The height of the sexual harassment conversation was seen at the beginning of 2018 when one of the biggest names in Hollywood was exposed as a sexual predator. This sparked a discussion into the topic of sexual harassment and pioneered the movement that fights to protect women. Since then, many TV shows have come out, highlighting the instances of sexual harassment and the reality of injustice that has been present when it comes to sexual harassment cases. Voir has curated a list of five TV shows that has sparked a conversation and present a realistic depiction of sexual harassment.
Liar
2 seasons
Sundance Tv
Liar is a psychological thriller that tells the story of Laura Nielson, a dedicated teacher who accuses Andrew Earlham, a renowned surgeon of rape after a seemingly innocent date. The series is a volatile story of how these accusations capsize their lives after making the accusations. Laura, as the accuser’s life, is put under a microscope and all her actions up until then are criticised while the accused as he is a renowned surgeon, doesn’t face the same criticism.
I May Destroy You
June 7th HBO Max
Michaela Coel first came into the mainstream with her hit comedy series Chewing Gum; now she is telling a fearless, frank and provocative story of sexual consent in the series I May Destroy You. This series tells the story of Arabella (played by Coel) a carefree, self-assured Londoner who has lost her memory after a night of heavy drinking, where her drink is spiked with a date-rape drug. While waking up the next day with no memory and a head scar, Arabella must rebuild what happened to her, forcing her to question everything.
13 Reasons Why
4 Seasons
Netflix
’13 Reasons Why’ is a series that took the world by storm as it told the story of depression and suicide among youth through the main character Hannah Baker. In the first season, the topic of sexual harassment is spoken about briefly as one of the reasons that contributed to the suicide of the main character, but the topic is explored further in the second season where the series approaches this topic highlighting gender inequality in school policy and the toxic masculinity present in the high school environment.
Unbelievable
Limited series (8 episodes)
Netflix
Based on The Marshall Project and ProPublica Pulitzer Prize-winning article, “An Unbelievable Story of Rape,” written by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong, and the This American Life radio episode, “Anatomy of Doubt”. Unbelievable tells the story of women who face sexual violence from a serial predator who preys upon women across the country. The series highlights injustice the unspeakable trauma and astounding resilience of the victims when it comes to sexual harassment.
Sex Education
2 seasons
Netflix
Sex education tells the story of Socially awkward high school student Otis who becomes the student’s sex therapist having little sexual experience of his own. As the show tackles the topics around sex, they were bound to tackle the story of sexual harassment eventually. The series depicts acts of sexual harassment in public spaces that may be seen as small acts but leave lasting trauma to the victims.
Sexual harassment is a topic that we should all be talking about and educating ourselves on and thanks to these shows storylines which are shining light on different scenarios of sexual harassment. If you are a victim of sexual violence, Call the Rape Crisis national freephone helpline on 0808 802 9999 (12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm every day of the year) or find the nearest Rape and sexual assault referral centres services near you here. You can also visit this website here to find out the steps to take.
Words by Precious Njoki
Graphics by Katie Janes
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