Rose Byrne has been on a remarkable run lately, earning her first Academy Award nomination for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. But for those who want to see her at her absolute best, look no further than Hulu's Mrs. America, a nine-part miniseries that quietly packs a punch and feels more urgent than ever.
Created by Mad Men writer Dahvi Waller, Mrs. America dives deep into the 1970s battle over the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). It's a story of feminist icons and the conservative forces determined to stop them, and it earned a stellar 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. The series doesn't just rehash history; it explores the messy, often contradictory ways women wield power and the irreconcilable divisions that still echo today.
Rose Byrne Shines as Gloria Steinem
At the heart of the ensemble is Byrne as Gloria Steinem. She brings a thoughtful, charismatic energy to the role, portraying Steinem as a strategic leader who was acutely aware of the movement's blind spots around race, class, and sexuality. Byrne's Steinem isn't just a figurehead; she's the audience's guide through a complex era, making her one of the most compelling characters in recent TV history.
But the series is anchored by Cate Blanchett's chilling turn as Phyllis Schlafly, the conservative activist who turned opposition to the ERA into a political career. Blanchett plays Schlafly with icy control and cunning ambition, showing how she navigated a male-dominated world by weaponizing her own gender. The show doesn't ask you to like Schlafly, but it does provide context for her rise and her role in shaping today's culture wars.
The supporting cast is equally stellar. Uzo Aduba is electric as Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for president in 1972, capturing the tension between race and gender. Margo Martindale's Bella Abzug and Tracey Ullman's Betty Friedan add layers of internal feminist debate, while Niecy Nash and Bria Henderson bring perspectives often left out of the mainstream narrative. The cast also includes Elizabeth Banks, Melanie Lynskey, John Slattery, and Sarah Paulson, making it a true powerhouse.
Why 'Mrs. America' Deserves Another Look
What makes Mrs. America so compelling is how it captures the activism, battles, and aspirations of both feminism and conservatism in the 1970s. It shows how personal dramas and political actions intertwined, and how differences sometimes stopped progress. The series is a reminder that the fight for women's rights is far from straightforward—it's a story of courage, cleverness, and conflict.
Visually, the show is a time capsule, with realistic costumes, sets, and a soundtrack that perfectly captures the decade's energy. The editing skillfully alternates intimate character moments with larger political strategy, and historical cameos—like a young Ruth Bader Ginsburg—feel earned, not forced. For fans of Ridley Scott's true masterpiece, the show's blend of personal and political storytelling will feel familiar.
If you're looking for a series that combines outstanding performances with thoughtful historical nuance, Mrs. America is a must-watch. It's a reminder that the narrative surrounding women's rights is not as simple as it seems, and that courage, cleverness, and conflict have always driven action. Stream it now on Hulu.
