Emmy Rossum, who both stars in and executive produces the Disney Plus thriller Furious, has spoken about the significance of telling stories that reflect the experiences of women in television. The series follows FBI agent Alice Black, played by Rossum, as she tracks down a female serial killer. Rossum emphasized the unique angle of a female protagonist pursuing a female antagonist, a dynamic that contrasts with many traditional serial killer stories, which often feature male villains. Rossum was inspired by the 1987 film Black Widow, which tells the story of a female federal investigator chasing a female serial killer. She highlighted the character’s connection to systemic failures and the intense emotions, including rage, that women may experience. Research suggests that about one in six serial killers are female, and studies have identified common patterns among female serial killers, such as a history of abuse, substance use, and mental health challenges. To ensure the show's authenticity, Rossum and the series’ creator, Elizabeth Meriwether, conducted thorough research. They consulted with law enforcement professionals and individuals with experience in human trafficking and sex work. Rossum described the physical and weapons training required for her role as an "incredible shift" in her understanding of what law enforcement work entails. Although Furious has been compared to the BBC series Killing Eve, which also features a female protagonist hunting a female antagonist, Rossum acknowledged the importance of being part of such a conversation. She argued for the need to tell more stories about women, portraying them with authenticity, including their anger and the injustices they face. Rossum said, "We want to see our rage reflected, in the way that we feel the world has let us down, not shown up for us, not serviced us, not given us the justice that we deserve."