Women’s History Month: 15 most influential women in TV history

HBO

Laverne Cox

Looking at Cox’s list of firsts and accomplishments is pretty impressive. She’s most famously known for her role as Sophia on Orange is the New Black (2013) and as Sheena on The Mindy Project.

She was the first openly transgender woman to produce her own show, TRANSform Me (2010). She was the first openly transgendered person to be nominated for an Emmy Award and to appear on the cover of Time Magazine. She’s a trans-rights advocated, producing documentaries about the trans community.

She also writes a column for the Huffington Post. She is a true pioneer in an industry that, despite the surging feminist revolution and #MeToo ethos, tends to forget that trans women are women too.

Samantha Bee

Samantha Bee is amazing. For two years she was the only female correspondent on The Daily Show (1996) and was also its longest-running correspondent (2003-2015). She left The Daily Show to host her own late-night political satire show, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (2016).

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For a time she was the only woman in late night. Even now, she’s still one of the few. Her series has received positive critical reviews and even causes some delightful controversy from time to time.

The show has recently been renewed through 2020. Bee was also named one of Times 100 most influential people in 2017. In addition to dishing out sharp political satire, Bee also writes/produces the comedy series The Detour (2016).

DO you have anyone you would add to this list of the 15 most influential women in TV?  Keep the conversation going in the comments section below and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook & Twitter for more on your favorite shows!