GLOW
If you love watching a woman break into an unconventional field, meet the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. Set in the vibrant, neon-soaked 1980s, GLOW follows a group of misfit actresses who find unlikely fame in the world of women's wrestling. Like Midge,
protagonist Ruth Wilder (Alison Brie) is an ambitious performer determined to carve her own path in show business. The show perfectly balances over-the-top comedy with real heart, exploring female friendships and rivalries with the same depth that defines Midge and Susie's essential partnership.
Hacks
This might be the most direct successor to the Maisel throne. Hacks explores the complex mentorship between a legendary, acid-tongued Las Vegas comedian, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), and a young, entitled comedy writer (Hannah Einbinder) hired to freshen up her act. The show is a masterclass in sharp, hilarious dialogue and a poignant look at the sacrifices women make for their careers in entertainment. The generational clash and eventual bond between the two leads feel like a spiritual continuation of Midge and Susie's dynamic.
The Great
For those who adore Midge's defiant spirit but want a darker, more satirical edge, The Great is a perfect fit. Billed as an "anti-historical" comedy, it follows the rise of Catherine the Great (Elle Fanning) in 18th-century Russia. While the period is different, the core theme is the same: an idealistic and incredibly intelligent woman finds herself in a world run by buffoonish men and decides to take over. The humor is anachronistic and razor-sharp, celebrating a woman's ambition with a mischievous wink. Huzzah!
Mad Men
No list of this kind would be complete without the other prestige drama that defined mid-century New York. While tonally more somber, Mad Men shares Maisel's impeccable 1960s production design, period-perfect costumes, and exploration of a society on the cusp of massive change. It delves into the world of advertising, another high-stakes New York industry. Watching Peggy Olson's journey from secretary to star copywriter offers a more dramatic, but equally compelling, look at a woman fighting for professional respect in a man's world.
Julia
If you love Midge for her trailblazing spirit, you'll be charmed by Julia. The series chronicles how the legendary Julia Child (played brilliantly by Sarah Lancashire) brought French cooking to American television in the 1960s. Like Midge, Julia is a woman with infectious passion who pioneers a new space on TV, facing skepticism from male executives who don't understand her appeal. The show is warm, witty, and a delightful portrait of a loving marriage and a woman finding a powerful new purpose later in life.
Why Women Kill
This dark comedy anthology series from Marc Cherry explores the lives of three women in three different decades who all live in the same Pasadena mansion and deal with infidelity. What connects it to Maisel is its vibrant, highly stylized aesthetic and its focus on women navigating societal expectations. The first season, in particular, features a 1960s housewife (Ginnifer Goodwin) whose journey of self-discovery after learning of her husband's affair, while much darker, echoes Midge's own awakening.
Feud: Capote vs. The Swans
For fans of high-society glamour, cutting remarks, and the lost world of mid-century New York, this is essential viewing. The series details how author Truman Capote betrayed his closest friends—a group of elite socialites he called his "Swans"—by publishing their scandalous secrets. While more of a drama, it shares Maisel's obsession with immaculate period detail, the power of words, and the intricate social codes of a bygone era. It's a masterclass in witty, cruel dialogue and showcases the polished surfaces and rotten cores of the ultra-wealthy.
Call the Midwife
Set in London's East End beginning in the late 1950s, this long-running BBC drama offers a different, yet equally compelling, look at women's lives during the same era as Maisel. The series follows a group of nurse midwives and nuns from Nonnatus House. While more of a heartfelt drama, it is rich with period detail and centers on a strong female ensemble cast navigating the personal and professional challenges of their time. It beautifully captures the changing social landscape and the resilience of women in a world that often overlooks them.
