Watch GLOW

GLOW is a comedy-drama series by Netflix that follows a fictionalized story of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW), a real-life women's professional wrestling promotion from the 1980s. The show features an ensemble cast of talented actors such as Alison Brie, Marc Maron, Betty Gilpin, Sydelle Noel, Britt Baron, and many others.

The show starts with Ruth Wilder (Brie), an aspiring actress who struggles to land a job in Los Angeles. She soon learns about an open casting call for a new women's wrestling TV show called GLOW, created by down-on-his-luck director Sam Sylvia (Maron). Ruth auditions for the role of the lead villain, and her audition partner is her former best friend Debbie Eagan (Gilpin), who is struggling with the recent end of her marriage to a soap opera star.

Debbie and Ruth's relationship is strained, to say the least, and these strained dynamics are at the core of the show. The two women's different worldviews give the show room to explore complex issues of friendship, betrayal, and female empowerment.

While the first season initially explores these relationships, it ultimately is a family story. The actresses come together as a group of talented and outsized personalities that all support each other through the trials and tribulations of the production process. The show is equal parts about the behind-the-scenes world of television production as it is about the outrageous wrestling performances.

Meanwhile, Sam oversees the training of the wrestlers and the production of the show while struggling with his own demons, in particular, his drug addiction. He is a talented and tortured genius who believes that GLOW is his one last chance to create something substantial.

The show has a well-written script and excellent performances. Alison Brie's portrayal of Ruth is convincing, and she captures the character's vulnerability and inner turmoil well. Betty Gilpin gives a terrific performance as Debbie, her character's struggle with self-worth, and coming to terms with her change in life circumstances is heart-wrenching. Marc Maron as the gruff director is hilarious and every bit the auteur you might expect from a devoted cinephile, yet oddly endearing.

The production design and costumes of the first season are amazing. The show creates a specific 80s' atmosphere with a great soundtrack and iconic hairstyles and fashions that serve as a reminder of just how far we have come culturally.

The show also features strong female characters who subvert cultural expectations and explore gender identity in a powerful and meaningful way. The show highlights the complexities of being a woman in a male-dominated industry and how one can use that dynamic to take ownership of their lives and their bodies. It's rare to see a show explore female sexuality and the complexities of power dynamics with such care.

Overall, GLOW is an incredibly entertaining show that balances drama and humor well. It's a well-crafted, funny, and poignant show that features nuanced characters and an engaging plot. As the episodes progress, the show takes on more significant themes beyond wrestling and establishes itself as a show with a heart.

Seasons one and two are must-watch TV for fans of the 80s, female-driven comedies, and behind-the-scenes content. This show celebrates the camaraderie of women in the face of adversity and will leave you feeling empowered and ready for the next fight. No need to dust off your neon legwarmers, just queue up GLOW on Netflix and let the crazy story and uncanny performances transport you back to the days of big hair, big personalities, and even bigger wrestling moves.

GLOW is a series that ran for 5 seasons (70 episodes) between June 23, 2017 and on Netflix