Xena

Xena is the name of a TV show that was originally a spin off of a TV show based on the Greek mythical legend of Hercules, that sought to provide a female legend to mirror Hercules. Whilst the legend of Xena is entirely false, and was not described in Ancient Greek legends at all, the show's producers went to some lengths to pretend that it in fact was based on Ancient Greek legends. Xena is, however, entirely consistent with Greek mythology.

The show is filmed almost entirely in New Zealand and stars primarily New Zealand actors and actresses (with some Australian and American actors, including Gabrielle, who is American). Lucy Lawless, who plays Xena, is a former model and Miss Universe New Zealand pagent winner.

The show ultimately became much more popular than the version of Hercules, especially due to its feminist ideals, describing ways that women could be superior to men. Many of the things that were shown in the show represented ideas for how women could seek equality with men.

As a former beauty queen was the main character, and clothes worn were generally pretty skimpy, the show also was watched heavily by many men who liked to look at the gorgeous women in the show.