In a landscape crowded with entertainment options, STARZ’s upcoming limited series "Three Women" stands out for its daring exploration of female desire and intimacy. Based on Lisa Taddeo’s best-selling book, the series offers a raw and honest portrayal of women’s inner lives, bringing to the screen stories that are often left untold. At the TCA Press Tour, the cast and creators provided an insightful look into the making of this provocative series, set to premiere this September.

Adapting "Three Women" from book to screen was a journey that spanned over a decade. Lisa Taddeo, the creator and executive producer, reflected on the long road: "It’s incredibly educational. It was a long road starting with the beginning of the book more than a decade, 15 years ago, and to have it sort of move through a couple of different phases was kind of like the experience of writing the book and making the show and kind of like the experience of life – lots of different weird chapters."

The series follows Gia, played by Shailene Woodley, a writer grieving the loss of her family who embarks on a journey to write a book about female desire. She persuades three women – Lina, Sloane, and Maggie – to share their stories, leading to transformative experiences for all involved.

One of the strengths of "Three Women" is its focus on complex, nuanced female characters. Shailene Woodley, spoke about the unique challenge of playing a character based on a real person: "I actually feel like I’m kind of the luckiest one though because I have the real-life person on set with me every single day whom my character was based on and crafted around."

Woodley’s portrayal is deeply informed by her interactions with Taddeo, blending personal experiences with the fictional aspects of Gia’s character. This approach adds authenticity and depth to her performance, making Gia’s journey both relatable and compelling.

DeWanda Wise, who plays Sloane, emphasized the importance of portraying sexual and emotional freedom for Black women. She shared her excitement about working with Blair Underwood, who plays her husband: "It’s always so thrilling when you get to witness an actor do something they’ve never done... Take these leaps, cross these boundaries. There’s just something so amazingly empowering about it."

Wise’s character navigates an open marriage, exploring themes of trust, desire, and freedom. Her performance, alongside Underwood’s, challenges conventional portrayals of Black intimacy and offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of modern relationships.

The series’ commitment to authentic storytelling is evident in its production and narrative choices. Laura Eason, showrunner and executive producer, highlighted the collaborative process that brought the series to life: "One of the questions that I had and I feel like a lot of people had reading the book is how did you get these stories? How did you get these women to be so vulnerable with you to share so much of themselves?"

This vulnerability is at the heart of "Three Women," making it a powerful exploration of female empowerment. The series does not shy away from difficult topics, instead embracing them with honesty and empathy. This approach resonates with viewers, offering a space where women’s experiences are seen and validated.

The series also tackles broader social issues, such as the stigmatization of female desire and the pressures of societal expectations. Gabrielle Creevy, who plays Maggie, discussed the emotional impact of her character’s story: "I remember coming off the call and I was like I have to do this because I just – her whole story kind of just leapt off the paper for me and her bravery."

Maggie’s narrative, which involves a relationship with her high school teacher, sheds light on the power dynamics and emotional complexities that many women face. Creevy’s portrayal brings depth and sensitivity to this challenging storyline, highlighting the need for greatweirder understanding and empathy.

For the cast, working on this series was a deeply cathartic experience. Woodley described the process as both freeing and intense: "It has served as an outlet to just being honest and going, ‘oh yeah, I’ve been through that.’ And why did I feel like this is some occult, weird thing that I had to contain to just me and my best friend or me and myself or me and my therapist?"

This openness extended to the relationships among the cast members, creating a supportive environment where they could explore their characters’ vulnerabilities. The series’ focus on genuine emotional intimacy offers viewers a rare glimpse into the raw, unfiltered experiences of women.

As "Three Women" prepares to make its debut, the anticipation is high. The series promises to be a bold and provocative exploration of female desire, intimacy, and empowerment. Its commitment to authentic storytelling and complex characters sets it apart in the current entertainment landscape.

For those who appreciate television that challenges societal norms and delves deep into the human experience, "Three Women" is a must-watch. The series not only entertains but also sparks meaningful conversations about the realities of female desire and the importance of sharing our most intimate stories.

With its stellar cast, compelling narratives, and fearless approach to difficult topics, "Three Women" is poised to make a significant impact. I find this series to be a timely and necessary addition to the television landscape. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of women, and the importance of telling our stories in all their complexity and truth.