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 woman 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. Instead of just placing a woman next to a man for the sake of balance, these shows centre her story—and they don’t water it down. Whether dodging bullets, playing chess, or navigating prison politics, she owns the screen. Let’s talk about five web series where women aren’t just present—they lead, and they do it their way.
Jessica Jones – The Reluctant Superhero Who’d Rather Be Left Alone
Forget what you know about superheroes. Jessica Jones doesn’t care for capes or speeches. She’d rather be left alone with a bottle of whiskey than save the day. But that’s exactly what makes her interesting. She’s got strength—literally, but also emotionally. She’s been through hell, manipulated and haunted by her past, but she still shows up. Not because she wants to be a hero, but because sometimes, it’s the right thing to do. Krysten Ritter doesn’t play Jessica like a Marvel mascot. She plays her like a person who’s exhausted but still standing—and that hits differently.
The Queen’s Gambit – Chess, Checkmates, and a Girl Who Wasn’t Supposed to Win
Beth Harmon doesn’t talk much, and she doesn’t need to. Every time she sits at a chessboard, it’s like she’s performing surgery—precise, focused, and deadly. The Queen’s Gambit isn’t about teaching the audience chess. It’s about showing us what it looks like when a woman takes up space in a room where she’s told she doesn’t belong. Beth battles addiction, trauma, and loneliness, but she never lets those things define her. Watching her win in a world that wanted her to stay quiet? It’s addictive.
Orange Is the New Black – A Prison Story That’s Really About Everything Else
At first glance, it looks like Piper Chapman is the main character in Orange Is the New Black. But it doesn’t take long before the spotlight shifts—and it stays on the women around her. What makes this show different is how it gives space to all kinds of women—Black, Latina, trans, old, young, broken, fierce. They argue, protect each other, fall in love, and fall apart. The prison is just the setting. The real story is about survival, friendship, and figuring yourself out. This isn’t a glossy show. It’s messy, funny, painful—and it’s honest.
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 Diplomat – Chaos Abroad, Cracks at Home
Kate Wyler doesn’t want to be the centre of attention. She just wants to do her job, but the world won’t let her stay in the shadows. In The Diplomat, Keri Russell plays a U.S. ambassador thrown into one of the most sensitive international roles on the planet. At the same time, she’s dealing with a crumbling marriage and a political world that doesn’t take her seriously. What’s great about Kate is that she doesn’t need to yell or make speeches to get things done. She listens, adapts, and keeps the fire going quietly—even when everything around her is falling apart.
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Why This Matters
We don’t just need more women on screen. We need more stories about women—messy, real, and unapologetic. These shows don’t just throw a female lead in for variety. They built the entire world around her, flaws and all. And honestly? That’s the kind of storytelling that sticks. So, if you’re scrolling through Netflix or trying to figure out what to watch next, give one of these a try. Not just because they’re entertaining, but because they remind us what real leadership, pain, and power look like.
Writer- Subham Choudhary