With digital platforms becoming part of our lives, we now have the chance to watch relatively original and independent stories. The stereotypical series content we were used to seeing on national TV channels has started to take on new forms with different flows on these platforms. Thanks to digital platforms, instead of sitting in front of the TV at specific times to watch scheduled programs, we can now enjoy unlimited content whenever, wherever, and on any device we choose. This has opened up a whole new era for both content creators and viewers. With shorter attention spans and the growing habit of quick consumption, shorter content formats have become increasingly popular. Algorithms can analyze users’ interests to provide personalized content that better suits their tastes and needs. New formats like gamified content and live broadcasts, where the audience is actively involved in the story, also allow for more engaging content consumption. In this limitless digital space, it’s now possible to watch series from different cultures all around the world, bringing global stories into our homes.
With the rise in popularity of digital platforms, long-running TV series has been replaced by mini-series or anthology formats, offering a faster-paced and more intense storytelling experience. Themes that are often challenging to portray on mainstream traditional television, such as sexuality, violence, and psychological issues, are now explored through bolder and more original narratives. One of the most significant contributions of these platforms is the increase in series featuring women as lead protagonists, replacing the limited representations often seen before. This richness in stories centered around female characters also fosters a positive impact on gender dynamics. One of the most effective ways to address the debated position of women in society is through positive portrayals in fictional narratives. Characters in visual media, especially in series, are strong fictional constructs with whom viewers form parasocial relationships. Audiences identify with these characters, and depending on the strength of the connection, they may engage in mirroring behavior, emulating their appearance and actions. For this particular reason, it is crucial that fictional characters in visual content are portrayed as heroic and empowering in the context of gender equality, particularly in favor of women. For the younger generation, which makes the majority of digital platform consumers, these media narratives appear to play a key role in shaping attitudes and perspectives on societal gender equality
The female characters in period dramas that have recently emerged on digital platforms possess particularly significant qualities that deserve closer attention.
Lidia Poët, the female character of The Law According to Lidia Poët, is inspired by a real historical figure. As a woman attempting to practice law in Italy, Poët is portrayed as a character ahead of her time. She challenges the patriarchal system and its restrictions, which fail to recognize her achievements. Despite the many obstacles she faces, her determination and intelligence help her overcome them. Since she is not allowed to practice law officially, she works through her brother, Enrico Poët, who is a lawyer, using him as the public face while continuing her work behind the scenes. In the cases she takes on, Lidia demonstrates more courage and intelligence than her brother Enrico and her brother-in-law, journalist Jacopo Barberis, as she uncovers criminals and solves cases. The female character portrayed here is not a passive subject but an active one, taking charge and directs events. She more brave, smart and determined than the male characters shown in the series. Additionally, Lidia refuses to submit to the patriarchal pressures imposed on women of the era. She rejects the idea of marriage and instead supports the concept of free and independent relationships. Even when she experiences romantic relationships, she does not allow them to limit her life or choices. Her rebellion against patriarchal authority serves as an inspiration to other women of her era, influencing their actions and movements. These scenes, seamlessly woven into the series’ narrative, intersect Lidia Poët’s story with the women’s movements, organizations, and actions of the era, further solidifying her character as a heroic figure.
Sara Howard, one of the main characters in The Alienist, is the first female officer in the New York Police Department. Working in a male-dominated institution, she faces verbal harassment and humiliation but refuses to accept such treatment. In the first season, she finds herself deeply involved in events while helping psychologist Laszlo Kreizler and crime reporter John Moore, who have been tasked with catching a killer targeting homeless boys. Sara is determined, brave, and intelligent. In the second season, Sara grows even stronger as she establishes her own private detective agency, a groundbreaking step for that era, as it was highly unusual for a woman to work as a detective. This also reflects the challenges she faces in gaining clients, as women detectives were not seen as trustworthy or reliable. The series shows the female character’s transformation from a detective hired by wealthy families for small cases, such as finding lost pets, to solving a major case that shocks society and surpasses the capabilities of the police.
Sara is also portrayed as a heroine actively involved in the women’s rights movements of the era, helping to organize and support their efforts. She challenges the male-dominated ideology of the time, rejects the institution of marriage, and advocates for independent romantic relationships. Many of the series’ events are resolved through her courage, determination, intelligence, and boldness. Sara’s appearance reflects her character too. Instead of embodying the expectations of women in her social class, who were viewed as objects representing their family’s wealth, she is portrayed as an active subject focused on her actions. Her clothing style avoids emphasizing her upper-class status, featuring masculine-inspired, simple, and functional designs that provide her the freedom to move. These visual details support and enhance her character.
Lady Belle, a female character in The Artful Dodger, stands out as a strong and independent woman, known for her complex relationship with the Artful Dodger and her internal struggles. Lady Belle Fox defies societal expectations and establishes her own rules, adding depth to her character. In the series, Lady Belle is both a significant figure shaping Jack’s life and a powerful character in her own right. She also represents the challenges of being a woman within the societal structures of the time. Her portrayal as a freer and stronger woman compared to others of her era adds a unique dimension to the show.
All three female characters are portrayed with a balanced touch of emotion, yet their feelings never overshadow their passion for their professions. The female characters are portrayed as having no shortcomings compared to the male characters in terms of intelligence, courage, and determination; in fact, they are often depicted as excelling in these qualities Instead of focusing on physical beauty, their actions are guided by their intellectual qualities in the narrative. These women break away from traditional stereotypes, portrayed as successful individuals thriving in the strict, male-dominated world of the 19th century. They are even depicted as sources of inspiration, sparking the flame of rebellion for women seeking freedom.
Each of these three female characters are rebellious heroines who perform actions far ahead of their time, carve out space for themselves both professionally and in daily life, and boldly defy patriarchal rules.
Written by Mert Gürer & Zeynep Gürer, this article was featured in Episode Magazine’s Content Americas 2025 & Natpe Global 2025 issue.
