Then there is the horror genre. The Visit gave us a terrifying twist on grandparents. The Menu gave us Grandma’s famous (and deadly) chocolate cake. And let’s not forget Hacks on HBO Max, where Jean Smart plays a legendary, aging comedian who is selfish, raunchy, insecure, and absolutely brilliant. She isn't a "character;" she is a force of nature. Popular media isn't just about scripted shows. The internet has discovered that old women are the most reliable content generators on the planet.
If you have been paying attention to popular media over the last five years, you have noticed a seismic shift. Old women are no longer the backdrop of the story; they are the main event. And frankly, they are terrifying, hilarious, and absolutely dominating the content landscape. The biggest change is the death of the sweet, harmless granny trope. Audiences are ravenous for older female characters who are morally complex, violent, and sexually alive. Then there is the horror genre
Not anymore.
For decades, the entertainment industry operated on a tired, dusty formula regarding older women. Once a female actress hit 50, the available roles dried up faster than a bottle of retinol. She was relegated to playing the "Nagging Wife," the "Sassy Grandma," or the "Bewildered Lady Who Can't Work the Remote Control." And let’s not forget Hacks on HBO Max,
She isn't baking cookies in the background anymore. She is running the show, stealing the jewels, and taking the last shot of tequila. And honestly? We are finally entertained. The internet has discovered that old women are
Beyond the Bingo Card: How Old Women Became the Secret Weapon of Entertainment Content
