5 Must-See Sitcoms Created By Women
While there are a number of captivating and remarkably memorable shows developed by women, there are sadly not enough sitcoms. A lot of my own personal favorites, like Parks and Recreation (2009), are created by the incomparable Mike Schur, or Bill Lawrence, who's responsible for gems like Ted Lasso (2020), Shrinking (2023), Scrubs (2001), and more. There's also Dan and Eugene Levy, who gave us the absolute treasure that is Schitt's Creek (2015).
Alternatively, while these shows are extraordinary, there have been instances where other sitcoms weren't always kind or fair to women the way they are to men. Whether it's the way the characters resort to cliches or they're there to pump up the men, it rarely feels right. That said, these few must-see comedies written by women are unforgettable gems, now streaming on platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, and more.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Fleabag completely changed the heart of sitcoms and what they can look like when the creator wholeheartedly cares about the characters. It might not have a traditionally happy ending where sitcoms are concerned, but the love letter it delivers for sisters and found families, as well as how people can heal, is no small feat. There's no other show that's made me howl with laughter one minute, while instantly making me cry in the next.
The writing is sharp, the performances are indescribable, and the character building in the span of two seasons is out of this world. How every frame is filled with a kaleidoscope of emotions and enormous depth is a work of art in and of itself, making it a uniquely breathtaking experience from start to finish. It's been years, and there's still nothing to fill its spot.
Snappy, endearing, and ridiculously hilarious, Lisa McGee's Derry Girls is everything a coming-of-age sitcom should be. It doesn't try hard to be anything but a sea of ordinary moments for a group of friends trying to be extraordinary in a time that's pivotal in their lives. The show provides plenty of laughs and key Easter eggs that are so keenly specific to Derry, Ireland, that it ensures its uniqueness shines through the setting as well.
It's not only created by a woman, but its core main characters are girls, too, which then helps bring a different perspective that's more relatable than if their experiences were written by a man. It's daring, honest, vulnerable, and wildly lovely, and perfect for anyone who grew up loving shows like Lizzie McGuire (2001) but with a Catholic school twist.
If Amy Sherman-Palladino's Gilmore Girls (2000) is one of your comfort shows, but you've never seen her work in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, you're missing out on one of the biggest TV escapes of all time. It helps that the series is set in the late '50s, early '60s, but the top-tier humor and tirelessly brilliant performances from Rachel Brosnahan make it an unmistakable feat.
While there's a bit more drama in Mrs. Maisel than most other sitcoms, you can't leave it out of a list like this when our main character is aspiring to become a stand-up comedian in a time when women are expected to be housewives. And because of this, not only does every joke stick the landing, but like Fleabag, the bittersweet moments leave the kind of mark that is especially effective when examining character growth.
Issa Rae's writing and humor are unmatched in Insecure, proving that her comedic chops are inimitable in every way. It's a rom-com, a comedy, and sensational character work from start to finish that's an absolute delight. It's the kind of show that's so good, you'll want much more despite the mostly satisfying ending that's full of joy.
The unique approach to careers and how it can affect a woman's psyche is its greatest strength, allowing it to be one of the most relatable shows to tackle the subject organically. At the same time, there's a tremendous amount to appreciate with the performances that ensure these characters, mostly Rae's Issa (yes, the character and creator share the same name), will stay with people for a long, long time.
If you love shows like The Golden Girls (1985) and Reba (2001), everything about Grace and Frankie shines in a similar light. A lot of sitcoms prioritize romantic relationships, and the journeys characters go on to explore a certain trajectory in life, but the way shows like Grace and Frankie celebrate friendship make it lovely and rare. And ultimately, a lot of the shows on this list center on friendships because we value our girlfriends in a way that men can't always understand when telling our stories.
The series also draws on specific experiences, where these women came from, and how they got to the situations they're in, allowing the plot to feel more raw rather than something that's fabricated. The emotions are natural, the performances are darling, and the humor fires on all cylinders, making it an absolute must-watch.
