Women remain woefully underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Negative stereotypes about women in these fields are pervasive, rooted in the debunked claim that women have less aptitude than men in science and math. While some TV series present portrayals that challenge this generalization, others reinforce troubling biases--sometimes even as writers and producers attempt to champion women in STEM.

This collection of new essays examines numerous popular series, from children's programs to primetime shows, and discusses the ways in which these narratives inform cultural ideas about women in STEM.