What To Stream This Week If You Love Strong Leading Women
If compelling women protagonists are what pull you into a show, this week’s streaming options offer plenty of inspiration. From high-stakes dramas to character-driven comedies, these picks star women navigating complex worlds with grit, heart, and unforgettable presence. Whether you’re in the mood for action, emotional depth, or biting satire, here are the best new and newly relevant series worth adding to your queue.
1. The Abandons
Where to watch: Netflix
Why you should watch: A fresh historical drama anchored by two fierce leads: Gillian Anderson as Constance Van Ness and Lena Headey as Fiona Nolan, set against the rugged backdrop of the Wild West, the story pits these women against both the elements and each other in a layered tale of survival, ambition, and power struggles. Their performances elevate what could be a familiar frontier narrative into something rich with emotional consequence and fiery determination.
2. Emily in Paris – Season 5
Where to watch: Netflix
Why you should watch: Back for another round of fashion-forward escapades, Emily Cooper’s latest adventures in Rome continue to blend frivolity with real-world questions about career, connection, and selfhood. Emily’s growth over the series, from an enthusiastic outsider to a confident woman holding her own in a competitive world, makes this season especially rewarding for fans of women-led stories about ambition and reinvention.
3. Pluribus
Where to watch: Apple TV+
Why you should watch: Actress Rhea Seehorn shines in this science fiction drama with a deeply human core. Her character, Carol Sturka, is thrust into a surreal reality shaped by an alien virus, a premise that explores identity, resilience, and what it means to retain agency in the face of chaos. Rhea’s layered performance anchors the show’s high concept with emotional truth, making it a standout choice this week.
4. The Copenhagen Test
Where to watch: Peacock, premiering Dec. 27
Why you should watch: Thrilling and stylish, The Copenhagen Test introduces Melissa Barrera as Michelle, a skilled covert operative entangled in international intrigue. The series blends pulse-pounding action with emotional stakes, showcasing a heroine who’s as clever as she is capable. If you’re craving women-driven action with depth, this one’s worth the watch.
5. Rage
Where to watch: HBO Max
Why you should watch: This Spanish drama-comedy weaves together the stories of five women whose lives intersect as they’re pushed to their limits. Each character, from a snobbish artist to a department store manager and a forgotten actress, faces extreme situations that set off a chain reaction of revenge, resilience, and unexpected solidarity. The sharp writing and dynamic ensemble paint Rage as a bold portrait of women confronting systemic pressures and personal crossroads.
