10 Women Who Changed TV Forever

Throughout the history of television, women have been essential to its success, both as performers and creators. Many of the most popular and critically acclaimed shows with female leads are also made by women working behind the scenes. From the earliest days of TV to today’s streaming hits, women have consistently shaped the medium and created some of the greatest shows ever made.

Candice Bergen

Murphy Brown (1988-1998)

I loved watching Candice Bergen as Murphy Brown! The show definitely reminded me of classics like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, but it was so much bolder. Before that, most female characters on TV were supposed to be sweet and easy to like. But Murphy Brown was different – she was a single woman over 40 who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, even if it meant being a little difficult. It was refreshing to see a woman like that on screen!

Murphy was a leading figure on the popular news magazine show FYI, and she quickly became part of the team, breaking barriers to become a highly respected journalist. The show wasn’t afraid to tackle political issues, and in 1992, Murphy’s choice to become a single mother became a national talking point during the presidential election.

Murphy Brown was groundbreaking because it featured a female lead who stayed true to herself, rather than trying to please everyone. This opened doors for more realistic and complicated female characters on television, influencing shows like Sex and the City and Ally McBeal.

Carol Burnett

The Carol Burnett Show (1967-1978)

Carol Burnett revolutionized TV comedy with her show, The Carol Burnett Show, which aired from 1967 to 1978. She was a pioneer as the first woman to host a comedy-variety series – and remains one of only a few – and used her show to change expectations for women in comedy on television.

The show started with the playful spirit of vaudeville, mixing short comedic scenes, funny takes on movies, and lively musical performances. This created a unique feel – it was like a stage show, but also felt personal and close to the audience. In her most memorable roles, the star wasn’t afraid to be silly and use big physical humor, making the audience feel like they were part of the fun. Her comedy was special because she combined over-the-top silliness with genuine emotion, making even the most ridiculous scenes feel real and relatable.

Carol Burnett was a pioneer of the comedy sketch show, and she did it while succeeding in a field mostly run by men – all with a lot of grace and confidence. Her influence can still be seen today, particularly in the character of Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart in the show Hacks, who clearly takes cues from Burnett’s bold and powerful performance style. In fact, Burnett herself made a memorable appearance as a guest star on season four of Hacks.

Diahann Carroll

Julia (1968-1971)

Diahann Carroll’s show, Julia, which premiered in 1968, was groundbreaking. She played Julia Baker, a widowed nurse and single mother, and it was the first American TV series to star a Black woman in the leading role as someone other than a servant or enslaved person.

Although some criticized the show for avoiding politics and playing it safe, that careful approach was due to the huge responsibility of portraying Black women on mainstream television. The show’s main character, Julia, presented a fresh image: a Black woman who was intelligent, self-sufficient, and easy to connect with, balancing her professional life with family.

While Julia didn’t directly confront widespread inequalities, it paved the way for shows like Scandal and Insecure, which later featured strong, independent Black female leads. The show remains important because it demonstrated that a series could succeed with a Black woman as the central character, and it broadened how Black women were portrayed on TV.

Mindy Kaling

The Office (2005-2013), The Mindy Project (2012-2017), Never Have I Ever (2020-2023)

Mindy Kaling is known for her unique comedic style, which combines clever humor with relatable, often chaotic, romantic stories. She first gained recognition on The Office, where she excelled as both an actress and a writer, and was, notably, the sole female writer in the first season.

Like Tina Fey, Mindy Kaling gained prominence with The Mindy Project, a charming but flawed series where she played a version of herself – a doctor focused on finding love. This success led her to become a powerful force both in front of and behind the camera.

As a fan, I’ve been so impressed with Mindy Kaling’s shows! Never Have I Ever and The Sex Lives of College Girls are amazing because they honestly and hilariously portray the dating lives of young Asian American women – something we just don’t see enough of. What I really love is that her characters are smart and driven, but also totally allowed to be messy, romantic, and yes, even openly sexual! She just lets them be fully realized people. And her latest project, Running Point with Kate Hudson, is a really fun sports comedy on Netflix – she’s clearly got a knack for making shows I want to watch.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Seinfeld (1989-1998), The New Adventures Of Old Christine (2006-2010), Veep (2012-2019)

As a huge TV fan, I’ve always been impressed with Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Everyone remembers her from Seinfeld, of course, but what really stands out to me is how she kept working in television even after that show ended. A lot of her Seinfeld co-stars moved on to movies, but Julia really seemed to love the long-form nature of TV – the chance to really live with a character and be part of a team telling a story over many episodes. It’s a commitment I really admire.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is well-known for playing Christine Campbell in The New Adventures of Old Christine for five seasons. However, she truly re-established herself as a comedic force with her award-winning performance as Selina Meyer in Veep. Her work on Veep changed what audiences expected from female characters in smart, politically-themed comedies.

For decades, Louis-Dreyfus has broadened the types of comedic roles available to women. Her influence comes from consistently delivering great performances over a long period, rather than one groundbreaking moment. It’s unfortunate that recently, she’s been somewhat sidelined, mostly appearing as the somewhat awkwardly named Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine in Marvel movies, with a few independent films mixed in.

Mary Tyler Moore

The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977), The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966)

I remember watching Mary Tyler Moore on The Dick Van Dyke Show and loving her, but she really became a star when she got her own show. The Mary Tyler Moore Show felt so different from anything else on TV at the time. It was amazing to see a woman on screen who wasn’t focused on finding a husband – she was single, working, and living her own life, and it felt really important, especially during that time when women were starting to demand more independence.

The sitcom was a critical and commercial success, praised for its well-developed, relatable characters and clever writing. It won an impressive 29 Primetime Emmy Awards, including three consecutive wins for Outstanding Comedy Series, and its star, Moore, received the Outstanding Lead Actress award three times. The show’s popularity also led to three successful spin-offs: Rhoda, Phyllis, and Lou Grant.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show was a groundbreaking comedy that had a lasting impact on television. It paved the way for shows like Murphy Brown and Designing Women and continues to influence comedy today. Mary Tyler Moore’s genuine warmth and intelligence helped redefine workplace comedies, making them feel more personal and relatable.

Marta Kauffman

Friends (1994-2004), Grace And Frankie (2015-2022)

Though you might not recognize her name, Marta Kauffman has had a huge impact on television, particularly through her work on the hit show Friends. She co-created the series, which was famous for the strong connection between its main actors. In fact, the six stars of Friends felt so strongly about working as a team that they all negotiated their salaries together.

Years later, Kauffman created Grace and Frankie, a unique show that focuses on the lives of older women, looking at themes of love, friendship, and starting over. Throughout her career, Kauffman has consistently supported women’s stories and shown that comedy can be both intelligent and emotionally resonant, especially when built around a strong group of characters.

Her work proves that television can be both hugely popular and meaningful. While many shows have attempted to replicate the success of Friends, none have managed to capture the same magic. Kauffman has not only created space for diverse stories about women of all ages, but also changed the way writers and producers approach group dynamics and narratives centered around female characters.

Reese Witherspoon

Big Little Lies (2017-2019), The Morning Show (2019-Present)

Reese Witherspoon is a leader in today’s entertainment industry, leveraging her fame to create a successful production company, Hello Sunshine, that champions stories about women. Hello Sunshine has been instrumental in the rise of high-quality, shorter-run TV series, drawing top actors and filmmakers with its commitment to compelling narratives.

Initially, projects benefited from Reese Witherspoon’s star power, but she’s since become known for her excellent taste in material. The success of Big Little Lies, particularly its second season, changed how books are adapted for television. Hello Sunshine, Witherspoon’s production company, has created popular shows like the acclaimed adaptation of Daisy Jones & the Six, proving her dedication to showcasing stories about women.

Reese Witherspoon has transformed television by combining her celebrity, careful production choices, and a dedication to telling stories about women. She’s demonstrated that shows and movies focused on female characters can be both popular with audiences and critically acclaimed. Is that really so surprising?

Shonda Rhimes

Grey’s Anatomy (2005-present), Scandal (2012-2018), Bridgerton (2020-present)

Shonda Rhimes started her career writing movies like Crossroads and The Princess Diaries 2, but she became famous as the creator of compelling TV dramas. These shows were known for their intense storylines and characters with complicated personalities. Grey’s Anatomy, which first aired in 2005, successfully combined medical cases with dramatic personal relationships and is still popular today.

Shonda Rhimes became known for creating popular, serialized dramas like Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder that specifically attracted female viewers, offering an alternative to football on Thursday nights. Netflix then signed her to a major deal, resulting in successful shows such as Bridgerton, a steamy and updated take on Regency-era romance, and Inventing Anna, which was a different type of story for her, generating a lot of discussion.

Shonda Rhimes’ shows are known for featuring a wide range of complex characters, dramatic relationships, quick-witted conversations, and emotionally satisfying moments. Her signature style combines stories of strength and drive with ongoing plots that skillfully mix suspense, comedy, and genuine emotion.

Lucille Ball

I Love Lucy (1951-1957), Star Trek (1966-1969)

Lucille Ball fundamentally changed television. Her hit sitcom, I Love Lucy, pioneered the use of multiple cameras and a live studio audience, bringing the lively spirit of vaudeville to a new medium.

While the show was inspired by Lucille Ball’s own marriage, she insisted on founding Desilu Studios – named after her and her husband – to allow her to depict an interracial marriage on television, which was a daring decision at the time. Desilu Studios ultimately had a significant impact that extended well beyond just comedy shows.

Desilu Productions was a pioneer in television, funding iconic shows like the original Star Trek. It also launched the Mission: Impossible franchise – the popular Tom Cruise films wouldn’t have been possible without the original Mission: Impossible TV series, which Desilu financed and produced.

Lucille Ball was a remarkably talented woman who blended comedic timing, visual gags, and smart business sense, allowing her to influence the entertainment world as both a performer and a producer. Even if she was known solely for the famous chocolate factory scene in I Love Lucy, her contributions to television and film would still be considered groundbreaking and would continue to inspire comedy and production for years to come.

2026-04-04 19:43