American Woman (2018)

A sharp, warmhearted 1970s period dramedy inspired by real life, charting three women's pursuit of independence in a world slow to grant it.

American Woman - Series Information

  • First Air Year: 2018
  • Last Air Year: 2018
  • Created by: John Riggi
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Comedy, Drama
  • Content Rating (US): TV-14
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (22 minutes)
  • Number of Seasons: 1
  • Number of Episodes: 11
  • Status: Canceled
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • First Air Date: June 7, 2018 (United States - TV-14)
  • Networks: Paramount Network
  • Production Companies: John Wells Productions, Warner Horizon Television
  • Production Countries: United States of America

American Woman - Plot

This 1970s period dramedy inspired by the real life Kyle Richards and set amid the sexual revolution and the rise of second-wave feminism follows Bonnie, an unconventional mother struggling to raise her two daughters after leaving her husband. With the help of her two best friends, Kathleen and Diana, these three women will each discover their own brand of independence in a world reluctant to give it.

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American Woman - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • John Riggi

Main Cast

  • Alicia Silverstone
  • Mena Suvari
  • Jennifer Bartels
  • Makenna James
  • Lia McHugh
  • Landon Gordon
  • Katherine LaNasa

American Woman - FAQs

Is American Woman based on a true story?

Yes, American Woman draws directly from the real life of Kyle Richards, the reality TV personality best known from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Richards grew up in 1970s Los Angeles with a single mother navigating divorce and independence, and the show fictionalizes that formative experience through the character of Bonnie Nolan.

Who plays the lead role in American Woman?

Alicia Silverstone leads the cast as Bonnie Nolan, an unconventional single mother raising her two daughters in the 1970s. Silverstone is joined by Mena Suvari as Kathleen and Jennifer Bartels as Diana, the two best friends who form the heart of the show's central trio.

Where can you stream or watch American Woman?

American Woman is available to buy digitally through Fandango At Home. For the most current viewing options in your region, check JustWatch, which tracks availability across all major streaming and digital rental platforms.

What themes does American Woman explore?

Set against the backdrop of the sexual revolution and second-wave feminism, American Woman explores female independence, friendship, and self-reinvention. It examines what it meant to be a woman rewriting the rules in a society still resistant to change, blending period-authentic humor with genuine emotional depth.

Why was American Woman cancelled after one season?

Paramount Network cancelled American Woman after its first season in 2018, citing low viewership numbers. Despite a well-regarded cast and a distinctive 1970s setting, the series struggled to build a large enough audience on the network to justify renewal, ending its run after just 11 episodes.

Who created American Woman?

American Woman was created by John Riggi, a veteran television writer and producer best known for his long run on 30 Rock. Riggi developed the series for Paramount Network, with John Wells Productions and Warner Horizon Television serving as the production companies behind the show.

How was American Woman received by critics?

Critical reception was mixed to moderately positive. Reviewers praised Alicia Silverstone's warm, grounded performance and the show's affectionate recreation of 1970s suburban life, but some felt the series played it too safe given its rich premise. The ensemble chemistry between the three leads was widely highlighted as a genuine strength.

What shows are similar to American Woman?

Fans of American Woman tend to enjoy Physical (2021), which shares the 1970s-era feminist energy, and Minx (2022), another sharp period comedy about women claiming their independence. Weeds (2005) and Younger (2015) also capture that blend of female friendship, reinvention, and sharp comedic timing.

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