Female characters in TV shows have come a long way in recent years. Gone are the days of damsels in distress and women playing second fiddle to the male lead. Today, we have a host of badass female characters who is taking the small screen by storm. From fearless warriors to cunning assassins, these women are breaking the mold and changing the game.
They are strong, independent, and unafraid to speak their minds. With their quick thinking and unwavering determination, they are some of the most inspiring and badass characters on TV. Whether they are fighting for justice, battling their inner demons, or simply living their lives, these women are proof that being a badass knows no gender.
11 Kate Beckett - Castle
Kate Beckett is a detective with the New York Police Department and is highly skilled in solving crimes. She is tough, smart, and fearless, and is not afraid to put herself in harm's way to solve a case. The character is also a confident and determined leader, who is respected by her colleagues.
Kate’s determination to uncover the truth, her quick thinking, and her willingness to take risks make her a truly badass female character. Additionally, she is a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to challenge the status quo and stand up for what she believes in, further adding to her badass persona.
10 Miranda Bailey - Grey’s Anatomy
Miranda Bailey is a highly skilled surgeon who works at the Seattle Grace hospital. She is strong, intelligent, and unafraid in speaking what’s in her mind. The character is known for her tough exterior, however, she has a heart of gold and will go to any extent to help her patients.
Miranda is a naturally no-nonsense person, who eventually becomes the Chief of Surgery. Her determination to never do what is right and stand up for things she believes in makes her a badass character.
9 Annalise Keating - How to Get Away With Murder
Annalise Keating is a criminal defense attorney and a law professor, who is always tough, intelligent, and in control. She has never been afraid to challenge authority, and her cunning mind and strategic thinking, help her get out of sticky situations.
Annalise is also a complex character, with a traumatic past and vulnerability, making her relatable to audiences. Her strength, intelligence, and unwavering determination enable her to fight for justice, making her a total badass.
8 Rosa Diaz - Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Rosa Diaz is one of the detectives at Brooklyn’s 99th precinct along with her colleagues. The character has a no-nonsense attitude and is brave. She also has a take-no-prisoners approach to her job where she does not hesitate to deal with the bad guys.
Rosa always manages to be on top, whether it is to take down dangerous criminals or face off her colleagues, to whom she is extremely loyal. Her unconventional methods and quick thinking always get her and her colleagues out of trouble. She is not afraid to speak what’s in her mind and can handle herself making her a badass.
7 Daenerys Targaryen - Game of Thrones
Daenerys Targaryen, also known as the Mother of Dragons was an innocent child who was married off to a Khal in order to raise her brother’s army. However, the character eventually falls in love with her husband and gains confidence, loyalty, and pride. She becomes a fierce leader, determined to take what was rightfully hers, which meant the Iron Throne.
Daenerys was fearless in battle and her dragons were one of her many powers, only she could have. Her strength, determination, and her determination to bring peace to Westeros, making her a force to be reckoned with, is what makes her a badass.
6 Olivia Pope - Scandal
Olivia Pope is a powerful crisis manager who is not afraid to get her hands dirty to get the job done. She is a master of manipulation, and her skills in negotiating and maneuvering through complex political and personal issues, make her one of the most badass characters on TV.
Olivia’s unwavering loyalty to her clients and her determination to always do the right thing make her one of the most inspiring and badass characters on TV. Even in the face of opposition, she is confident, and determined, and never lets her emotions get in the way.
5 Eleven - Stranger Things
Despite being way too young on this list, the character has faced adversity with courage and has a tough life. She has telekinetic abilities which she uses to protect her friends and quite literally the world.
Her bravery and resilience are always evident in her determination to do what is right even if that means her life will be in danger. She is fearless, strong, intelligent, and courageous, making her an inspiring character irrespective of her abilities, which in turn makes her a badass character.
4 Brienne of Tarth - Game of Thrones
Brienne is a highly skilled fighter, and will not back down while standing up for the right things, even if it means going against traditional gender roles. She is fiercely loyal and once she swears to protect someone, she will go far and wide to make sure she does it.
The character is known for her immense bravery and honor in battle, being both strong and independent. In the world of Game of Thrones, her lack of conventional beauty or gender was questioned but that did not hold her back.
3 Buffy Summers - Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Buffy Summers is an infleunical action hero who paved the way for many other badass female characters. She was a powerful fighter, who was ready to take on supernatural creatures and willing to sacrifice herself to protect others.
Her quick thinking and fearless attitude make her an amazing opponent, as her strength and determination have the potential to inspire others. Throughout the series, Buffy deals with a plethora of personal and supernatural issues including, heartbreak, death, and love. But she refuses to give up and stays strong, making her a badass character.
2 Arya Stark - Game of Thrones
Arya Stark is the daughter of Ned Stark and the youngest daughter of the Stark family. She has been a fan-favorite character ever since the first season of Game of Thrones. Although she was young, the character showed determination, and bravery, becoming a formidable warrior.
She is determined to avenge her family’s death after the first season. Arya goes on to train with Faceless Guy and improve her swordsmanship as well as her sharp mind. She became one of the most dangerous and badass characters in the series.
1 Michonne - The Walking Dead
Michonne is a strong and fearless warrior who is always willing to put herself in harm's way to protect her friends and loved ones. She is a skilled fighter who wields her katana sword with precision and grace, making her one of the most dangerous characters in the post-apocalyptic world.
Michonne is also a complex character with a deep emotional layer, making her relatable to audiences. She is fiercely independent, yet compassionate and fiercely loyal to those she loves. Her unwavering determination and her fierce spirit make her one of the most inspiring and badass female characters on TV.