Celebrating Women’s History Month: Checking Out 5 Women-Led TV Shows You Need to Watch Now

So many shows, so little time. There are tons of fantastic women-led TV shows out there, with original premises, likable characters – and our favorite stars, but what constitutes a good TV show? And what about women-led TV shows? We have seen lots of series come and go, however, when watching network TV, we always look for strong female characters who have a positive influence.

5 Women-Led TV Shows on Currently 

Let’s hit it – women heroes or heroines are the best! You often find them juggling work, home life, kids, all while saving the world. Or, if it’s not saving the world, maybe closing a case, solving problems, chasing baddies, or literally putting out fires. Let’s check out some heroic women whom we love in these women-led TV shows.

“Elsbeth” – Carrie Preston 

A quirky and unconventional attorney named Elsbeth is adept at solving crimes. Here we see Carrie Preston as the lead, surrounded by a strong cast, which includes Wendell Pierce, Carra Patterson, and Micaela Diamond. Perfect on our women-led TV show list right here! 

Elsbeth must navigate her way through the mire of New York City, the NYPD, and a plethora of criminals in each episode. Preston is very entertaining as Elsbeth and the show has some dark humor – this is precisely why we like it.

“Matlock” – Kathy Bates / Skye P. Marshall

We snuck in a double here! Both stars Kathy Bates (as Matty Matlock) and Skye P. Marshall (as Olympia) shine as the two lawyers (yep, more attorneys) who form a solid team. Yes, the two characters have had their differences in the past, but they finally team up to take down the forces behind the evil drug Wellbrexa. 

Bates has stated she was happy to have worked on such a successful show, knowing that as she gets older, roles for women of her age are not as plentiful. She is known for frequently playing unlikable and unsavory characters, like Annie in the film “Misery” and in several seasons of “American Horror Story.”

“High Potential” – Kaitlin Olson 

Known initially for her performance as Mackenzie in “The Mick,” Kaitlin Olson has cemented her star status with her role as Morgan Gillory in “High Potential.” Here she plays opposite Daniel Sunjata as the beyond brilliant yet often annoying – and flamboyantly dressed – police consultant. 

Olson is also a talented voice actress, voicing anyone from Destiny in “Finding Dory” to Ethel in “Brickleberry.” Talking about women-led TV shows, she has started executive producing “High Potential” so it will be exciting to see in what direction the show may go. 

“Law & Order: SVU” – Mariska Hargitay

There is absolutely no way we can leave out Mariska Hargitay. For 27 years we’ve seen Hargitay playing the truly beloved Detective Olivia Benson. Tough, brave, and highly sympathetic, this role was tailor made for her. Or maybe she was made for the role on this women-led TV show. 

We have seen Hargitay’s skill in acting from playing Cynthia on “ER” to playing a prostitute in “Leaving Las Vegas.” There’s not much she can’t do. She’s performed voice work, too. An interesting fact is that Hargitay is a trained rape crisis counselor. No doubt that helps her expound on her role as Olivia in “SVU.”

“Sheriff Country” – Morena Baccarin 

This standout show which began in 2025 is a spin-off of “Fire Country.” The series features Morena Baccarin as Sheriff Mickey Fox, fighting crime in a town called Edgewater. Besides being a crime procedural, the show follows the sheriff as she tries to relate to her criminal father and her rebellious teenage daughter.

Baccarin primarily is known for the role of Vanessa, playing opposite Ryan Reynolds in “Deadpool.” Additionally, she portrayed Leslie in “Gotham” where she met her real life husband, Ben McKenzie. Fun fact: she voiced Gideon in “The Flash” series.

Honorable Mention – and a Remembrance  

We’ve had plenty of amazing women-led TV shows over the years, but one of the earlier ones comes to mind. We need to give a shoutout to the late Nell Carter. A trailblazing comedian, capable actress, and a pioneering entertainer, Carter was best known for her show’ “Gimme a Break!” Prior to that she was a singer after traveling to New York at age 19. Unfortunately, Carter had both personal and health issues. We lost her at too young of an age in early 2003.

Looking at this list of women-led TV shows, it’s clear they all have one thing in common. Each has a strong, principled character with compassion. Whether it’s an attorney, a sheriff, or a cleaning lady turned police consultant, these women are sharp, have good hearts, and they all lead by example. Check out one of these women-led TV shows today for Women’s History Month.