Few lead roles existed for women in the early days of television. It took the social and cultural upheavals of the late 1960s to level the playing field, when the portrayal of women on the small screen began to change for the better. But it took time. Greater opportunities for actresses eventually presented themselves, with female roles becoming more relevant, more diverse, and more essential. In time, television shows were being made with an all-female cast. Ultimately, women began to headline some of the best television productions in the world.
Click through for an appreciation of some of the most empowering female-led TV shows ever made.