: When they are on screen, older women are often relegated to two tropes:
Since roughly 2021, a "ripple of change" has seen mature women sweep major awards and lead high-profile projects:
: On broadcast TV, major female characters drop from 42% in their 30s to just 15% in their 40s. Women over 60 comprise only 3% of major characters.
: While leading roles in film remain scarce, television and streaming have become vital spaces for "mature" talent. Shows like Grace and Frankie , Hacks , and Griselda offer complex narratives that explore identity and sexuality rather than just supporting roles.
: Older women are significantly more likely than men to be shown engaging in cosmetic procedures or having their appearance become a central plot point. The "Uncanny" Future: Technology and De-aging
: Characters whose primary arc is reclaiming youth through a romantic affair.
