For years, the female characters portrayed on both big and small screens have fit into a pre-prescribed, cookie-cutter, one-dimensional image.

Roles for women, and their presence in TV and film in general, has been severely lacking in diversity and development, leaving many female actors with a shrinking pool of opportunities.

But although the films, documentaries and TV shows made by, starring or serving women and the issues that affect them, are still rare enough to make headlines, we’re finally seeing some progress.

In 2018 we’re seeing an increasing amount of female talent both in-front of and behind the camera, helped by well-known figures in these industries voicing their support for projects backed by women. In addition, box-office numbers and audience feedback has shown the need for more diversity in how we see women in the limelight and what they’re talking about.

But it’s not just about multi-billion pound pictures showing at the Odeon in Leicester Square. In order for us to see properly developed female characters and an increase in inclusion of the topics that have an impact on us, we need women to be prolific across a range of media to reflect the diverse nature of women in the real world.

From comedians to documentary stars, we’ve looked at what to watch on Netflix this May through an especially female-focused lens, picking out content that reflects the multi-faceted nature of women.

From Maya Angelou’s incredible documentary, to a selection of fiercely hilarious female comics talking everything from breastfeeding to the reality of long-term relationships, consider your must-watch list well-stocked.

A female-focused guide on what to watch on Netflix in May 2018