The fabulous hats, the lightning-fast dialogue, the impeccable 1960s coats—the end of 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' left a void. But fear not. While Midge is one of a kind, other shows share her trailblazing spirit and sharp wit.
Hacks
If what you miss most is the
behind-the-scenes look at the comedy world, 'Hacks' is your next must-see. The HBO series follows the prickly mentorship between Deborah Vance, a legendary but fading Las Vegas comedian, and Ava, a sharp-tongued young writer hired to freshen up her act. The dynamic between the two women is pure gold, echoing the complex relationship between Midge and Susie. It explores the grit required to make it in comedy, the sacrifices women make for their careers, and the generational divides in humor, all while being incredibly funny and surprisingly poignant. It's the most direct spiritual successor to 'Maisel' on television right now.
GLOW
For another story about women finding empowerment in the wild world of showbiz, look no further than 'GLOW'. Set in the 1980s, the series follows a group of misfit actresses who become wrestlers in the 'Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling' league. Just like Midge stumbles into stand-up, these women stumble into the ring, discovering a strength and camaraderie they never expected. The show is packed with incredible 80s period details, from the hairstyles to the soundtrack, and at its heart is a story about female friendship and finding your unconventional path to stardom. It has the same vibrant energy and focus on a found family that made 'Maisel' so lovable.
Fleabag
If you crave the sharp, singular voice of a brilliant woman breaking barriers (and occasionally the fourth wall), 'Fleabag' is essential viewing. Created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, this British comedy-drama is a raw, hilarious, and heartbreaking look at one woman's life in London. While the setting is modern and the tone is darker, the DNA is similar to 'Maisel'. Both shows are driven by their creator's unique vision and a central performance that is impossible to look away from. For anyone who appreciated the honest, messy, and deeply funny portrayal of womanhood in 'Maisel', 'Fleabag' is a perfect, albeit more concise, binge.
The Great
Love the lavish period costumes and a story about a woman fighting to make her voice heard in a man's world? Then you will adore 'The Great'. The show bills itself as an 'occasionally true story' about Catherine the Great's rise to power in 18th century Russia. It takes historical facts and infuses them with a sharp, satirical, and decidedly modern sense of humor, much like 'Maisel' romanticizes the 1960s. Elle Fanning's Catherine is an idealistic woman who must learn to be ruthless to survive and enact change. The dialogue is wickedly clever, the costumes are divine, and the story of a woman outsmarting the patriarchy is pure 'Maisel' energy.
Mad Men
For those who were just as captivated by the meticulous midndcentury modern aesthetic of 'Maisel' as they were by the plot, 'Mad Men' is the ultimate destination. While its tone is far more dramatic and contemplative, no show has ever captured the look and feel of the 1960s with such stunning accuracy. More importantly, the journey of Peggy Olson, a secretary who rises to become a brilliant copywriter, is a fantastic parallel to Midge's own professional ascent. Peggy constantly battles sexism and fights for her ideas to be taken seriously, providing a more somber but equally compelling look at a woman breaking into a male dominated field during the same era.
