Female-Led TV Shows to Get You Through the Writers Strike

I'm sure a lot of you remember the writers strike of 2008. Like me, you probably spent three months watching reruns and whatever other random things were on TV, hoping they would show an old episode of your favorite show that you hadn't seen yet. You were probably also really bummed when shows that had just started didn't get picked up for a second season, and so thankful when everything got settled and new episodes started coming on again.

Well, I have some bad news. In case you didn't already know, it's happening again. With the television business going through so many changes (streaming services, time shifting technology, and less episodes per season, etc.), writers have been getting the short end of the stick, and it's time for an adjustment. However, because of these changes in the way we consume television like streaming and time shifting, we have an advantage that we didn't have back in 2008: we can watch shows even when they're not airing. If you're like me, you'll probably be looking to watch some shows with badass female characters. In which case you came to the right place.

Here are 10 female-led shows you can binge watch on Netflix while you wait for the writers to settle their negotiations:

10. Grey's Anatomy

Shonda Rhimes, the patron saint of female showrunners, gave us more than a few intelligent and beautiful role models to look up at Seattle Grace Hospital. Not only are female lead characters like Meredith Grey, Cristina Yang, Miranda Bailey (and the rest) self-sufficient, strong, and successful in a male dominated field, they also show us the importance of vulnerability and that strength and vulnerability aren't mutually exclusive.

9. Friends

While Rachel, Monica, and Phoebe are only half the cast of this long running NBC sitcom, the show never strayed away from portraying the importance and unique nature of female friendship.

8. Mad Men

Although the show is called Mad Men, the women were always the best characters. Taking place in the 1960s, the show tackled a lot of political issues including the Women's Liberation Movement, and we got to see characters like Peggy, Joan, Betty, and eventually Sally struggle with the sexism they experienced in their everyday lives and in the workplace but then eventually rise above it. If you've ever thought to yourself "I wish I lived back then", this show will probably cure you of that, but you'll find yourself routing for the women who are living it themselves.

7. Futurama

One of the most underrated strong female characters, in my opinion, Leela is never a damsel in distress. As the crew's captain for ten seasons, Leela gets the gang out of more than a few tough situations, and is often the one saving the men. Matt Groening's sci-fi comedy often ventured into political commentary, and held a mirror to civil rights and women's issues in real life, using Leela to represent them.

6. The West Wing

Aaron Sorkin is often criticized for portraying women as "neurotic", however, in the case of The West Wing especially, I am going to respectfully disagree. The shows female characters CJ Cregg, Donna Moss, Abbey Bartlet and Amy Gardner are brilliant, funny, and amazing at their jobs. Over the course of seven seasons, they fought for their places as women in the political sphere and fought for women's rights too, often at the same time.

5. Shameless

If there is anything to be said about Fiona Gallagher, it is that she is a badass. Fiona is street-smart, strong, and can handle any situation. No matter what happens, she always finds a way to keep her siblings together. Though she doesn't always make the right choices, she always tries her hardest, and we know she doesn't have it easy. Fiona also never backs away from expressing her sexuality, but she isn't reduced to it either.

4. Grace & Frankie

Grace and Frankie are #friendshipgoals. After their husbands leave them for each other, these ladies no longer give a fuck, and are less apologetic than any other female faves on TV. Maybe this show will finally put to rest the absurd idea that women aren't funny.

3. Parks and Recreation

Amy Poehler's performance as Leslie Knope has become an icon for feminists everywhere. She is resilient, witty, and dedicated to both her job and her friends. This political comedy will leave you wanting to become a Pawnee Goddess and celebrating Galentine's Day.

2. The Fall

Focusing around a female detective solving the serial murders of women in Belfast, this BBC drama starring Gillian Anderson comments on the world-wide problem of violence against women and its impact. Exciting, and at times disturbing, this show is not afraid to tell it like it is, and neither is its female lead.

1. Orange is the New Black

The Sopranos started the "anti-hero" trend back in 1999, but it wasn't until now that women got in on the action. While its known for its lesbian sex scenes, Orange is the New Black is about so much more than just sex. This Netflix original series features some of the most complicated female characters and one of the most diverse casts on TV.

I hope you all enjoy my recommendations, and find other shows to watch during the strike.

We'll all get through this together.