QUEENS IN THE WILD
More great perspectives on motherhood.
Queens
National Geographic
They’re fierce. Resilient. And female.
National Geographic recently produced a groundbreaking series offering us a rare glimpse of female figures in the animal kingdom. Filmed in their natural habitat, we see how maternal figures use their smarts to ensure the survival of their families. It’s the ultimate story of sacrifice, resilience, friendship and love. They don’t call it Mother Nature for nothing.
Behind the camera, the series is narrated by Angela Bassett — the Queen herself — and helmed by a female-led production team.
As the show tag line goes — all hail the Queens!
- FP
All
Pose
FX
From the moment I watched the pilot, I knew I had encountered a gem that not only showcased the beauty of Black trans and queer folk in NYC's ballroom scene but also spotlighted some of the most invisible versions of motherhood that exist in our society.
Mother Blanca, a woman who morphs from an soft-spoken daughter to the head of the house in her own right, provided such a tender portrayal of mothers who fight for their children no matter what, even when their inner child is still yearning to be seen and heard. She stands in a large, diverse room of other mothers and maternal figures who are fighting to survive in a hostile society that despises their very existence.
This show is great for its layered portrayal of what it means to mother, love, and nurture against all odds, and it deserves your full attention. - NW
Tiny Beautiful Things
Hulu
Adapted from writer Cheryl Strayed’s extraordinary book of advice — which she offered under the pseudonym “Sugar” — “Tiny Beautiful Things” explores the messy relationships of three generations of women.
Claire is “Sugar” navigating raising her teenage biracial daughter while juggling a divorce, unemployment, and grief over losing her mother.
Get your Kleenex — this is an emotional ride that will keep you thinking about your own mom.
You can thank Tori Metcalf for producing this show and giving us free therapy.
- FP
Unladylike2020
PBS
From the early years of feminism, women have broken barriers in fields dominated by men.
In honor of the centennial of women’s suffrage in 2020, this series highlights twenty-six trailblazers who harnessed their inner strength and redefined what it means to be a lady. Their impacts are still recognizable today.
When you watch, look out for
Willa Jones in the credits. She illustrated this issue of WONDERING and produced this series!
- FP