Is Hollywood making strides in embracing the realities of women over fifty? Definitely. Is there room to do even more? Absofrickinlutely.
Women of a certain age used to get exactly three roles: mom, quirky grandma, or cranky old lady. Pick one. That was it.
Then, in 1990, Thelma & Louise rolled into theaters and packed the house — despite being headlined by two “over the hill” women (Geena Davis was a whopping 34, and Susan Sarandon was pushing 44).
In 1992, Absolutely Fabulous landed on British television, and Jennifer Saunders (34) and Joanna Lumley (46) proceeded to slay audiences for twenty straight years with their outrageous wit.
Even then, though — these were women in their thirties and forties playing “older women.” Cute.
Today? Actresses are actually killing it in roles that embrace the “real” stuff — aging, menopause, and raging against the Hollywood patriarchy. It’s about time.
Hacks, HBO Max
The critically acclaimed HBO Max series Hacks just wrapped its fifth and final season (RIP). Jean Smart plays Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian bridging the gap between old-school comedy and modern sensibilities.
The show is basically a love letter to every woman who’s been told her expiration date already passed. Instead of quietly accepting a smaller residency or fading into the background, Deborah fights fiercely for late-night hosting gigs, brand deals, arena tours, all of it. Her whole arc is proof that a woman’s artistic value doesn’t come with a “best by” date.
Small Achievable Goals, CBC Gem
Perimenopause is the throughline in every single episode of this Canadian gem, starring Meredith MacNeill (51) and Jennifer Whalen (56). Two Gen-X friends, one podcast, and a front-row seat to the unpredictable chaos of perimenopause and menopause.
Hot flashes, a libido on vacation, and the miracle of HRT all make cameo appearances providing endless physical comedy and the kind of inside jokes that make you go “oh, same.”
The Substance, HBO Max
In this deliciously unhinged 2024 film, a fading celebrity played by Demi Moore (now 63) loses her TV job on her 50th birthday and turns to a black-market drug promising a younger, “flawless” version of herself.
Spoiler: it does not go so great. The whole thing is a sick, visceral gut-punch of a critique — patriarchal beauty standards, ageism, the way women’s professional and social worth apparently has a shelf life. It’s grotesque. So is the lens women get viewed through as they age. Coincidence? Absolutely not.
The Change, Britbox
I just discovered this one, even though it launched back in 2023 and got canceled after only two seasons (despite critical acclaim — cool, cool, very normal, Hollywood). Created by and starring British comedian Bridget Christie (54), it explores midlife, identity, and menopause through surrealism and comedy.
After forgetting the word “shoe,” Linda becomes convinced she has early-onset dementia. Turns out — nope, just menopause. And weirdly? That’s a relief. So she dusts off her old Triumph motorcycle and heads into the wilderness of the Forest of Dean on a full-blown journey of self-discovery. Iconic behavior, honestly.
It’s a great start, Hollywood. This handful of shows proves women over fifty have stories worth telling — and audiences who actually want to watch them. We need more. Like, a lot more.
Keep your eyes peeled, and let me know if you find any other perimenopausal streamers worth adding to the list.
