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In need of a feel-good distraction? I bet that like me, many of you have re-watched Sex & the City, Younger and Seinfeld so many times that you can recite some of these show’s iconic lines in your sleep. So here, instead, are some shows, most long-running, that perhaps you haven’t seen — or may need to be reminded of — highlighting women over 60 in strong, dynamic roles. These roles challenge stereotypes and offer vibrant and often humorous perspectives on aging. All are streaming — and remember, most services will allow you one free “trial” week if you want to binge without anteing up.
Call the Midwife
Set in post-war London's East End, Midwife follows the nurses and nuns of Nonnatus House through the decades, tackling social issues while celebrating community spirit and resilience. The show's multi-generational cast and emphasis on life's pivotal moments make it especially appealing to women who are already grandmothers, or who can’t wait to be someday. This series gives us all pleasure as we witness at least one new baby being born in every episode. (Netflix; PBS)
Hot in Cleveland
This show features three entertainment industry veterans (Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick) who find new life in Cleveland alongside Betty White's sharp-witted caretaker character. The show celebrates reinvention and friendship — and watching White, who was well into her 90s during filming, is always a delight. (Pluto; Paramount)
Last Tango in Halifax
This tells the story of childhood sweethearts who reunite in their 70s. I, like the writers of this show, do believe romance can bloom at any age. Set in Yorkshire, Last Tango explores second chances and the complexity of relationships in later life with a warm sense of humor. (Roku; Prime; Apple)
Maude
This trailblazing comedy from the great Norman Lear revolves around Maude Findlay, played by Bea Arthur, over a dozen years before she starred in The Golden Girls. Maude lives with her fourth husband, her divorced daughter and her daughter’s teenage son. The show broke ground by featuring an opinionated older woman who refuses to be sidelined by age. Re-watching some of these episodes, it feels uncanny to see that the issues the show explored in the 1970s, over 50 years ago — such as racism and abortion — still feel relevant today. (Amazon; Pluto)
Of course The Golden Girls is a classic pick. With Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty alongside Arthur and the inimitable Betty White, these four mismatched Florida seniors make magic in this show which embraced the idea that life doesn’t stop just because you’re older. The women dated, traveled, fought and supported one another with unflinching loyalty. My only quibble — except for Getty, who plays the mother of Bea Arthur’s Dorothy — the “seniors” in the show are said to be in their 50s. These days, that’s middle age! (Hulu; Amazon)
I only discovered Murder, She Wrote during the pandemic, when I was desperate for something to watch. Twelve seasons later I was hooked. Angela Lansbury is Jessica Fletcher, a widowed, 60-something mystery writer and amateur sleuth who solves crimes in her coastal Maine hometown (which, apparently is the murder capital of the U.S., because really — 12 years of weekly crimes occur there?) No matter; the crimes, the clues and the character of Jessica Fletcher all add up to an engaging hour of TV. (Paramount).
Call My Agent!
This French comedy-drama follows four agents who jointly take control of a fictional talent agency after the death of its founder. The agents attempt to manage their stars' egos, financial and legal difficulties, and other complications while also maintaining rivalries with one another for power and prestige. Fabulous 92-year-old actress Liliane Rovere is one of the four agents. Most episodes focus on a single actor — guest stars include the luminous Juliette Binoche, Sigourney Weaver and Monica Bellucci among others. (Netflix)
There are few things better to watch than Better Things. Based loosely on star and creator Pamela Aldon’s life, the five-season series focuses on Sam Fox, a single mom raising three daughters while managing her career in Hollywood and trying to help her elderly mother, Phyliss, who lives next door. Played by the scene-stealing Celia Imrie, Phyliss is a character whose quirks could easily be dismissed, but instead, the show dives into the complications and challenges that come with aging. Imrie portrays Phyllis with tenderness and humor, offering a multifaceted portrayal of an older woman grappling with independence, loneliness and family relationships. (Hulu, Apple)
The Kominsky Method
This show stars Michael Douglas as an aging acting coach and Alan Arkin as his longtime friend and agent and features Kathleen Turner, Nancy Travis and Susan Sullivan, among others. Their journey through life's later chapters deals with health issues, relationships and career challenges while maintaining humor and dignity. (Netflix)
For my last pick, I’m choosing The Great British Baking Show, which proves that competition doesn't have to be cutthroat. This gentle series celebrates the joy of baking while showcasing contestants of all ages working together in an atmosphere of mutual support. I don’t bake, though while I’m watching the show I fantasize that one day I might. And it brings back the long-forgotten sight and delicious smells of walking into my grandma’s when she was making strudel. That’s a whole lot to get out of watching a TV show. (Netflix)
What's your favorite TV show right now? Let us know in the comments below.
