Exhausted everything on your Netflix to-watch list? Good news, couch potatoes. The new series GLOW drops on Friday, June 23 on the streaming service and we could not be more excited.
There’s a lot to love about the show inspired by the all-female, low-budget 1980s TV show, theGorgeous Ladies of Wrestling.
But here are just five reasons why the comedy-drama series will be your next Netflix obsession.
The wrestlers in the ring. Netflix
1. GLOW is inspired by an incredible true story
The series is a fictionalised account of the cult ’80s all-female wrestling show and follows out-of-work actress Ruth (Alison Brie) who joins the league. Ruth and the team of misfits learn about body-slams, head-locks, OTT costumes and how to make ‘fake’ wrestling look pretty damn real. Can we sign up too?
Ruth before her wrestling transformation. Netflix
2. The cast!
Actual angel Alison Brie is sensational (as we expected) as a drama-nerd turned kick-ass female wrestler in GLOW. “Alison Brie fought like a maniac for this role, and it was so inspiring,” co-creator Liz Flahive has said.
Comedian and podcast legend Marc Maron brings plenty of laughs, and the ensemble cast is rounded out by Betty Gilpin, Sydelle Noel, Jackie Tohn, Britney Young and Kia Stevens. Mad Men fans will also get a kick out of seeing Rich Sommer (aka Harry Crane) play opposite Brie, who was pitch perfect as Trudy Campbell.
The perfect ’80s work out in GLOW. Netflix
3. It’s a masterclass in mid-’80s nostalgia
High-cut spandex leotards? Check. The mom jeans of your dreams? Check. Hair bigger than Donald Trump’s ego? Check! Let’s face it, we could watch this with the sound off and just enjoy the OTT ’80s fashion choices.
Obsessed with Orange Is The New Black? You’ve come to the right place, then, take a seat. GLOW is produced by OITNB’s Jenji Kohan and Tara Herrmann, and was co-created by Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch.
Wrestling in the ring. Netflix
5. It tackles female empowerment—quite literally
While female wrestling in the ’80s certainly played upon skimpy outfits and tired stereotypes, it’s actually mighty empowering to see the GLOW team train.
“Empowerment versus exploitation: they were both there. That’s what makes it interesting,” Liz Flahive told Vanity Fair.
The GLOW team are hungry for meaty female roles and have a never-ending need to be challenged. And no one takes no for an answer. If you’re not convinced, take Ruth’s acting audition in the opening scene, when she decides to read the male role instead of the secretary part.
“What I’m interested in are real parts,” she explains. “Not secretaries telling powerful men their wives are on line two.”
And we can assure you there are plenty of real parts for women in GLOW. See you in the ring!
