Ambition and age: A new era for women in television
The evolution of female ambition on TV
Ambition has long been a complex issue for female characters on television. In the 1970s, Mary Richards from “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” applied for a secretarial job at a local TV station in Minneapolis but ended up as an associate producer by the end of the interview. This clever twist allowed the writers to set Mary on a career path without making her appear overly ambitious, thus maintaining her femininity. Mary didn’t negotiate; she was simply grateful for the unexpected promotion.
Fast forward nearly 50 years, and we find Deborah Vance, played by the incomparable Jean Smart in “Hacks,” facing a similar dilemma. Deborah, a seasoned stand-up comic, discovers that her dream job—a late-night talk show host position—is opening up. Despite her long career and reputation as a survivor, Deborah initially hesitates to publicly announce her desire for the job, fearing it might make her appear “thirsty.”
Generational shifts in ambition
In the third season of “Hacks,” which has garnered numerous Emmy nominations, Deborah confides in her writer and confidante Ava, played by Hannah Einbinder, about her lifelong dream. She reveals that she has wanted the late-night host position since she was a child because her abusive father would become more bearable while watching the show. Initially, Deborah hesitates to express her ambition, but Ava, who doesn’t carry the same generational baggage, encourages her to be honest and shameless in her pursuit.
Emboldened by Ava’s words, Deborah announces her desire for the job while hosting the Thanksgiving Day parade, confidently declaring, “I am the best person for the job.”
A rare portrayal of older women in powerful roles
Interestingly, it wasn’t until the third season of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” that Mary Richards had the confidence to confront her boss Lou about updating their newscast format. As the only woman in the fictional WJM-TV newsroom, Mary was often on her own, with occasional support from Betty White’s character, Sue Ann Nivens.
Deborah’s age adds urgency to her pursuit of the late-night job. In her 70s, she knows this may be her last chance to fulfill her lifelong dream. This sets up a rare situation for a television comedy—a female character over 70 aggressively going after a traditionally male-identified and very public position. According to recent studies, women over 60 comprise only 5% of all female characters on television.
The strategic pursuit of a dream
Once Deborah decides to go after her dream, she organizes her team and makes a series of strategic moves to increase her visibility and chances of landing the job. It’s thrilling to watch her navigate interactions with the network boss, affiliates, and even the head of the conglomerate that owns the network.
Deborah Vance offers a rare and much-needed glimpse into how writers can frame older women as vital and visible. What sets Deborah apart is her desire not only to remain in the game but to achieve her lifelong goal. Her character’s depth comes from her life experience, making her ambition all the more compelling.
A new era for female characters
When Mary Richards joyfully tossed her beret into the air during the opening credits of her iconic show, she ushered in a new era of portrayals of female characters on television. Work became a central, rather than peripheral, aspect of their lives. Decades later, Jean Smart’s portrayal of Deborah Vance expands the dreams female characters can have, showing that ambition, talent, and focus look fantastic on women at any age.
For those interested in exploring these groundbreaking shows, you can watch the trailers and find more information on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Hacks.
In a world where television often mirrors societal norms, the evolution of female ambition on screen reflects broader changes in how we view women’s roles in the workplace and beyond. As we continue to see more diverse and complex portrayals of women, it’s clear that the landscape of television is evolving for the better.