‘Riot Women’: A Bold New Chapter for Sally Wainwright
Sally Wainwright’s latest creation, Riot Women, follows a group of menopausal women who decide to form a rock band. The series embraces many of Wainwright’s signature themes—female solidarity, sharp humor, and candid portrayals of middle age.
In today’s entertainment landscape, the concept of “appointment TV” may feel like a bygone era. Yet for many viewers, any new Sally Wainwright show still feels like a major event. Fans will likely recognize her name from Gentleman Jack, the acclaimed dramatization of Anne Lister’s life, as well as from her other successes—Last Tango in Halifax and Happy Valley.
Throughout her career, Wainwright has consistently elevated stories about women, blending humor and grit in a distinct Yorkshire tone. Her works range from warm family comedies to deeply emotional dramas exploring the darker sides of human experience.
“This focus on women, frequently in large casts, means there’s always a high chance of queer women in any show introduced to Wainwright’s oeuvre, because that’s how probability works… probably.”
Set in Hebden Bridge—often called the unofficial lesbian capital of Britain—Riot Women seems another sure step toward Wainwright’s familiar mix of sharp social observation, humor, and queer representation. The show brings together resilience, rage, and a touch of rebellious joy through music and female friendship.
Author’s Summary
Wainwright’s Riot Women channels humor, fury, and music into a defiant portrait of womanhood, celebrating queer identity and the power of collective reinvention.