Quien Es Mas Macha?

October 29, 2009 3:28 PM

While on my nice, safe treadmill at the pleasant, well-lit gym, I like to watch dramatic, character-driven documentaries like Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers, and Carrier. Any suggestions for other nonfiction TV shows like that, with women in the starring roles?

Preferably the shows would be available on iTunes or DVD in the US. I want danger, adrenalin, good stories, interesting locations, dramatic weather, adventure. The cast doesn't have to be entirely female, but there should be a significant female presence.

posted by The corpse in the library to media & arts (10 comments total)

Police Women of Broward County. Maybe on iTunes.
posted by bunny hugger at 3:36 PM on October 29 [1 favorite]

One of the captains in Swords: Life on the Line is Linda Greenlaw.

That said, I dislike the show. IMO, the Atlantic fisherman are less professional and less safe than the Bering Sea crab fishermen, which makes watching the Swords show very cringe-worthy rather than an interesting lifestyle compare/contrast. Sig Hansen would kick these guys' asses six ways to Sunday.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 3:43 PM on October 29

This might not be exactly what you're looking for, but I love shows like Snapped.
posted by june made him a gemini at 3:46 PM on October 29

Nanny 911.
posted by KokuRyu at 3:49 PM on October 29

What I watch at the gym? Clean House. Can't get enough of it. It's very female-driven, and it involves adrenaline, danger and interesting locations. To me, anyway. Your mileage may vary, but I swear it makes the time on the elliptical fly by.
posted by BlahLaLa at 3:55 PM on October 29

I loved the show America's Toughest Jobs. It was from the producer of Deadliest Catch and Ice Road Truckers. The women on that show were kick-ass. Totally gave the men a run for their money. Sadly, I don't think there will be a second season. People got seriously hurt.

Looks like you can buy the whole season on iTunes for $18.
posted by anthropoid at 3:55 PM on October 29

One note: I linked to the only info page I could find that didn't make clear who the winner was. If you google it, be sure not to click on the NBC link!
posted by anthropoid at 3:56 PM on October 29

Living with the Wolfman is about Helen Jeffs moving in with her partner, Shaun Ellis, who lives with and studies a pack of wolves. It's got a really nice balance of character stuff (will Helen be accepted as a "wolf nanny" to the newborn cubs?) and grit (Helen disinfecting a mess of bleeding puppy bites to her lips and tongue after mouth-feeding her new charges).
posted by infinitywaltz at 4:19 PM on October 29

Perhaps Whale Wars.
posted by procrastination at 5:38 PM on October 29

Animal Precinct and Animal Cops (both Animal Planet shows) feature tough, dedicated women with dangerous and challenging jobs. These shows are also heartbreaking. If you don't want to openly weep while you're on the treadmill perhaps they are not what you're looking for, but you don't cross Annemarie Lucas.
posted by Lieber Frau at 5:54 PM on October 29