Imperfect Women: Apple TV Plus series explores secrets and betrayal in friendships

PHILADELPHIA - "Imperfect Women," the new series on Apple TV+, dives into the messy truths and emotional depths of friendship, showing how a single crime can unravel even the closest bonds. Based on Araminta Hall’s novel, the show brings together powerhouse talents like Kerry Washington, Elisabeth Moss and Leslie Odom Jr., while also highlighting the impact of women creators and directors at the helm.

Behind the scenes with the creative team and cast

What we know:

The series is a co-production between 20th Television and Apple Studios, created for television by Annie Weisman, who also serves as showrunner. 

Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington and Kate Mara lead the cast, with Lesli Linka Glatter directing several episodes.

Weisman said, "I've always been drawn as a writer to complex, flawed female characters, but it's rare that I've gotten an opportunity to write a show with an ensemble of women like that. So it was, and also to work with so many powerhouse women behind the screen. So really this was a chance to get to do what I love on kind of in a bigger, in a big way than I've ever gotten to before."

Glatter described the dynamic on set, saying, "We work in a team sport, and you're only as good as your team. And as far as I'm concerned, I don't wanna be the smartest person in the room, but I sure wanna be in the room with the smartest people. And this was a great example of that."

The show’s structure preserves the novel’s shifting perspectives, allowing each lead actress to bring her own version of the story to life.

The cast and creators discussed how the show centers on the idea that no one is perfect and how friendships can be both nurturing and challenging. 

"Women's friendships are fascinating. We are so intimate with one another, and it can be incredibly supportive and nurturing, but it can also be a little frightening, and it get toxic, and it could get tough, and especially in mid-life, when so many other things are pulling at us that are taking us away from friendship. And the story really begins there," said Weisman.

The impact of authentic storytelling and representation

Kerry Washington shared what drew her to the project, saying, "To get a phone call from Elizabeth Moss that she's working on something and wants you to be on board was such a dream, because I think she is a phenom. She's a beast of an actress. And we're two women who have held our own shows. And so to be able to partner together was just such a a dream come true, honestly. So then I was like, oh, I hope the material's good. And then I read the book and loved it. And I loved this character."

Leslie Odom Jr. joined after a personal invitation from Washington, saying, "I got a text from my friend, Kerry Washington, and she said, do you want to play my brother? And with me, I didn't even wait to see if the material was good. It's like, are the dates good?"

The show also raises questions about how well we truly know those closest to us. Washington said, "To me the question the show is often asking is can you risk being your real self with the people you love the most or will you lose them? And Donovan kind of becomes the first testing ground where Eleanor attempts to tell the truth. And so you'll have to watch to see what happens."

Odom Jr. added, "The question really is like, will you allow yourself to be known? Will you allow the people that are in relationship with you, the people who are closest to you, will you let them know you and love you anyway?"

The series is being released during Women’s History Month, with both cast and crew reflecting on the progress for women in the industry. Glatter said, "There's a girls club, women help other women. This is really positive changes. And I always hate to quote statistics because I don't have them in front of me, but it's now around 35% in television of what's directed by women. That's pretty darn good. And if you look at our show at Imperfect Women, and I should also add, we have plenty of imperfect men on this show. That, you know, all the directors are women on this show. Girls, girls."

The show’s creators and stars emphasized the importance of telling stories about flawed, real women, and the power of female collaboration both in front of and behind the camera.

What you can do:

 "Imperfect Women" is now streaming on Apple TV+, offering viewers a chance to see a new take on friendship, secrets and the ways we navigate the messiness of life.

What we don't know:

It is not yet clear if the series will be renewed for additional seasons or if there are plans for future adaptations of Araminta Hall’s other works.