The rise of digital content has increased dramatically over the last few years. Web series can serve as a home for topics that aren’t represented within mainstream media: LGBTQ issues, diversity in cast ensembles, and stories going untold. Budgets might not be as big in web series as in mainstream series and films, but less money doesn’t equal worse quality — there’s a lot of amazing work being done in the format. In the age of crowdfunding and digital platforms, the ability to create or support what we want to see represented on our screens is becoming more readily available. These five picks for the best web series of the year represent diversity on and off screen, in-depth narratives, and the power of women filmmakers.
“Her Story” — Co-Written by Jen Richards and Laura Zak; Directed by Sydney Freeland
This year has seen highs and lows for LGBTQ characters, but “Her Story” ascends as a distinctive addition to the web series community. When “Her Story” premiered in January, it addressed the misrepresentation of trans stories in media. Rather than painting the characters as tragic or a punchline, the series gave realistic and complex insights intoto their lives. The series follows two trans women, Violet (Jen Richards) and Paige (Angelica Ross), as they face love and label identity. “Her Story” is a Gotham Award-winning series and was nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama category. It is our hope that, with the critical acclaim and success of the series, the industry will take notice of the importance of telling in-depth and relatable trans stories. Catch up on all of season one of “Her Story” on YouTube.
“Ladies Room” — Written by Ratnabali Bhattacharjee and Neha Kaul
Ever wonder what happens when a group of women flock to the bathroom together? “Ladies Room” takes viewers into the lives of two best friends, Dingo (Saba Azad) and Khanna (Shreya Dhanwanthary), as they rant, smoke, and deal with drama throughout six different bathrooms. The Indian web series applies the often male-dominated raunchy humor to women and proves that bathroom humor shouldn’t be limited to one gender. Season 1 is now available on YouTube.
“Womanhood” — Created by Jo Firestone, Aparna Nancheria, and Julie Miller
Refinery29’s web series “Womanhood” presents deadpan(and sometimes questionable) advice on navigating womanhood. The hosts, Jo Firestone and Aparna Nancheria, tackle topics like “How to Get Waxed Like Miss America” and “Menopause: The Start Of Your Body Entering Witchhood,” that are sure to make viewers love the whimsical advice. The premise suggests that “stereotypical” women’s moments can be approached with a sense of humor and help empower us, regardless of how they’re delivered. The series currently plays on RIOT’s channel on YouTube.
“What’s Underneath” — Created by Elisa Goodkind and Lily Mandelbaum
StyleLikeU, the mother-daughter team of Lily Mandelbaum and Elisa Goodkind, started the “What’s Underneath” project to open up discussions of beauty standards and loving who you are rather than obsessing over what you look like. This season, the team decided to expand the series outside of the U.S. and take the project globally to gain a broader perspective about beauty standards and create meaningful conversations. The team traveled to London and spoke with eight women about image issues and the struggles they have faced, including racism, mental health, and sexual assault. The stories told in “What’s Underneath” are so important for everyone to hear: The goal is to understand and appreciate the various meanings of beauty. The videos are available to watch on StyleLikeU’s YouTube channel.
“Carmilla”(Season 3)— Co-Created and written by Jordan Hall; Written by Tamara Moulin; Developed by Jordan Hall and Ellen Simpson; Directed by Spencer Maybee; Produced by Steph Ouaknine, Jay Bennett, and Melanie Windle
The popular web series returned this year for a third and final season. KindaTV’s “Carmilla,” based on the vampire novella written by Sheridan Le Fanu, features an amazing cast. Season 1 premiered two years ago, and the web series world was charmed by the quirky vlog style. “Carmilla” introduced viewers to a perky journalism student, Laura Hollis (Elise Bauman), and the broody vampire, Carmilla Karnstein (Natasha Negovanlis), as their lives became entangled with all things strange at Silas University. Season 3 finds Laura and Carmilla at odds as they attempt to navigate their feelings for each other and try to save the world from Carmilla’s mother, the Dean (Annie Briggs), who is attempting to open the Gates of Hell.
The series has nearly 50 million views, a Canadian Screen Award, and a plethora of loyal fans, better known as #Creampuffs. While the series has ended after Season 3, the story will continue as a movie, which can be pre-ordered at VHX. Seasons 1–3 are available on YouTube.
