Television is entering a unique era, in which women and minorities no longer serve under white captains but take the lead--and all the other roles as well. In a brilliant new universe where the intersectional values of fourth wave feminism are becoming more widespread, fantasy and science fiction are leading the charge. Shows from Star Wars to Doctor Who are rewriting their traditional storylines to include more well-rounded and racially diverse female characters. Steven Universe, DC Legends of Tomorrow and Sense8 highlight queer characters and experiences. Dystopias like Marvel's Jessica Jones and The Handmaid's Tale show the female perspective entirely, guiding viewers from trauma to self-determination. In fantasy and horror, Wynonna Earp, Game of Thrones, Vikings, American Horror Story, Black Mirror, and The Walking Dead reveal how much the story changes with a spectrum of women reclaiming the text from white, straight, young, cisgender men.

These new shows are intersectional, digital, global, critical, and political, with fan responses changing the content and cutting-edge platforms like Netflix and Hulu shaking up the format. After briefly tracing how previous waves of the feminist movement figured in television of all genres from the early 1900s onward, this collection of essays explores how these shows are breaking boundaries and offering inclusion and possibilities to all women.

About the Author
Valerie Estelle Frankel teaches English at Mission College and San Jose City College. The author of 60 popular culture books and more than 100 stories and essays, she lives in Sunnyvale, California.


Book Information
ISBN 9781476677675
Author Valerie Estelle Frankel
Format Paperback
Page Count 187
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 10mm