Representation is a tricky concept. Even if you drop diverse characters into a fictional world, they can still be represented using lazy, damaging stereotypes. It’s hard to know beforehand whether or not a show will demonstrate the power of minority characters, particularly women, or just use them as cannon fodder and sex appeal. That’s where I come in. In all my years of watching television (and I watch a LOT of it), I’ve found shows with remarkable, memorable and all-around lovable characters. Here’s a list of shows from a variety of genres with strong female characters:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)
While current supernatural shows such as the aptly-named Supernatural feature generic female characters, Buffy instigated the concept of powerful girls fighting the forces of evil. Buffy stars Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers, a Slayer destined to fight vampires, demons and all sorts of monsters. Alongside this bleach-blonde badass are characters such as the ex-demon Anya, the lesbian witches Willow and Tara, and Dawn, Buffy’s young sister with a secret. These characters are strong in their own rights, and about as realistic and organic as it gets. Watching them interact with one another and share love and compassion, all while kicking creature of the night butt, makes this show a worthwhile watch.
Steven Universe (2013–Present)
Kid’s cartoons aren’t just for kids anymore. Steven Universe goes against conventional superhero stories by revolving around a primarily female cast. Steven, the major male character of the show, is a young half-human, half-Gem living with the Crystal Gems, his maternal figures. The CGs are made up of Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl, with new additions popping up as the show progresses. These women are skilled fighters, each with their own weapons and special abilities. They are also capable of fusion, a method by which they combine their separate bodies and skills into one giant woman. The universe of Steven Universe is constantly expanding, with twists and turns every episode to keep fans on their feet. I can’t recommend this show enough—hop on board and see what it’s about!
Orange is the New Black (2013–Present)
Anyone with a Netflix account has probably heard of this one. Based on the memoir of the same name by Piper Kerman, OITNB stars Taylor Schilling in the author’s role and documents her time in a women’s correctional facility. As the series takes place in a women’s prison, unique, strong female characters abound. There’s Crazy Eyes, the slightly obsessive inmate with good intentions; Alex, Piper’s ex and the reason Piper ended up in prison, and Daya, a shy inmate who falls for one of the prison guards. The characters in this show are as diverse as it gets, each with interesting pasts that emerge in the oddly colorful world of the prison. The series is still running, so you’d better catch up before the next season drops!
Avatar: The Last Airbender/Legend of Korra (2005–2014)
Here’s another cartoon—I’m a bit of a geek, sorry—that represents women as powerful fighters and incredible friends. The world of Avatar features benders, individuals who can control fire, water, earth or air. Just as Buffy has a cycle of Slayers, Avatar has a cycle of the Avatars, individuals capable of controlling all four elements. In the first series, Avatar Aang journeys across the world with the motherly water-bender Katara and the blind, sarcastic earth-bender Toph to hone his skills and eventually challenge the dictatorial Fire Lord. Some of those female characters make appearances in Legend of Korra, which takes place 100 years after the events of The Last Airbender and features a female Avatar, Korra, fighting evil that threatens to tear apart their world. One female member of Korra’s group, Asami, is an engineering genius and close confidant. The characters in Avatar show such diversity and strength. Despite every challenge they face, they’re still children. Even so, they are able to tackle the greatest evil their world has ever seen.
Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)
Almost every college girl has binged this show at least once. Parks and Rec features the illustrious Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, the ambitious Deputy Director of an Indiana Parks and Recreation department. Leslie’s aspirations to become the first female president of the United States reflect her over-achieving nature and dedication to serving the greater community. Other female characters, including the sarcastic April and Leslie’s best friend Ann, play off of Knope and reveal their own ambitions. Not only is Parks and Rec a hilarious show, but it also includes female leads with unique dreams and goals that lead to realistic characters and memorable moments. Even if you’ve seen this show already, it’s one worth watching again.