: In blockbuster films, characters aged 50+ constitute less than a quarter of all roles, with men significantly outnumbering women in this bracket—often by as much as 80% to 20%.

In the U.S., streaming platforms have accelerated change. Series like The Crown (Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton aging through the role of Elizabeth II), Mare of Easttown (Kate Winslet, 48), and Hacks (Jean Smart, 72) prove that audiences crave layered, gritty, and humorous stories about older women.

Research confirms a stark reality: once actors hit 40, men are far more likely to get roles. A study analyzing broadcast and streaming television found that while 60% of female characters are in their 20s and 30s, a majority of male characters (60%) are in their 30s and 40s. There is a steep drop-off for women over 40; only 16% of female characters are in their 40s, compared to more than half (54%) of major male characters being over 40. In the oldest age brackets, the disparity is even worse—there are more than twice as many major male characters in their 60s as female characters.

While women over 40 are getting more work, there is still a significant disparity compared to their male counterparts in similar age brackets regarding the types of romantic leads and action-oriented roles they are offered, according to research by the Geena Davis Institute.

"When we see Demi Moore at 63 taking home her first acting award... it's a sign that finally, the tide may be turning," writes Lanna Hill. After her Golden Globe win, Moore gave an emotional speech about being told she was a "popcorn actress" and that her career was over. At 63, she proved them wrong.

Premium networks and streaming giants like HBO, Netflix, and Hulu disrupted traditional box office formulas. Free from the constraints of opening-weekend ticket sales, these platforms prioritized high-quality, character-driven narratives to retain monthly subscribers. This structural shift opened the floodgates for complex dramas centering on mature protagonists. Shows like Big Little Lies , The Crown , Hacks , and Mare of Easttown proved that audiences are captivated by the nuances of womanhood, professional ambition, grief, and matriarchal power.