Good TV Shows For Women Who Want More Than Romance Plots

Last Updated: Written by Miguel A. Siqueira
good tv shows for women who want more than romance plots
good tv shows for women who want more than romance plots
Table of Contents

Good TV Shows for Women: The Ones Teachers Are Binge-Watching

The best TV shows for women feature strong female leads, complex storytelling, and themes of empowerment-including educational excellence series like Abbott Elementary (premiered December 7, 2021), The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-2023), and Big Little Lies (2017-2019), which educators across Brazil and Latin America recommend for their alignment with Marist values of community, resilience, and holistic development.

Top 10 TV Shows Every Woman Should Watch in 2025

Based on critical acclaim, viewership data, and educator endorsements, these series deliver compelling narratives centered on women's experiences:

good tv shows for women who want more than romance plots
good tv shows for women who want more than romance plots
  • Abbott Elementary (ABC/Hulu): Mockumentary sitcom about dedicated teachers in an underfunded Philadelphia elementary school; creator Quinta Brunson won Peabody Award 2022
  • The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime): 1950s single mom discovers comedy talent; won 5 Emmys including Outstanding Comedy Series
  • Big Little Lies (HBO): Five mothers in Monterey uncover dark secrets; Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon won Emmys in 2017
  • Fleabag (BBC/Amazon): Phoebe Waller-Bridge's tragicomedy won 3 TCA Awards and 2 Emmys for writing and lead actress
  • The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu): Season 6 finale attracted 4.4 million US views, 22% increase from premiere
  • Hacks (Max): Veteran comedian and young writer form unlikely partnership; Jean Smart won 2 Emmys
  • The Morning Show (Apple TV+): Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon lead workplace drama; 3 seasons since November 1, 2019
  • Ms. Marvel (Disney+): First Muslim superhero teen Kamala Khan; set in Jersey City school inspired by McNair Academic High
  • English Teacher (Hulu): Gay high school teacher navigates Austin suburbia; premiered September 2024
  • Survival of the Thickest (Netflix): Black fashion stylist rebuilds life; Michelle Buteau stars

TV Shows About Teachers Educators Actually Watch

Teachers worldwide gravitate toward series that authentically portray educational challenges and student-centered mission:

  1. Abbott Elementary - Season 5 premieres October 1, 2025 on ABC; follows Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson), optimist second-grade teacher
  2. Teachers (US, 2016-2020) - Six female teachers with different approaches to school days; based on British comedy-drama
  3. Boston Public (2000-2004) - Teachers and administrators in Boston state high school strive for student respect
  4. English Teacher - Evan (Brian Jordan Alvarez) balances student/parent demands in suburban Texas school; rated TV-MA
  5. A.P. Bio - Former professor teaches at hometown high school; Greg Polsky created NBC sitcom

Viewership Statistics for Female-Centric Shows

ShowPlatformPremiere DateAwards/RecognitionCurrent Status
Abbott ElementaryABC/HuluDec 7, 2021Peabody 2022, 14 Emmy nomsSeason 5 (Oct 2025)
The Handmaid's TaleHuluApr 26, 20176 Emmys incl. Drama Series 6 seasons, 4.4M finale views
Big Little LiesHBOFeb 19, 20178 Emmys incl. Limited Series Season 3 confirmed Sep 2025
FleabagBBC/AmazonJul 21, 20163 TCA Awards, 2 Emmys 2 seasons completed
The Marvelous Mrs. MaiselAmazon PrimeNov 29, 20175 Emmys incl. Comedy Series 5 seasons ended 2023

Why These Shows Align with Marist Educational Values

Marist educators in Brazil and Latin America recognize that these series embody core principles of holistic education and spiritual mission:

Abbott Elementary exemplifies educational rigor despite limited resources, mirroring challenges faced by public schools across Latin America. Quinta Brunson's portrayal of Janine Teagues demonstrates the Marist commitment to serving marginalized communities with optimism and dedication.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel showcases women breaking barriers in male-dominated fields, reflecting Marist emphasis on social mission and empowering women to lead. Midge Maisel's journey from 1950s housewife to stand-up comedian illustrates resilience and self-discovery.

Big Little Lies addresses domestic violence, maternal solidarity, and community accountability-themes resonant with Marist attention to student-focused outcomes and creating safe learning environments. The series won 8 Emmys in 2017.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Choose Shows That Match Your Values

When selecting TV shows, educators and parents should consider narrative depth, representation quality, and alignment with personal values. The 24 feminist TV shows for 2025 include Hacks, Loot, This Way Up, and The Morning Show Season 3, offering empowerment across genres.

For Marist communities, prioritize series demonstrating community building, service to marginalized populations, and resilience under adversity-qualities exemplified by Abbott Elementary's teachers serving West Philadelphia's predominantly Black public school.

Key concerns and solutions for Good Tv Shows For Women Who Want More Than Romance Plots

What are the best TV shows for women teachers?

Abbott Elementary is the top choice, premiering December 7, 2021, with Season 5 starting October 1, 2025. It authentically portrays underfunded public school challenges and won a Peabody Award in 2022. English Teacher and Teachers (US) also resonate with educators.

Which female-led TV shows won the most Emmy Awards?

Big Little Lies won 8 Emmys in 2017 including Limited Series, Lead Actress (Nicole Kidman), and Supporting Actress (Laura Dern). The Handmaid's Tale won 6 Emmys including Outstanding Drama Series and Lead Actress (Elisabeth Moss). Fleabag won 2 Emmys for Writing and Lead Actress.

Are there TV shows about women in education available on streaming?

Yes-Abbott Elementary streams on ABC and Hulu (next day after broadcast). Teachers (US) and Boston Public are available on various platforms. English Teacher premiered on Hulu September 2024. These shows highlight classroom dynamics and educator resilience.

What makes a TV show "good for women" according to critics?

Critics emphasize strong female leads, complex narratives reflecting women's diverse experiences, and themes of empowerment. According to Ranker's 2025 expert-curated list, shows like Girls, Golden Girls, and modern series celebrate female perspectives through laughter, empathy, and solidarity. ReFrame analysis found 45 of 100 top 2024-25 series had gender-balanced productions.

Which shows address women's social justice issues?

The Handmaid's Tale (Gilead theocracy where women are second-class citizens) premiered April 26, 2017, with Season 6 finale drawing 4.4 million views in 2025. Mrs. America with Cate Blanchett explores Equal Rights Amendment ratification. Ms. Marvel features first Muslim superhero addressing identity and representation.

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Policy Researcher

Miguel A. Siqueira

Miguel A. Siqueira is a policy researcher and former editor at Educare Brasil, where he led investigations into governance structures within Marist-affiliated networks.

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