10 Striking Similarities Between GLOW And Orange Is The New Black
Yes, both shows are about women, but this is just where the similarities start.
Even at first sight, GLOW and Orange is the New Black share more than a few similarities. Both series are produced by Netflix, have large ensemble, female-led casts, and are inspired by true stories.
Orange is the New Black is an adaptation of Piper Kerman's account of the year she has spent in a federal women's prison; GLOW is based on the wrestling promotion of the same name, which debuted back in 1986.
The most important link concerns the production and behind-the-scenes personnel. Jenji Kohan and Tara Herrmann are the executive producers of both shows, with Kohan herself the creator of Orange is the New Black. Carly Mensch also works on OITNB as a producer and writer, and is the co-creator and showrunner of GLOW alongside Liz Flahive (Homeland).
Prison and wrestling don't seem to have very much in common, yet both shows are also very much alike. They are funny, touching, greatly written, and filled with enough interesting characters to remain the mainstay of the streaming service for years to come.
Technically, OITNB already is, but GLOW can reach that level as well.
10. Ladies Doing Manly Things...
The opening scene of the first episode of GLOW is telling about what kind of a show it's going to be. Ruth delivers a moving, passionate speech during an audition. With tears in her eyes she reads her line and when she's finished, she thanks the casting director for being able to audition for the role of a strong female character. The irony is that she reads the man's part. On purpose.
Both shows epitomize toughness, as the prison system and the wrestling ring is associated with strong, brutal, male force. To survive in prison and to exhibit athletic abilities is to prove one's masculinity. However, both shows successfully invert these wrongful assumptions. They are important because they show that physical strength isn't essential in being tough.
As proven by recent remarks by John McEnroe about Serena Williams, men still want women to prove that they are as good as them. GLOW and OITNB both question and undermine masculinity, which makes them important. It doesn't hurt that they're extremely entertaining as well.