If Intersectional Feminism and Diversity Is What You’re Looking For, “The Bold Type” Could Be Your New Favorite Show
When you decide to watch a new television show about three young women working for a fashion magazine while living in New York , you wouldn’t expect it to cover hard-hitting political and cultural topics. That kind of plot twist is exactly what one will find in watching Freeform’s latest hit show, The Bold Type, amidst all of the more lighthearted stories of forbidden relationships and designer clothes, of course.
The Bold Type focuses on the lives of Kat, Sutton and Jane, all twenty-somethings working for Scarlet magazine. Scarlet is loosely based on Cosmopolitan, as the whole show is supposed to be a representation of the women who work at Cosmopolitan.
With different positions at Scarlet, such as social media director (Kat), fashion assistant (Sutton) and writer (Jane), viewers can get a glimpse into multiple aspects of the type of work that goes into a fashion magazine. Seeing all of the adventures these three face at Scarlet shows the more glamorous Sex and the City-like aspect of the show. However, there is so much more to it than fashion weeks and photo shoots.
Many newer television shows have their token feminist character, but the feminism portrayed is typically very watered down and non-intersectional. On The Bold Type, the characters explore all aspects of feminism and keep it inclusive.
One of the main characters, Kat, finds herself exploring her sexuality with Adena, a Muslim photographer Kat interviewed for the magazine. Both Kat and Adena are women of color, which in itself has made them a fan-favorite couple for being the type of relationship rarely portrayed on TV. In their storyline alone, there is LGBTQ+ representation as well as racial diversity.
In today’s political climate, a show meant for young women that discusses issues such as immigration, racism and surviving sexual assault is more than important. The show is realistic, and it lets viewers know that it’s okay to stand up for yourself at work, in relationships and in life.
The reality of The Bold Type was a big focus for those in charge. According to The Atlantic, “the show’s writers and producers apparently spent time, during the creation process, at the actual Cosmopolitan offices in Manhattan, getting a feel for the place and its people and its rhythms.” This is what causes so many viewers to relate to and feel connected to the show.
With an average of 313,000 viewers per episode via tvseriesfinale.com, the show created a lot of buzz. The official hashtag #TheBoldTypeChat trends on Twitter every Tuesday during the episode premieres, as many people actively discuss the show online.
Freeform has not announced whether or not The Bold Type will be renewed for a second season, but it could be plausible based on the views and ratings the show received. A second season would provide millennial women with more representation than most shows at the moment are portraying.
With a strong message of feminism and inclusion for women of all races, religions and sexualities, viewers are left feeling empowered after every episode. The characters are easy to relate to, and of course the fashion is to die for. What more could you ask for in a TV show?
Though the first season premiered its finale in early September, all episodes are available for binge-watching on Hulu. Time to get your intersectional feminism on; Jane, Kat and Sutton will surely make you feel like the ultimate girl boss.
