Compelling TV series inspired by the lives of extraordinary women

Stories inspired by real lives often stay with us longer than fiction. They carry the weight of truth and the emotional complexity of people who actually lived through extraordinary circumstances. Over the past decade, television has brought many such stories to the screen, especially those centred on women whose lives unfolded in dramatic, inspiring, or sometimes heartbreaking ways. (unsplash)

Several of them are available to stream in India across popular platforms, including standout British dramas on BBC Player, Prime Video and Netflix. If you are looking for compelling shows rooted in real events, here are five that deserve a spot on your watchlist. (various platforms)

A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story: One of Britain’s most debated criminal cases takes focus in this gripping drama about Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be executed in the United Kingdom. Set in the 1950s, the series revisits the tragic chain of events that led Ellis to shoot her lover, David Blakely, outside a London pub in 1955. (PR Handout)

Joan: Inspired by the life of notorious British jewel thief Joan Hannington, this stylish crime drama offers a fascinating look at a woman who carved her own path through London’s criminal underworld in the 1980s. (PR Handout)

Maid: Based on the memoir by Stephanie Land, this deeply moving series tells the story of a young mother trying to escape poverty and domestic abuse while building a stable life for her daughter. Margaret Qualley plays Alex, a woman who takes up housekeeping jobs to survive after leaving an abusive relationship. (PR Handout)

Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker: The life of Madam C. J. Walker is a remarkable story of determination and entrepreneurship. Born to formerly enslaved parents, she went on to become one of the first self-made female millionaires in the United States. In this Netflix miniseries, Octavia Spencer brings Walker’s journey to life with a powerful performance. The show was created by Elle Johnson and Janine Sherman Barrois. (PR Handout)

The Crown: Few modern historical dramas have captured global attention like this epic series about the life of Queen Elizabeth II. Created by Peter Morgan for Netflix, the show explores the Queen’s reign across decades, highlighting the tension between personal life and royal duty. (PR Handout)