Feud: Bette and Joan (2017) – A Rivalry That Redefined Hollywood

Behind the glitz and glamour lay a rivalry that Hollywood never wanted you to forget.

Feud: Bette and Joan (2017) is a captivating anthology drama created by Ryan Murphy, chronicling one of the most infamous rivalries in Hollywood history. The first season focuses on legendary actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford during the making of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962), a psychological thriller that forced the two icons to work together despite their long-standing animosity.

The series dives deep into the complexities of fame, aging in Hollywood, and the brutal treatment of women in an industry that prizes youth and beauty above all else. Susan Sarandon portrays Bette Davis with sharp wit and resilience, while Jessica Lange delivers a hauntingly vulnerable performance as Joan Crawford. Together, they bring to life the intensity of two women trapped in a system that exploited their rivalry for profit and publicity.

Beyond the publicized feuds, the show explores the personal struggles of both stars—their loneliness, ambition, and desire for relevance in an unforgiving industry. It humanizes them, showing not just the bitterness but also the pain of being women in a patriarchal Hollywood where men often orchestrated their downfall for entertainment.

What makes Feud: Bette and Joan stand out is its mix of glamour, tragedy, and biting social commentary. It reveals that while Davis and Crawford were adversaries, they were also victims of the same system that pitted them against one another. The show is as much a critique of Hollywood’s golden age as it is a tribute to the enduring talent and resilience of two unforgettable women.