Manly shows women love
Posted: Thursday, July 24, 2008 6:00 AM by Anna Chan
When the topic of girly-girl TV shows comes up, the same series are often mentioned: “Sex and the City,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Ugly Betty” and the like. They all tend to feature a strong female cast, drama-rific plotlines, modern-day knights in shining armor and often, excellent wardrobes and shoes to die for.
But there are also a slew of “manlier” shows, both currently on-air and retired, that can really appeal to women, me included:
“Queer as Folk”
OK, this former Showtime series isn’t such a stretch. After all, it’s basically “Sex and the City” for gay men, starring hot guys and loaded with drama and humor. (I’m not sure all girls would be able to stomach the scene in which Peter Paige’s Emmett is “interviewing” potential roommates in his kitchen.) Adding to the girly-girl argument, resident heartthrob Gale Harold has joined the cast of “Housewives.”
“Nip/Tuck”
Two rich male doctors, fancy cars, hot women with giant breasts and plenty of blood in the O.R. … Doesn’t sound too girly, does it? But oh, it is. The FX series is chock-full of sexy (and shocking) drama of the family and best-friend variety. And the presence of Dr. Christian Troy’s abs alone can certainly draw the female demographic, though his Michael Jackson-lookalike son, Matt, is a bit creepy. You can be sure I’ll be crying into my scrubs when the show ends after next season.
“Rome”
Honestly, had I not managed – barely – to stomach the bloodbath of the opening battle in the pilot episode of this genius HBO series, I would’ve missed out. (Sadly, it lasted only two seasons.) It’s a tale of duty and friendship between two soliders, set in the politically violent days of the Roman Republic. Yet, the female characters who schemed behind their men helped make this show a can’t miss for me. The perfectly chiseled bodies didn’t hurt, either.
“Law & Order: SVU”
When I’m looking for something girly to watch, crime dramas don’t usually make the list. But Det. Olivia Benson (played by Mariska Hargitay) is an inspiration. Not only does she always look gorgeous, she can more than hold her own in a male-dominated profession and is smart to boot. Unfortunately, A.D.A. Casey Novak is too whiny for me, so the show isn’t on my “must watch” list anymore. But if I’m flipping channels and catch a glimpse of Det. Elliot Stabler (played by Christopher Meloni), helloooooo! I’m glued again.
“Oz”
This violent-as-all-hell prison drama is probably the biggest stretch on my list. The HBO series chronicles the daily life of Aryans, mobsters, corrupt corrections officers and other sketchy inhabitants of Oswald Maximum Security Correctional Facility. If you have trouble stomaching the gory operations of “Nip/Tuck,” good luck sitting through a bloody AND violent fight on “Oz.” But again, gripping plotlines are the hook, as is a totally nude and very buff Chris Meloni.
Hmmm. Looking over my list, it seems that perhaps hot men and well-written plots will get me and my friends to tune in, regardless of whether the show is geared toward men or women.
