• by Steve Sternberg , Featured Columnist, September 6, 2017

Once upon a time, summer was filled with network repeats. It is now filled with original scripted series — many providing strong leading roles for women. Here are my picks for the best.  If you missed them, you can find them streaming or on demand.

"Game of Thrones" 
As a huge fan of the books and TV series, you can take what I’m about to say within that context. Seasons six and seven (the latter aired this summer) were two of the best seasons of any television series I have ever seen.

There are more strong, independent, well-written female characters here than any five series you can name. From Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clark) and Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey), to Sansa and Arya Stark (Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams), to Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie), among others, it’s a truly remarkable cast.  

Of course, Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) and Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) are still central characters, as well.  

"GOT" is best watched live.  Savor each episode and avoid social media spoilers.

"The Defenders" 
Netflix’s four street-level heroes — Jessica Jones, Daredevil, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist — team up to battle Sigourney Weaver and her team of bad guys.  

“Jessica Jones” is the best of the four individual series. Its star, Krysten Ritter, remains one of the most charismatic actors on television. Charlie Cox’s Daredevil and Mike Colter’s Luke Cage, excellent in their own series, continue to shine. Finn Jones, whose “Iron Fist” is the weakest of the four series, is better at not having to carry the entire show.

It's best to watch three or four episodes per sitting. But first binge watch “Daredevil,” “Jessica Jones,” “Luke Cage,” and “Iron Fist” — in that order.

"Ozark" 
Netflix has another winner in this drama, starring Jason Bateman (in his best and most nuanced performance) as a Chicago financial advisor  forced to move to the Ozarks with his wife (Laura Linney, also great here) and two kids to launder money for a drug lord (Esai Morales). Quirky and gritty, dangerous characters and situations abound.

Best watched one or two episodes at a time.

"Glow"
This surprise Netflix summer hit provides a behind-the-scenes look at the 1980s' TV show, the low-budget "Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling." Excellent diverse ensemble cast of misfits make this more fun than I expected. It took three or four episodes to get rolling, but then my wife and I were hooked.

Best watched in two or three binge sessions.

"Queen of the South"
The USA crime drama’s uneven first season got better and hit overdrive in season 2, as Camila Vargas (Veronica Falcon) and her protégé, Teresa Mendoza (Alice Braga), battle for supremacy of a Dallas-based drug cartel.

Best watched one or two episodes at a time.

"Claws" 
This dark TNT comedy centers on five manicurists who own a nail salon in Central Florida. They are trying to get out of their life of crime, laundering money for the “Dixie Mafia.” It is much funnier than it has any right to be.  Niecy Nash and Carrie Preston are standouts among a fine ensemble cast.

Best watched any way you want.

"Fear the Walking Dead"  
Kim Dickens as Madison Clark remains the driving force of AMC’s hit drama, which really hit its stride this past season. The first half of season three aired this summer, the second half premieres this month.

Best watched one or two episodes at a time.  Binging dilutes the intensity of each episode.

"Rick and Morty" My 18-year-old son got me hooked on this "Adult Swim" animated piece of brilliance. It follows super-genius (and boozy) scientist Rick as he drags his not-so-bright grandson Morty on wild adventures through other worlds and alternate dimensions. You’ll either love it or say “huh?”

Best watched any way you want.