The representation of women onscreen has a profound impact on the narratives we create about them and influences the court of public opinion; therefore, let's produce more quality scripted shows about mid-life. Here are a few shows you should have on your radar.
I think so, just because I’ve asked myself why there are so many people just hanging around cafes on a Tuesday afternoon but now that’s very Brooklyn, too😂 I do enjoy it when they talk about their kids, too. They sound like little comedians and comedy writers!
I always love reading your thoughts, Beth. I had to force myself to only skim the Dying for Sex section because I haven't started it yet. But just seeing the real estate you devoted to it in this line-up about representation of mature women pushed it up to the top of my to be watched list. Thank you!
Thanks Alyson! Dying for Sex is not an easy watch. Don’t be hard on yourself if you take breaks between episodes. Be compassionate. I did quite a bit of this even though I’m glad I powered through. The pay off is there
After years of binging, I’ve started to change my watching habits (especially for difficult material). Adding breaks between episodes does help. Thanks for the heads up, Beth!
This was simply deeply beautiful and insightful. WHERE IS YOUR PODCAST MY FRIEND?! Seriously. We need to be listening intently to your elegant analyses! X!
I love Julie Delpy, I think she’s an amazing actress. I enjoyed The Last Thing He Told Me. Have you watched The Empress? It’s a German series and it’s beautiful! The costumes and photography is fab.
Thanks, Francesca! Love Delpy too. The Last Thing He Told Me is coming back for another season btw! I thought it was pretty self-contained and complete (it was conceived as a one-off)...Also, yes, I watched "The Empress" - I'm a huge fan of period dramas and romance, as you know. I didn't see the second season though. Worth it?
Loved Tiny Beautiful Things and Fleishman. I related to Libby a lot. I wish I could watch Dying for Sex especially for Jenny Slate, but it will likely send me spiraling due to my breast cancer history, so gonna skip for now. Do you watch/are you watching the final season of Handmaid’s Tale? (Unrelated to this topic, just curious!)
Thanks, Stephanie. I can definitely find parallels with Libby's life in her choices. For me, the choice of motherhood and family came with letting some of my writing go, to secure a more well-paying and stable job in corporate life. It also involved accepting what success and creature comforts look like for others, while resisting them at the same time. I hear you on the staying away from "Dying for Sex." I haven't had breast cancer, but my mother did, and I found the last episode especially illuminating on so many levels as far as what was going on at the time in her body as it shut down. I cried non-stop yes, but also just really needed it. I don't watch The Handmaid's Tale! I know. It's insane. All my good friends do. Perhaps you will write about it!
I love mid life women portrayed on screen. I still haven't started Dying for Sex but it's still on my list. I know she's not the main character of the show but I love the character of Liz in Shrinking.
I loved this collection, Beth. I hadn't heard of On the Verge. I'm a huge Delpy fan.
Thank you, Ingrid! “On the Verge” is a few years old now. It’s still available and can be found on Netflix here. Agreed, that Delpy is chef’s kiss!
Yes! That episode of Here to Make Friends with Bridgett Everett is so good!!!
It was! I enjoyed the dating commentary and convo at the jump.
Omg me too. Their intros just kill me each time. The whole does he have a job, any job thing 😂
It’s an LA thing?!! That was funny. Also wanting so badly for your kids to have a connection. That discussion is facts. You like my kid and I’m yours
I think so, just because I’ve asked myself why there are so many people just hanging around cafes on a Tuesday afternoon but now that’s very Brooklyn, too😂 I do enjoy it when they talk about their kids, too. They sound like little comedians and comedy writers!
I always love reading your thoughts, Beth. I had to force myself to only skim the Dying for Sex section because I haven't started it yet. But just seeing the real estate you devoted to it in this line-up about representation of mature women pushed it up to the top of my to be watched list. Thank you!
Thanks Alyson! Dying for Sex is not an easy watch. Don’t be hard on yourself if you take breaks between episodes. Be compassionate. I did quite a bit of this even though I’m glad I powered through. The pay off is there
After years of binging, I’ve started to change my watching habits (especially for difficult material). Adding breaks between episodes does help. Thanks for the heads up, Beth!
I loved this! Mid life storytelling is here to stay
Binging Julie Delpy movies with a sibling sounds so fun. This is an excellent post with personal insight.
Reading about Reese Witherspoon in your post has got me wondering again if Big Little Lies will ever get that third season they keep teasing.
This was simply deeply beautiful and insightful. WHERE IS YOUR PODCAST MY FRIEND?! Seriously. We need to be listening intently to your elegant analyses! X!
Thank you!! Can I have someone do all the work for my podcast, and I just jump on each week? Then, I'm there! I promise.
Heard, chef :) Still…maybe dipping into an audio post now and again..I just think it would be super fun and engaging to hear you chat :)
Keep on suggesting it. I appreciate you and that you care enough to prompt me. Thank you!
I think it would be very fun for you and super lovely to listen to!
I love Julie Delpy, I think she’s an amazing actress. I enjoyed The Last Thing He Told Me. Have you watched The Empress? It’s a German series and it’s beautiful! The costumes and photography is fab.
Thanks, Francesca! Love Delpy too. The Last Thing He Told Me is coming back for another season btw! I thought it was pretty self-contained and complete (it was conceived as a one-off)...Also, yes, I watched "The Empress" - I'm a huge fan of period dramas and romance, as you know. I didn't see the second season though. Worth it?
We just started season 2, so I’ll let you know ❤️ I love the outfits.
Loved Tiny Beautiful Things and Fleishman. I related to Libby a lot. I wish I could watch Dying for Sex especially for Jenny Slate, but it will likely send me spiraling due to my breast cancer history, so gonna skip for now. Do you watch/are you watching the final season of Handmaid’s Tale? (Unrelated to this topic, just curious!)
Thanks, Stephanie. I can definitely find parallels with Libby's life in her choices. For me, the choice of motherhood and family came with letting some of my writing go, to secure a more well-paying and stable job in corporate life. It also involved accepting what success and creature comforts look like for others, while resisting them at the same time. I hear you on the staying away from "Dying for Sex." I haven't had breast cancer, but my mother did, and I found the last episode especially illuminating on so many levels as far as what was going on at the time in her body as it shut down. I cried non-stop yes, but also just really needed it. I don't watch The Handmaid's Tale! I know. It's insane. All my good friends do. Perhaps you will write about it!
I love mid life women portrayed on screen. I still haven't started Dying for Sex but it's still on my list. I know she's not the main character of the show but I love the character of Liz in Shrinking.