'Riot Women' Presents a Band of Menopausal Rockers
Sally Wainwright’s newest series follows a group of menopausal women who form a rock band, reflecting many of the themes familiar to Wainwright’s storytelling style. In today’s on-demand entertainment world, the concept of Appointment TV may seem outdated, yet for fans, a new show by Sally Wainwright remains eagerly anticipated.
Wainwright’s Signature Themes and Style
Regular visitors to this site likely know Wainwright from Gentleman Jack, her acclaimed portrayal of the fast-walking lesbian diarist Anne Lister. Her other celebrated works, including the warm comedy-drama Last Tango in Halifax and the gritty crime drama Happy Valley, have established her among the leading British showrunners.
As a writer, director, and producer, Wainwright consistently centers women's experiences. Her work blends sharp Yorkshire humor with a range of tones—from warm family moments to intense, dark drama.
Focus on Women and Queer Representation
Wainwright’s large, female-led casts often include queer women, reflecting both narrative choice and the probability in diverse storytelling. Given this pattern, the announcement of Riot Women, which focuses on a group of menopausal women forming a band in Hebden Bridge—known informally as Britain’s lesbian capital—strongly suggested a new, vibrant sapphic presence in weekly television.
“Wainwright always foregrounds women’s experiences, with broad strokes of sharp, Yorkshire wit and a palette that runs from warmth to steely grit, light family hijinks to the darkest basements of humanity.”
Her new project promises to continue these traditions, blending humor, grit, and queer representation in a fresh setting.
Summary: Sally Wainwright’s Riot Women explores menopausal women forming a rock band, continuing her focus on strong female stories enriched with queer representation and Yorkshire humor.