American Woman

American Woman is a 2018 television drama series that aired on Paramount Network. Portrayed by the highly versatile Alicia Silverstone, the series centers on a woman named Bonnie Nolan who finds herself on a path of exploration, discovery, and rebellion in an era when women's voices were beginning to be heard loudly in public settings. The show takes place in 1970s Beverly Hills and takes a deep dive into the second wave of feminism, a time when women were essentially fighting for equality, as well as striving for new-found independence and liberation.

Bonnie Nolan is a mother of two who is living an ostensible life of luxury, married to a prosperous real estate developer. She is a prototypical Beverly Hills housewife, devoted to maintaining an immaculate household, raising her children, and supporting her husband's career. However, the seeming paradise of her life is undone by her husband's infidelity. This unforeseen situation exacerbates Bonnie's life, leading her to break free from her marriage and embark on a journey of self-discovery and independence.

Throughout the series, Bonnie is confronted with a multitude of challenges which force her to redefine her identity outside of her marriage. As a single mother and woman, Bonnie confronts societal preconceptions and stereotypes of the era. Her divorce leads her into new territory: she must carve a new professional path, a departure from the traditional roles she was accustomed to. This multi-dimensional character captures the essence of navigating societal expectations and boundaries of the time, and channels the spirit of liberation, resilience, and female empowerment.

Accompanying Bonnie are her best friends, the astute and sassy Kathleen (played by Mena Suvari) and the carefree Diana (Jennifer Bartels). These characters along with Bonnie, represent the wave of feminism sweeping over the society of that time. Kathleen is a wealthy woman who desires to break away from her dependency on men and seeks to establish herself as a powerful businesswoman. On the other hand, Diana leads a buttoned-up life owing to her job in a bank, yet aspires to emancipate from the shackles of societal expectations to live freely. The personal journeys of each woman show different facets of feminism and the struggle for agency over their own lives.

Besides the plot's primary focus on feminism and the liberation movement, American Woman also navigatively explores themes of friendship, motherhood, and love. These themes continuously arise as Bonnie encounters difficulties and celebrates triumphs while newly single, and the strong bond between Bonnie, Kathleen, and Diana underscores the importance of friendship and mutual support for women facing similar challenges.

Moreover, the series is a visual treat, impeccably capturing the 1970s aesthetic. Attention to detail in the era's fashion, music, interior design, and overall culture further immerses the audience into this compelling period piece. Costume designer Judy Gellman did not spare any effort in recreating accurate and elaborate 70s fashion. From high-waisted pants to bold patterned dresses, the wardrobe choices perfectly evoke the styles of the period, while also reflecting each character's unique personality.

American Woman was created by John Riggi, whose distinguished career as a writer and producer includes the high-profile comedy series "30 Rock". Riggi drew inspiration from the life of Hollywood royalty, Kyle Richards (The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills). In fact, Richards served as a co-executive producer for the series, lending authenticity to the narrative with her firsthand experiences growing up in the 70s.

In conclusion, American Woman is a dynamic exploration of 1970s feminism and a woman's journey of self-discovery and empowerment. It's a spirited and heartfelt series that captures the spirit of a cultural era with authenticity. The characters effectively demonstrate how essential it is to break free from societal restrictions, be it in terms of professional growth, personal life, or the courage to stand out and challenge the status quo. The series resonates with the audience by gently echoing echoes the timeless themes of independence, friendship, and resilience. In all, American Woman is a compelling show that evocatively depicts an era of burgeoning change and the women who dared to revolutionary redefine their roles within it.