The Golden Girls Of Wrestling: A Look Back At GLOW’s Golden Globe Nominations And Lasting Legacy

In the landscape of modern television on this current date in December 2025, few shows captured the unique blend of comedy, drama, and 80s nostalgia quite like Netflix's *GLOW* (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling). The series, which chronicled the lives of a group of disparate women who find fame and empowerment in the world of professional wrestling, was a critical darling throughout its three-season run, culminating in prestigious recognition from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) in the form of multiple Golden Globe nominations. These nominations cemented the show's status as a powerhouse of quality television, celebrating its sharp writing, stellar ensemble cast, and groundbreaking portrayal of female friendship and ambition. The show's critical acclaim was immediate and sustained, leading to high-profile nominations that put the series on the map alongside TV giants. While the series may have concluded prematurely, its Golden Globe recognition remains a testament to the show's quality, particularly highlighting the phenomenal work of its lead actress and the overall brilliance of the ensemble and creative team. This deep dive explores the specifics of *GLOW*'s Golden Globe history and the enduring impact of the series that redefined the sports-comedy genre.

A Full Roster of GLOW’s Golden Globe Nominations

The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling were invited to the Golden Globe dance on two separate occasions, earning nominations for both the show itself and its leading star. This dual recognition is a rare feat, underscoring the strength of the series' writing and the captivating performance at its core.

2018: Alison Brie’s Star-Making Nomination

The 75th Golden Globe Awards, held in January 2018, recognized the show’s inaugural season (2017) with its first major nod. * Nominee: Alison Brie (as Ruth Wilder/Zoya the Destroya) * Category: Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy Alison Brie's nomination was a monumental moment, honoring her nuanced portrayal of Ruth Wilder, an aspiring actress whose desperation and ambition lead her to the wrestling ring. Her character’s journey—from a struggling performer to the Soviet villain Zoya the Destroya—was the emotional anchor of the first season, and the nomination acknowledged the depth, comedic timing, and physical commitment Brie brought to the role. This nod placed her in a highly competitive category against some of the biggest names in television comedy.

2019: The Series Steps into the Spotlight

The following year, the 76th Golden Globe Awards (2019) recognized the show's second season (2018), which deepened the character dynamics and expanded the scope of the wrestling promotion. * Nominee: *GLOW* * Category: Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy This nomination for the series itself was a huge victory for the entire creative team, including creators Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch, and executive producer Jenji Kohan. It validated the show’s ability to balance its comedic elements with serious, character-driven storylines, proving that *GLOW* was more than just a quirky 80s throwback. The second season, which explored themes of female solidarity, creative control, and the complexities of working in a male-dominated industry, resonated powerfully with critics and audiences alike.

The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling: Key Entities and Cast

The success of *GLOW* at the Golden Globes and other award shows was built on the foundation of an incredible ensemble cast and a visionary creative team. The show's ability to develop over a dozen unique female characters was key to its critical acclaim.

• Alison Brie: Ruth Wilder / Zoya the Destroya (Lead Actress, Golden Globe Nominee)
• Betty Gilpin: Debbie Eagan / Liberty Belle (Co-Lead, Emmy Nominee)
• Marc Maron: Sam Sylvia (The Director)
• Britney Young: Carmen Wade / Machu Picchu
• Sydelle Noel: Cherry Bang / Junkchain
• Carly Mensch & Liz Flahive: Co-Creators and Showrunners
• Jenji Kohan: Executive Producer (*Orange Is the New Black*)
• Jackie Tohn: Melanie Rosen / Melrose
• Kate Nash: Rhonda Richardson / Britannica
• Gayle Rankin: Sheila the She-Wolf
• Kia Stevens: Tammé Dawson / Welfare Queen
• Sunita Mani: Arthie Premkumar / Beirut the Mad Bomber
• Ellen Wong: Jenny Chey / Fortune Cookie
• Chris Lowell: Sebastian "Bash" Howard (The Producer)
• The HFPA: Hollywood Foreign Press Association (The Golden Globe voting body)
• Netflix: The Streaming Platform that housed the series.
• Zoya the Destroya: Ruth Wilder's Russian Heel persona.
• Liberty Belle: Debbie Eagan's All-American Babyface persona.

The Lasting Legacy of a Critically Acclaimed, Yet Canceled, Series

Despite its high-profile nominations and critical success, the *GLOW* journey came to an abrupt end. The series was renewed for a fourth and final season, which was intended to wrap up all the major storylines, but Netflix ultimately reversed the renewal decision in October 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The production delays and the complications of filming a physically intimate, large-ensemble show were cited as insurmountable hurdles. The cancellation, which still "stings" for many fans and critics, prevented the show from having a proper Golden Globe-nominated conclusion. However, the legacy of *GLOW* extends far beyond its awards shelf:

A Benchmark for Female Ensemble Storytelling

*GLOW* is frequently cited as a gold standard for depicting complex, non-competitive female relationships. The show explored the deep-seated friendships and rivalries between the women, particularly the volatile yet loving bond between Ruth (Alison Brie) and Debbie (Betty Gilpin). The Golden Globe nomination for Best Series acknowledged the show's success in weaving these intricate personal stories into a compelling narrative backdrop.

Physicality and Stunt Work Recognition

While the Golden Globes did not have a specific category for it, the show's exceptional wrestling choreography and stunt work were recognized by other bodies, notably the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Emmys. The physical commitment of the cast, who performed many of their own stunts, was a hallmark of the series' authenticity and entertainment value. This element was crucial to the show's overall quality recognized by the HFPA.

The Power of the 80s Setting

The vibrant 1980s setting, complete with big hair, neon spandex, and a killer soundtrack, was more than just window dressing. It provided a commentary on the era's evolving views on celebrity, exploitation, and feminism. The *GLOW* Golden Globe nominations underscored how successfully the show used its period setting to explore timeless themes. The memory of *GLOW* remains fresh in the minds of TV enthusiasts who appreciate its groundbreaking approach to the sports-comedy genre. The Golden Globe nominations serve as a permanent marker of the show’s excellence, a reminder of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling who fought their way onto the biggest stages in Hollywood.