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When it was announced that Netflix was developing a television series based on the 80’s female wrestling show GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling) many wrestling fans, were excited, as well as cautious as to how it would transfer to the screen.
For those that may not know, GLOW was a wrestling show featuring all female wrestlers which proved highly successful, sadly it was cancelled at what many thought was it’s peak.
Netflix’s GLOW stars Alison Brie as Ruth Wilder, a struggling actress who goes along to a casting call, and soon realises that it’s for a wrestling television show titled GLOW.
Betty Gilpin stars as soap opera actress (and Ruth’s former best friend) Debbie Eagan who thrusts herself into this new world of wrestling. Podcaster and comedian Marc Maron does a fantastic job playing sleazy director Sam Sylvia.
Sam sees the two former friends’ chemistry and initially decides to make the show based around Ruth & Debbie.
The show also features appearances from actual professional wrestlers, which is an obvious, but smart choice, the scenes involving the wrestlers are great, the wrestlers don’t steal the show at all and positively help set the tone for the entire series.
A highlight comes halfway through the season, when the women attend their first wrestling event, it’s definitely one of the stronger episodes in terms of story telling and makes for a pivotal moment in the plot.
I’m not entirely sure if any of the stars of the show are actual wrestling fans in reality, but the show does a great job of showing the stars learning how to take bumps and get stuck into their roles as wrestlers, it’s really good to watch.
Mad Men actress Alison Brie is brilliant as Ruth. Displaying her comic chops, with plenty of laughs, also her on screen chemistry with Betty Gilpin and Marc Maron is strong and definitely holds the series together.
British singer Kate Nash is also makes a surprise appearance in her first acting role – and she’s really good! Let’s hope she signs on for season two as she brings a British charm and great dynamics to the show.
With twists and turns (much like actual pro wrestling) this series is definitely one to watch. The show has just been renewed for a second season set to consist of another 10 episodes, excellent news, for GLOW and wrestling fans.
Purple Revolver rating: 4.5/5 – Quality drama which hits the spot