From punchline to plotline: Menopause is finally having its pop culture moment
From TV shows to pop music and manga, menopause is increasingly being portrayed honestly rather than for laughs. Experts say this shift is helping midlife women feel seen and society better understand this life stage.
Menopause, a life stage often depicted humorously in media, is gaining a more serious portrayal in pop culture. TV shows, movies, and music are increasingly representing menopausal women authentically rather than using it for laughs. This shift is helping midlife women feel understood and increasing society's awareness of this stage in life.
While menopause was historically portrayed negatively in shows like That '70s Show and The Golden Girls, recent years have seen a change. Celebrities like Naomi Watts, Halle Berry, and Oprah Winfrey have openly discussed their experiences, and documentaries such as The M Factor: Shredding The Silence On Menopause explore the topic further.
TV series like Fleabag, Big Mouth, The Change, and Riot Women feature menopausal women in more nuanced and realistic ways. Women are also turning to social media to share their experiences, helping to break down the stigma surrounding menopause. The representation of menopause in pop culture is becoming more prevalent, with English singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor even releasing an album titled Perimenopop.
However, some popular shows like That '70s Show and The Change are not available on Singapore streaming sites.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
