2025 has proven to be a remarkable year for women-centric content on over-the-top (OTT) platforms, with streaming services showcasing narratives that place women at the forefront. These shows feature women navigating complex relationships, patriarchal environments, and challenging careers, portraying them with depth, agency, and contradictions. Here are some of the best women-centric OTT shows that have captivated audiences in 2025:
Dabba Cartel (Netflix) Dabba Cartel is a crime drama that revolves around a group of middle-class women in Mumbai who start a food delivery service to improve their lives. However, they soon find themselves entangled in a dangerous underworld when their lunchboxes are used to transport drugs. Created by Shibani Dandekar Akhtar, the series features a powerful female ensemble cast including Shabana Azmi, Jyothika, Shalini Pandey, Nimisha Sajayan and Anjali Anand. The show explores themes of survival, morality, greed and friendship, highlighting the transformation of ordinary women into cartel queens.
Mandala Murders (Netflix)
This gripping crime thriller places women at the center of a dark and layered investigation. Mandala Murders blends suspense with social commentary, as female investigators navigate a web of secrets and moral ambiguities. The series distinguishes itself by focusing on intellect, intuition, and emotional resilience within a traditionally male-dominated genre. The show stars Vaani Kapoor and Surveen Chawla in lead roles.
Mrs. Undercover (ZEE5)
Mrs. Undercover is a unique blend of humor and action, reinventing the spy genre by centering it around a middle-class homemaker. The film follows a woman who balances her undercover missions with her domestic responsibilities. The show celebrates the hidden strengths, adaptability, and courage of women who are often underestimated.
Apple Cider Vinegar (Netflix)
This unconventional drama, based loosely on real events in Australia, stars Kaitlyn Dever and explores two women raising concerns about wellness culture and the contrast between illusion and truth. Apple Cider Vinegar delves into how narratives are created and dismantled. Female creators and writers shape the show’s critique of wellness, social media and belief systems.
The Night Manager (Disney+ Hotstar/Apple TV)
Adapted from John le Carré’s novel, The Night Manager is a high-octane thriller featuring a sharp female intelligence officer. The series revolves around arms trading and highlights the intelligence, moral conviction, and courage of the lead character. The show demonstrates a woman's ability to lead even in high-stakes espionage affairs.
These women-centric OTT shows of 2025 showcase a clear shift in storytelling, with women no longer confined to stereotypical roles. They are portrayed as complex individuals with ambition, rage, vulnerability, and power, driving narratives across various genres. From crime thrillers to social dramas, these shows offer a diverse range of stories that resonate with audiences seeking strong female leads.
