8th March each year marks International Women’s Day, so we are celebrating TV shows that were created by women. And even better? You can watch them all for free on Freeview Play right now.
I May Destroy You, BBC iPlayer
Following Arabella, a young woman sexually assaulted on a night out, I May Destroy you was created by and stars Michaela Coel. Resisting the label of sexual assault victim, Arabella takes on the painful, freeing climb to who she could be in this 12-part series.
And that’s not all from Michaela Coel, as she also created and starred as the main character in Chewing Gum, a semi-autobiographical hit comedy series available on All 4.
Fleabag, BBC iPlayer
Beginning as a one-woman show, Fleabag came to our TV screens in 2016 courtesy of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, with a second series following 3 years later. Chronicling the life of Fleabag in London as she copes with the loss of her best friend, this critically-acclaimed show is well-worth a watch (that’s if you haven’t seen it multiple times by now!).
What’s more, that’s not all you can see from Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Killing Eve is, of course, not one to be missed, while 6-part series Crashing on All 4 is perfect for comedy fans.
The Sex Lives of College Girls, ITVX
Revel in a rowdy world of rumours, romance, sex and sorority gatherings in this US comedy co-created by Mindy Kaling. Also known for co-creating the tv adaptation of Four Weddings and a Funeral, as well as the hit Netflix series Never Have I Ever, you can watch The Sex Lives of College Girls right now on ITVX.
Riches, ITVX
Another show on ITVX created by a woman is the streaming platform's exclusive series, Riches. Abby Ajayi is the brains behind this enthralling drama which centres on the Richards, a British-Nigerian family who have earned their fortune from their business, Flair and Glory. And while this is the first show Abby Ajayi has created, she also wrote and co-produced How To Get Away With Murder and Mindy Kaling’s Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Starstruck, BBC iPlayer
A drunken fling gets awkward when Jessie discovers her hook-up is a film star. As if life isn't complicated enough, can they stumble through and make it work? While Rose Matafeo played the starring role in this binge-worthy comedy series, she was also busy behind the scenes as the shows creator.
Fresh Off The Boat, All 4
Another show you can watch for free is Fresh Off The Boat. This American sitcom set in the '90s follows 11-year-old hip-hop loving Eddie Huang who has just moved with his family from Chinatown in Washington DC to suburban Orlando. The woman behind the show is Nahnatchka Kahn who is known for other sitcoms including Don’t Trust The B---- In Apartment 23.
Deadwater Fell, All 4
For those wanting to watch something a little more sinister, Deadwater Fell is a must. Created by Daisy Coulam, this four-part dark crime thriller stars David Tennant, Cush Jumbo, Matthew McNulty and Anna Madeley as a house fire devastates a close-knit community, after a seemingly happy family die in the blaze.
Plus, if you head over to ITVX, you’ll find more from Daisy Coulam in the form of Grantchester, also available to watch for free.
Am I Being Unreasonable?, BBC iPlayer
A twisted comedy thriller about obsessive friendship, maternal paranoia – and a dead cat. Catch Am I Being Unreasonable?, a brilliantly warped tale about just how quickly lives can unravel, created by Daisy May Cooper on BBC iPlayer. And that’s not all from Daisy May Cooper! You can watch all 3 seasons of mockumentary This Country, also available for free on Freeview Play.
Happy Valley, BBC iPlayer
Last but by no means least on this list is celebrated BBC crime drama set in Yorkshire, Happy Valley. The brainchild of Sally Wainwright, the woman also behind Gentleman Jack, Happy Valley follows Sergeant Cawood over 3 series as she faces her traumatic past.
With over 60,000 hours of on demand content on Freeview Play, there’s loads to choose from. To browse more recommendations head to Channel 100 on your Freeview Play TV.
