21 Highly Influential Female TV Characters
7. Dana Scully – The X-files
The X-files is a favorite television show that portrays a strong female lead character. Dana Scully, portrayed by Gillian Anderson, changed the face of television in the 1990s by going toe to toe with her male counterpart, Fox Mulder.
The X-files offered a new twist to the standard hero archetype of Science fiction narratives by adding a woman in an attempt to confuse gender associations implied during dramas of the 1990s. Scully willingly subordinates her interests for the good of the collective. She searches, in good faith, for truth and expects that ultimately such a quest will not be fruitless.
8. Xena – Xena Warrior Princess
The warrior princess of our dreams first graced our television screens in the late 1990s. Xena was fierce, uncompromising and most of all loyal to her friends. Her redemption arc showed that even those with the most sordid past can find love, and that learning to accepting yourself with flaws is one of the most important things to discover.
9. Roseanne Conner – Roseanne
Like Lucy before her, Roseanne flipped the script on how a housewife should look, act, and sound. She wasn’t afraid to be the boss in the relationship or to show a white-collar family and the hardships they face every day.
Roseanne Barr took control of her show after being pushed around for the first couple of seasons by the powers that be. She stuck to her guns, got control of her show, and made it into the classic that it is today.
10. Ellen Richmond – The Ellen Show
Ellen Degeneres’ character, as well as the actress herself, came out as gay in the late 90s. Unfortunately, it was because of her bravery and courage that her show was canceled the very next year. Ellen made her triumphant return to television in 2004 with The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and has given courage to countless other individuals.
11. Samantha Stephens – Bewitched
Samantha craved a normal life, but couldn’t resist using her powers in an amusing way. More importantly, she used them when she saw injustice was happening around her.
12. Jeannie – I Dream of Jeannie
Jeannie was a force of nature. She flipped the servant/master trope, and though she was portrayed as a ditzy blonde, she knew what to do to get what she wanted.
Jessica Kreamer
Jessica has a degree in History, an MLA is Liberal Arts, and a great desire to consume as much quality television as she can. By day, she's an office worker and caregiver. By night, she's a tea drinking television fanatic. Her current favorite television shows include: Madam Secretary, How To Get Away With Murder, Jane the Virgin, and Veep. Her greatest wish is to make tea drinking into a payable skill. Follow Jessica on Twitter: @pythiaprophet