters or will directly talk over the concerns of their audience when it comes to racism. It's rare for any one show to give you everything you need or even do more than the bare minimum, but some shows definitely make an effort. They may not all be actively teaching a lesson, but they are giving a voice to those who need to be heard.

'Sense8'

Netflix's Sense8 follows characters from all walks of life, including characters of different ethnicities, sexualities, and social strata. It features a strong cast of diverse women (including a trans character actually played by a trans actress, which is sadly still a rarity in media) and treats those characters with respect while also delving into the struggles they face because of who they are.

Murray Close/Netflix

'Jane The Virgin'

Jane the Virgin has always been able to take the many facets of its heroine's life and weave them together in a cohesive whole. Jane's personal and professional lives are given equal weight, as are her struggles with motherhood and family. The show never forgets that Jane isn't rich, either (which has caused conflict with her son's millionaire dad), or that her family has very specific dilemmas they face because her abuela was an undocumented immigrant.

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'How To Get Away With Murder'

Though How to Get Away with Murder spends most of its time focusing on plot machinations, the show has done some amazing character work with its protagonist Annalise Keating (played by the incomparable Viola Davis). So much of Annalise's character is grounded in her experiences as a black woman, and the show never shies away from exploring what that means for her specifically.

Bob D’Amico/ABC

'Orange Is The New Black'

Orange Is the New Black has been celebrated since its first season for having a huge cast of female characters from all different backgrounds and making the time to explore what that means for all of them. Though it has come under criticism for how it handled certain storylines, there is really nothing else on television quite like it.

Netflix

'One Day At A Time'

Netflix sitcom One Day at a Time has been praised for how refreshing and fun it is, but it isn't all fluff. With a Latinx family at the center of the show, the series explores relationships between generations of women, as well as topics like immigration, sexism, and religion. It also handled the lead character's teenage daughter coming out in a way that was touching and sweet.

Michael Yarish/Netflix

'Chewing Gum'

British import Chewing Gum (which you can catch on Netflix) breaks stereotypes with a sense of humor, exploring the often-awkward life of its protagonist Tracey in a way that feels true even if it's often surreal, too. It never loses sight of how gender, race, and class impact Tracey's life, but instead incorporates it all into the whole picture of who she is.

Dave King Photography

'The Fosters'

The Fosters follows interracial gay couple Stef and Lena as they raise their kids, who are adopted, fostered, and biological. The show handles tough issues with sensitivity and thoughtfulness, whether they're critiquing heteronormative thinking or the foster care system, and many of the show's storylines are not ones you generally get to see explored on TV.

Craig Sjodin/Freeform

'Insecure'

Insecure was genuinely new and fresh upon its premiere. It felt like it explored stories that TV doesn't often tackle as it followed Issa Rae and her friend Molly while they dealt with conflicts in their relationships and at work. It clearly told a very personal (albeit fictional) story, but did so with insight and humor.

John P. Fleenor/HBO
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