For years, many in Hollywood have said that there is an unwritten rule that means that there are few great roles for women in their 40s and 50s. It’s a trope for good reason, as too often women have had great roles in their 20s and 30s, then find that there is a dearth of great parts until they can play grandmothers. Lately, I’ve noticed a bunch of roles, especially on the 2026 TV schedule, that buck that trend. I’m talking about shows like The White Lotus, Paradise, and DTF St. Louis. Here’s what I’ve seen from women on those shows.
