Maid

Alex Russell escapes an abusive relationship and moves through a tangle of shelters, court hearings, and part-time work while trying to keep custody of her daughter and build a safer life. She takes cleaning jobs that pay little but offer temporary stability, and the show follows the daily logistics of paperwork, housing searches, and late nights on call. Alex leans on a few imperfect allies, faces pushback from family and an ex who complicates money and custody, and copes with trauma while trying to carve out small moments of rest and dignity for herself and her child.

Maid was created by Molly Smith Metzler in collaboration with Stephanie Land and is adapted from Land's memoir, premiering on Netflix in 2021. The series stars Margaret Qualley, Nick Robinson, Andie MacDowell, and Rylea Nevaeh Whittet.

The series earned strong praise for its acting, especially Qualley's layered lead performance, and maintains a vote average of 7.962/10 (837 votes). Reviewers highlighted how the show portrays the grind of low-wage work alongside the emotional toll of abuse and poverty, pairing stark realism with quieter scenes that show care and resilience. Writing and tone emphasize systemic hurdles, motherhood, and the strain of mental health on everyday survival.

Beyond reviews, Maid sparked wider conversations about how society values domestic labor and supports survivors. It brought attention to the realities of eviction risk, benefit barriers, and the invisibility of housecleaning work, prompting discussions on social media and among advocacy groups. Viewers often noted how the series humanizes people working in back-of-house roles and encouraged debates about policy and stigma.

The show also attracted awards-season attention, with critics and industry groups highlighting its performances and writing in various nominations and mentions.