In a deluge of content on streaming platforms, a series truly stands out when it captivates viewers with its intriguing premise. That’s exactly what Madam has to offer. The bold New Zealand dramedy has even garnered international acclaim, winning awards and making headlines. The series follows Mack Leigh, a woman who has to deal with her philandering husband and crumbling finances. With 10 perfectly binge-worthy half-hour episodes, Madam is the ideal after-work treat many of us need if we crave a good chuckle. Why exactly should you watch Madam?

It’s a different kind of workplace comedy

The first scene of the first episode plops viewers into the imperfect life of Mack, played by Academy Award-nominated Rachel Griffiths, and her husband (Martin Henderson). She has to watch from a distance as he leaves a motel after meeting with his sex worker, Tui (Ariana Osborne). Mack, then, proceeds to confront Tui only to find out that she doesn’t feel resentment towards any of the parties involved. Instead, she takes inspiration from her husband’s infidelity and starts an “ethical brothel” in her New Zealand hometown.

From there, an unconventional journey ensues with Mack navigating the challenges of assembling her team of girls and booking clients that pass the standards of an “ethical brothel.” All the while, Mack and the girls learn valuable lessons about women empowerment, respect, and the complexities of female sexuality.

It takes the male gaze out of the genre

What makes Madam an easy watch is that it’s written with so much respect for what’s otherwise a taboo topic: sex work. There have been numerous other movies and series that touch on the topic but portray it in a dark, exploitative, and often overdramatic way. Madam keeps things light without sacrificing the serious. It focuses on the lives and experiences of all the women involved. It’s funny when it needs to be funny, and intelligent when it needs to be intelligent. Even the intimate scenes aren’t gratuitous and are there to serve a purpose.

It’s based on a true story

If you thought the premise was a bit shocking, you’d be surprised to know it’s based on the unpublished memoir of Antonia Murphy, who founded The Bach, a legal, feminist escort agency in New Zealand. This critically acclaimed series has also garnered international recognition, winning prestigious awards at both the Monte Carlo TV Festival and the Berlin TV Series Festival.

It will have you going down a rabbit hole

Like we said earlier, intrigue is the key to captivating audiences. In Madam, intrigue will have you going down a rabbit hole. For conservative societies – especially ones across Asia – finding out that sex work is decriminalized in New Zealand is jaw-dropping news. Madam boldly tackles the subject with refreshing tact. It managed to navigate sensitive territory with humor and, dare we say, managed to make viewers Google why sex work is decriminalized in several countries.

It has strong feminist themes

At its core, Madam is a series that champions female empowerment by giving its female characters control over their bodies and lives. Mack might be a worn-down mother of two, but she didn’t let that become a setback. Instead, she establishes Sweethearts, not just as a business but as a space where women can earn a living on their own terms while ensuring their safety and well-being. The series also beautifully portrays the diverse personalities and experiences of women who have decided to become sex workers and join Mack. These ladies might initially clash, but their moral support for each other eventually forges a bond between them and creates a wonderful work environment.

Verdict: Madam is worth the binge

Few workplace comedies shed light on something as sensitive as the complexities of the sex industry. Madam offers a unique, refreshing perspective and shines a light on the lives and experiences of women working in a brothel. It also helps that you won’t be able to help yourself chuckle along with the witty dialogue and hilarious situations that only come about when one runs a brothel.

Stream Madam now on Lionsgate Play Philippines!

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