The 20 Best Shows For Women On Netflix

Finding the right series can be easier when you know which stories center strong character journeys, friendships, romance, and personal growth. This list gathers Netflix shows with female leads, compelling arcs, and genres ranging from period romance to workplace comedy to true crime drama.

Every pick includes straightforward details on premise, cast, creators, and production background so you can choose quickly. All titles are written exactly as they appear on the service so you can search and start watching without confusion.

‘Bridgerton’ (2020– )

Set in Regency London, this romance drama follows the Bridgerton family through society seasons, courtship, and family politics. It adapts Julia Quinn’s novels and comes from Shondaland with showrunning that began under Chris Van Dusen and later continued by Jess Brownell. Core characters include Daphne, Anthony, Kate, Penelope, and Colin, with locations filmed across English estates that stand in for London ballrooms and townhouses.

The ensemble features Phoebe Dynevor, Regé Jean Page, Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Nicola Coughlan, and Luke Newton. Costumes and production design highlight period silhouettes, while the soundtrack uses string covers of contemporary songs to frame ballroom sequences and character beats.

‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’ (2023)

This limited series explores the marriage of Queen Charlotte and King George alongside the rise of young Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton. Shonda Rhimes created and wrote the series, which connects timelines between the monarch’s early years and the society seen in the main show.

India Amarteifio and Corey Mylchreest lead the cast with returning performers like Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh, and Ruth Gemmell. The six episodes expand the franchise’s backstory with court intrigue, friendship origins, and the Queen’s influence on Ton traditions.

‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)

This historical drama charts the reign of Queen Elizabeth II across changing decades with a rotating cast to match different life stages. Peter Morgan created the series, and each era focuses on political events and family milestones that shaped the monarchy’s public and private roles.

The production is known for meticulous sets and costumes that recreate residences and state occasions. Lead roles have been played by Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton with supporting portrayals of Princess Margaret, Prince Philip, and other key figures.

‘Heartstopper’ (2022– )

This coming of age series follows Nick and Charlie as their friendship grows into a relationship while they navigate school, family, and identity. It adapts Alice Oseman’s graphic novels with Oseman serving as creator and writer, keeping the tone faithful to the original art and dialogue.

The show stars Kit Connor and Joe Locke with Yasmin Finney, William Gao, and Corinna Brown. Episodes blend classroom scenes, sports practice, and quiet moments at home with animated flourishes that reference the source material’s visual style.

‘Ginny & Georgia’ (2021– )

A mother and daughter start over in a new town while past secrets and complicated relationships shape their future. The series balances high school stories, small town politics, and crime threads tied to Georgia’s earlier life.

Brianne Howey and Antonia Gentry lead an ensemble that includes Jennifer Robertson and Felix Mallard. The show uses a mix of present day plotlines and flashbacks to explain character decisions and long running conflicts.

‘Firefly Lane’ (2021–2023)

Two best friends meet in adolescence and carry their bond through careers, family changes, and personal setbacks. The narrative moves between different time periods to show how early choices echo later in life.

Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke star as Tully and Kate with Ali Skovbye and Roan Curtis portraying their younger selves. The final run completes major arcs and resolves the central friendship’s biggest tests.

‘Virgin River’ (2019– )

A nurse practitioner relocates to a small Northern California town and builds new connections with residents while addressing career and personal challenges. The series is based on Robyn Carr’s novels and places medical cases alongside community stories.

Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson head the cast with Tim Matheson and Annette O’Toole. Scenic exteriors filmed in British Columbia stand in for the town’s forests, riverbanks, and local businesses.

‘Never Have I Ever’ (2020–2023)

This teen comedy follows Devi as she manages academics, family traditions, and friendships after a major loss. Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher created the show and structured each season around school years with narration that comments on Devi’s choices.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan leads with Poorna Jagannathan, Richa Moorjani, Darren Barnet, and Jaren Lewison. The final season concludes the high school timeline and closes character arcs for the friend group.

‘Sex Education’ (2019–2023)

Students, parents, and teachers in a rural community confront questions about relationships, health, and identity. The show uses a clinic storyline to organize episodes around problems and solutions handled by the teens.

Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey, and Aimee Lou Wood star in an ensemble that shifts focus between home and school. The last season wraps ongoing plotlines for graduating characters and faculty.

‘Wednesday’ (2022– )

This mystery series centers on Wednesday Addams at Nevermore Academy as she investigates visions and a series of local incidents. Alfred Gough and Miles Millar developed the show with Tim Burton directing multiple episodes.

Jenna Ortega stars with Gwendoline Christie, Emma Myers, and Catherine Zeta Jones. The production blends gothic school settings, creature effects, and detective plot structures around weekly clues and season long reveals.

‘Glow’ (2017–2019)

Set in Los Angeles, this ensemble comedy drama follows the formation of a women’s wrestling show with performers learning in ring skills and building personas. The series draws on the real Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling concept and tracks training, production hurdles, and television syndication efforts.

Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, and Marc Maron lead the cast with recurring roles that explore storylines inside and outside the ring. Choreography and stunt coordination support matches that mirror character development across episodes.

‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020)

A limited series about chess prodigy Beth Harmon charts her rise through tournaments while she manages addiction and isolation. The show adapts Walter Tevis’s novel and presents training, competition formats, and travel to key events.

Anya Taylor Joy stars with Marielle Heller, Thomas Brodie Sangster, and Moses Ingram. Production design recreates hotels, halls, and homes that host matches, and camera work visualizes openings and endgames to clarify strategy for viewers.

‘Dead to Me’ (2019–2022)

After a hit and run tragedy, two women form a friendship that complicates an ongoing investigation. Liz Feldman created the series, which balances grief group meetings, private conflicts, and legal consequences.

Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini headline with James Marsden in a central role. Episodes use cliffhangers and reveals to connect earlier events with later discoveries and to track the characters through therapy, work, and family settings.

‘Emily in Paris’ (2020– )

A marketing executive relocates to Paris for a new assignment and navigates language barriers, client demands, and office hierarchy. Darren Star created the series, and episodes feature pitches, campaigns, and social media strategies that drive plots.

Lily Collins stars with Philippine Leroy Beaulieu, Ashley Park, and Lucas Bravo. Filming uses Paris neighborhoods and fashion shows to stage workplace and personal storylines that evolve each season.

‘Unbelievable’ (2019)

This limited series follows the investigation into a series of assaults and the work of two detectives who connect cases across jurisdictions. The story is based on reported events and tracks procedures from first reports to coordinated police work.

Kaitlyn Dever portrays a young woman whose case is mishandled, and Toni Collette and Merritt Wever play detectives who build the evidence chain. The episodes depict interviews, timelines, and forensic steps that lead to resolution.

‘You’ (2018–2024)

A bookstore manager and later literature professor uses technology and social access to pursue relationships while concealing violent behavior. The series is based on novels by Caroline Kepnes and shifts settings between cities as the character changes identities.

Penn Badgley leads with Elizabeth Lail, Victoria Pedretti, and Tati Gabrielle among key co stars. The production uses second person narration and episode structures that follow surveillance, misdirection, and cover ups.

‘Sweet Magnolias’ (2020– )

Three lifelong friends in a Southern town manage careers, family responsibilities, and a shared business venture. The series adapts Sherryl Woods’s novels and features community events, school ties, and local government threads.

JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliott, and Heather Headley star as the central trio. Plots follow legal practices, restaurant management, and medical careers while tracking friendships, co parenting, and civic projects.

‘Grace and Frankie’ (2015–2022)

Two women form an unexpected partnership after their husbands announce a new relationship, prompting changes in home life and business plans. Marta Kauffman and Howard J Morris created the series and frame episodes around entrepreneurship, family meetings, and later life transitions.

Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin lead a cast that includes Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen. The show completed a long run with storylines that cover housing, health decisions, and intergenerational support.

‘Maid’ (2021)

A young mother leaves an abusive relationship and begins work as a house cleaner while navigating custody, housing, and social services. The series is inspired by Stephanie Land’s memoir and follows case workers, court dates, and client schedules.

Margaret Qualley stars with Andie MacDowell, Nick Robinson, and Anika Noni Rose. Production emphasizes day to day labor, budgeting, and transportation logistics while charting progress through education goals and writing.

‘The Empress’ (2022– )

This period drama follows Elisabeth of Bavaria as she marries Emperor Franz Joseph and enters the Habsburg court. The series is created by Katharina Eyssen and filmed in Germany and Austria with palaces and estates used for interiors and exteriors.

Devrim Lingnau and Philip Froissant star alongside a supporting cast portraying court figures and family members. Costumes, protocol scenes, and political debates present the structure of imperial life and the Empress’s role within it.

Share your favorites from the list in the comments and tell everyone which series you are starting next.