UMVA has learned that a new wave of thrillers involving women embroiled in crime and mystery has taken the entertainment world by storm, leaving audiences craving more.
These shows often feature women who find themselves in the midst of crime and mystery, either by chance or out of necessity. Consider the likes of The Last Thing He Told Me or Sharp Objects, which have captivated audiences with their gripping storylines.
A darker, comedic version of this genre has also emerged, combining thrills with humor. One such show is Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, starring Tatiana Maslany as a newly single mom seeking fun with a webcam boy.
Another show that fits into this genre is The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window. This series follows Kristen Bell as Anna Whitaker, a painter and thriller novel enthusiast mourning her dead daughter.
Anna's lifestyle, marked by pills and wine, leads to irrational behavior, making it difficult for her to convince others that she witnessed a murder through her bedroom window. The show is a parody of mystery thriller tropes, hitting the nail on the head with its satirical take.
For fans of Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, another show worth checking out is Based on a True Story. This series follows a true crime enthusiast and armchair detective who starts a podcast about local killings.
The twist in Based on a True Story is that the protagonist and her husband realize they know the serial killer they're investigating. Instead of turning him in, they decide to create a podcast about him, blurring the lines between right and wrong.
Bad Sisters is another show that combines dark comedy with mystery. The Irish import follows five sisters, including Eva Garvey, who find themselves embroiled in a murder investigation.
When their abusive brother-in-law turns up dead, the sisters become suspects, and an insurance investigator starts poking his nose into their lives. The show is a pitch-perfect comedy with a talented cast.
Little Women is an adaptation of the classic novel, but with a twist. This version resets the story in South Korea, following three sisters who grow up poor and determined to live honest lives.
Their dreams are complicated when a friend dies by suicide, leading to a complex web of secrets and lies. The show is wildly twisty-turny, with a vein of dark comedy running throughout.
Big Little Lies is another show that explores the lives of wealthy and complex women. The series opens with a murder investigation connected to a school fundraiser, threatening to expose the private secrets of the five main characters.
The show is a drama-filled exploration of the complexities of relationships and the secrets that can destroy lives. It's a captivating watch for those who enjoy character-driven stories.
Dead to Me is a dark comedy that follows two women united in tragedy and lies. Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini star as Jen and Judy, who become embroiled in a complex web of deceit.
Their lives intersect in unexpected ways, leading to a series of events that are both humorous and heart-wrenching. The show is a must-watch for fans of complex female characters.
Good Girls is another show that explores the complexities of women's lives. The series follows three moms in suburban Michigan who concoct a scheme to rob a local grocery store.
Their plan goes awry, leading to a complex web of secrets and lies. The show is a solid comedy-drama with a talented cast of characters.
How to Get to Heaven From Belfast is a surreal and batty show from Irish playwright Lisa McGee. The series follows three high school friends who reunite after learning that an estranged best friend has died unexpectedly.
Their investigation into the mystery leads to a complex web of secrets and lies. The show's tone is all over the place, but somehow works, with flashes of sincerity balancing out the comedy.
The 'Burbs is a fun and loose adaptation of the 1989 Tom Hanks film. The show follows a young couple who move back to the husband's hometown and become embroiled in a mystery surrounding a dilapidated Victorian house.
As the wife adjusts to new motherhood and life on the cul-de-sac, she learns that even the nicest of her neighbors have secrets. The show is a captivating watch for those who enjoy character-driven stories.
Search Party is a darkly comic take on a Nancy Drew-style mystery. The show follows a group of friends who become embroiled in a complex web of secrets and lies.
The series shifts focus from season to season, but remains a funny, smart, and weird show that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
