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Entertainment

11 Must-Watch TV Shows Starring Beautiful and Talented Women Over 50

By Jess Catcher
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We love and encourage any woman who refuses to let their age stop them from shining her brightest. That’s why seeing actresses over 50 gracing our TV screens on a regular basis fills us with such an inspiring mixture of respect and pride. Thankfully, it’s becoming more and more common with seriously talented women dominating the entertainment industry and starring on some of the best shows out there. 

Whether you’re in the mood for a comedy, drama, or a mixture of both genres, you can find amazing female-driven series to choose from that clearly don’t discriminate against age. In fact, you might already be a big fan of one of the best shows starring an actress over 50 without even realizing.

Take a look to see all the best shows on TV starring women over 50!

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    How to Get Away with Murder

    A Shonda Rhimes original, How to Get Away with Murder follows Viola Davis (54) as Annalise Keating, a law professor and practicing lawyer. In the first season, she selects students to work directly with her and the title's mysterious murder occurs. The ensemble cast focuses on many younger players as well, but it's no question that this is Davis' show. 

    Where to Watch: Netflix, Hulu, and upcoming episodes on ABC

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    Veep

    The ever-hilarious Julia Louis-Dreyfus (58) has brought the laughs since her breakthrough role on Seinfeld. In her turn as Vice President Selina Meyer, the series takes a cynical and satirical look at politics. Her whole bumbling, occasionally competent staff rounds out the ensemble cast. Warning: The dialogue is heavy on the profanities, but it's all part of the charm. 

    Where to Watch: HBO

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    Glow

    Season three of the series, which is a fictionalized take on the actual Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling show from the 80s, includes Geena Davis (63) as a former Las Vegas showgirl. The character worked her way up to owning her own casino which hosts the wrestling show throughout the season. Davis also gets the chance to slip into a stunning showgirl costume and show off just how gorgeous she is, too.

    Where to Watch: Netflix

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    One Day at a Time

    This update on the classic '70s series tackles the issues of a single mom, played by Justine Machado, raising her two rebellious teens with her dramatic, over-the-top mother all under the same roof. Rita Moreno (87) co-stars as the proud Cuban mother and grandmother, shown in the photo above with young actor Marcel Ruiz Pérez, who plays her grandson. 

    Where to Watch: Catch this original on Netflix. 

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    Schitt's Creek

    Catherine O'Hara (65) joins forces with her SCTV co-star Eugene Levy (posing with her in the photo above) for this quirky comedy about an insanely rich family who's lost practically everything and must move to the titular town they once purchased as a joke. The entire ensemble shines, but O'Hara's take on former soap opera actress Moira Rose is unlike any character you've ever seen on TV. 

    Where to Watch: Amazon Prime and Netflix for seasons 1-4, Pop TV for season 5 and upcoming episodes

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    Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

    The oh-so-bingeable crime drama has been on for 20 years with Mariska Hargitay (55) starring as Detective Olivia Benson. The talented actress has pulled on our heartstrings with all the intense emotional storylines over the years. She has also proved her skills behind the camera as the director of six episodes.

    Where to Watch: Netflix, Hulu, and upcoming episodes NBC 

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    Grace and Frankie

    Jane Fonda (81) and Lily Tomlin (79) are both forces to be reckoned with — and when they team up as Grace and Frankie, there's adventures and trouble to be had. After finding out their respective husbands are leaving both of them to be in a relationship together, the two women move into the beach house their families have always shared and, despite occasional pushback, eventually grow close. 

    Where to Watch: Netflix

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    Divorce

    Despite what the title might make you think, this is actually a comedy series. Sarah Jessica Parker (54) stars as Frances, a woman navigating life after separating from her husband of over ten years (played by Thomas Haden Church). Like Sex and the City, her character relies on her friends to help her through the tough times — and celebrate the good ones.

    Where to Watch: HBO 

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    The Crown

    For the third season of the critically-acclaimed series, Helena Bonham Carter (53) is taking over the role of Princess Margaret. The fictional version of the British royal family got a complete casting makeover between the previous season and season three premiering on November 17, 2019. Fun fact: Olivia Colman is stepping in as Queen Elizabeth, Margaret's older sister, but is actually eight years younger than Bonham Carter. 

    Where to Watch: Netflix

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    Big Little Lies

    The first season of this show centered around a mysterious death that kept you guessing until the final episode. The ensemble of talented actresses includes Nicole Kidman (52) and Laura Dern (52), proving that age means nothing when it comes to incredible performances. In season two, the upped the ante by adding the legendary Meryl Streep (70) to the cast as Kidman's scene-stealing mother-in-law. There's been no confirmation on a third season, but fans are hopeful.

    Where to Watch: HBO Go

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    Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

    In the longest-running television series of the Marvel universe, Ming Na Wen (55) proves to have moves that rival her animated Disney character in Mulan. From the stunts she manages to pull-off better than someone half her age to the steely glares that say more than words, Wen's portrayal of Agent Melinda May is not someone who's bad side you ever want to be on.

    Where to Watch: Netflix, Hulu, and ABC

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