Is there DEI in GLOW?

The biggest factors in our score are Identity-driven story themes, Woke representation / casting, Creator track record context. In 1980s LA, a crew of misfits reinvent themselves as the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling.

TV Show review

GLOW

Q: Is GLOW woke?

GLOW has a woke score of 43/100, which means it is mixed, with noticeable woke elements. GLOW follows a group of women in 1980s Los Angeles who join a new professional wrestling league called the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. They train together, create cartoonish characters, and deal with friendships, rivalries, and personal troubles while putting on shows. The series shows women finding power through performance, with some queer storylines becoming noticeable in season 3.

Review basis: 3 seasons, 30 episodes · through August 9, 2019

June 23, 2017 · TV-MA · Canceled

Woke Score

43/ 100

Lower is better

8.0 / 10IMDb↗93%Critics86%Audience↗

ComedyDrama

Review

Summary

GLOW follows a group of women in 1980s Los Angeles who join a new professional wrestling league called the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. They train together, create cartoonish characters, and deal with friendships, rivalries, and personal troubles while putting on shows. The series shows women finding power through performance, with some queer storylines becoming noticeable in season 3.

Breakdown

Factors & Ratings

These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for GLOW.

Woke representation / casting

The ensemble includes several prominent non-white actresses in named roles. Wrestling characters often use ethnic stereotypes such as Welfare Queen and Fortune Cookie for the 1980s setting. Coverage at the time noted the variety of women in shapes, sizes, and backgrounds.

38 / 100

Woke political dialogue

Dialogue touches on sexism and women's place in a male-run industry at times. These moments stay mostly personal and comedic in an 80s period setting rather than activist-style lectures.

15 / 100

Identity-driven story themes

The core follows women's friendships, rivalries, and growth through wrestling performance. Season 3 adds clearer queer storylines for multiple characters.

40 / 100

Western institutional / cultural critique

The show shows early tension with a male director and the wrestling business, but it frames the story around personal stories and empowerment more than modern critiques of institutions or norms.

22 / 100

Woke character or canon changes

Not relevant.

0 / 100

Anti-woke backlash and complaints

A few scattered viewer comments called season 3 feminist propaganda or boring with woke content. No widespread or prominent anti-woke backlash occurred during the run.

5 / 100

Creator track record context

Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch have focused on female-centered stories with later feminist-leaning projects. Jenji Kohan and Tara Herrmann come from Orange Is the New Black. Director John Cameron Mitchell has a strong queer-themed body of work.

38 / 100

Production

Production companies: Lionsgate Television, Tilted Productions
Networks: Netflix
Studio/network: Lionsgate

Main Cast

Alison Brieas Ruth Wilder
Betty Gilpinas Debbie Eagan
Marc Maronas Sam Sylvia
Sydelle Noelas Cherry Bang
Britney Youngas Carmen Wade
Chris Lowellas Bash Howard
Britt Baronas Justine Biagi
Kate Nashas Rhonda Richardson

Director & Crew

Leanne MooreProducer30 episodes credited for this role (TMDB aggregate — higher usually means a recurring or lead creative role).
Tara HerrmannProducer30 episodes credited for this role (TMDB aggregate — higher usually means a recurring or lead creative role).
Emma RathboneWriter10 episodes credited for this role (TMDB aggregate — higher usually means a recurring or lead creative role).
Isaac OliverWriter10 episodes credited for this role (TMDB aggregate — higher usually means a recurring or lead creative role).
Kristoffer DiazWriter10 episodes credited for this role (TMDB aggregate — higher usually means a recurring or lead creative role).
Marquita RobinsonWriter10 episodes credited for this role (TMDB aggregate — higher usually means a recurring or lead creative role).

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