Summary- Don’t miss out on this list of series where you get to see women owning the plot. Shows like Jessica Jones to Orange is the New Black, these stories bring you the side of women which are vulnerable yet are strong when the situation asks them to be.
Something is refreshing about watching a show and realising the most powerful person on screen isn’t some polished man in a suit, but a women lead who’s raw, complicated, and completely in charge of her story. In the last decade, a bunch of web series have quietly flipped the script. And we are bringing those few exceptional series here in this list where the main lead will completely leave you flabbergasted.
5. Jessica Jones – The Reluctant Superhero Who’d Rather Be Left Alone
Jesscia Jones is one of those women lead series where the main character doesn’t hold back in showing the real side of humanity. Through the lens of a superhero her character portrayed a simple and flawed individual. When we think about superheroes the first mental map comes is that of a strong and optimistic person. The realism in the story is what makes it more relatable. The notion of the ideal woman superhero is that of a perfect, pure, and put-together individual. But Jesscia Jones steps on the notion and reaches a greater extent in showing the audience what true hero means.
4. The Queen’s Gambit – Chess, Checkmates, and a Girl Who Wasn’t Supposed to Win
The Queen’s Gambit shows the audience a combination of a genius mind which is also troubled. Elizabeth Harmon is a brilliant chess prodigy who also battles addiction and trauma. Even with all the personal struggles her character doesn’t lose the path. This series is an example for all the women out there who got their genius mind hidden due to the other instances of life. Through Elizabeth it was shown that, yes, a genius mind can co-exist with the chaos of life. Many walks of women found themselves entangled amidst the personal obstacles. They tend to forget that it is possible for one to keep pursuing what they were meant to do even if life throws hundreds of obstacles.
3. Orange Is the New Black – A Prison Story That’s Really About Everything Else
The show touches on many difficult topics and shows the viewers the point of view of different women. There are topics of queer community which are depicted in the episodes with great precision. There are also topics like mental illness and women of colour. The ensemble cast of the show itself is women of all kinds. This series stands tall among the list of best women lead series of all time. The title’s meaning delivers a strong message even before audiences know the story. One of the key themes here is the flawed criminal justice system which combined with the characters brings out the titular meaning. Black is often described as a strong and powerful colour and here the prison dress all the women wear is orange. Thus, justifying their fight against all the injustice they have to go through which makes them stronger.
2. House of Cards – Claire Underwood Is the One You Should’ve Been Watching All Along
Let’s be real: Frank Underwood was always the loud one. But in the background, Claire was calculating every move. And when she steps forward? She doesn’t just match him—she outplays him. Robin Wright plays Claire with this cool, unreadable energy. She’s not trying to be liked. She’s not here to smile for the cameras. She wants power, and she’s not afraid of how that looks. The best part? She’s proof that a woman doesn’t have to be “soft” to be a lead. She can be sharp, dangerous, and still absolutely magnetic. The elegant yet sophisticated characteristics of Claire makes the show more entertaining.
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1. The Diplomat – Chaos Abroad, Cracks at Home
The Diplomat brings the story of Kate Wyler who doesn’t want to have the power but it is entrusted onto her. She plays the role of U.S. ambassador, a position which is one of the most sensitive international roles. At the same time, she’s dealing with a crumbling marriage and a political world that doesn’t take her seriously. The angle of this women lead series is absolutely unique than those we regularly see on the screen. Think about it! A person who doesn’t want anything to do with power play and wants to live an ordinary life is shoved in the game. This is something many can relate to even though they haven’t been in that situation. After she is thrown in the pool, how she paves her path through it is what the audience needs to see, especially women out there.
Final Thoughts
These shows don’t just throw a women lead in for variety. They built the entire world around her, flaws and all. And honestly? Seeing a character so relatable gives another strength and courage. We often see male dominating the lead when it comes to action, physical or mental. But these shows prove that women are also capable of carrying the story and delivering exactly what they should deliver.
Written by Kenbi Riba