5 Perfect Shows With Badass Female Leads
International Women's Day is just around the corner, so it's a good time to celebrate your female heroes. We picked 5 amazing shows with women at the centre – not just as leads, but also leaders.
The world of television is full of compelling female characters. But they mostly serve as gentle reminders of what a woman is supposed to be like in real life. A more engaging approach, however, is to create a seemingly unlikely character for a female protagonist and make her take the lead.
These types of characters bring depth and complexity to their shows, offering viewers a powerful and sometimes unpredictable portrayal of women in charge. And here are 5 brilliant series featuring tough female leaders who are not afraid to be in charge in a world full of danger and intrigue.
1. Elizabeth Jennings in The Americans (2013-2018)
In this critically acclaimed spy drama, Keri Russell shines as Elizabeth Jennings, a KGB agent deeply embedded in the fabric of suburban American life in the 1980s. Elizabeth wears multiple masks, one of a loving wife and mother, and another of a fierce agent for the Soviet Union.
Russel is absolutely convincing in her performance, as we see Elizabeth navigating the duality of her life with a cold head and open mind. She is constantly put in dangerous situations that challenge her ability to make tough decisions, but she manages to go through it all thanks to her sharp intelligence and unflinching loyalty to her cause.
2. Juliette in Silo ( 2023)
AppleTV+'s Silo introduces us to Juliette, a strong, opinionated, intelligent woman who dares to challenge the oppressive social structures of the post-apocalyptic world in which she has been trapped. The show's setting, a massive underground silo where humanity lives in a controlled environment, makes it all the more dangerous for her to take charge, as it can truly be worth her life.
Juliette is portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson, and the actress delivers an amazing performance as a classic badass leader. Her character is willing to sacrifice everything for the greater good and her actions are proof that she will stop at nothing to uncover the truth and protect those she loves.
3. Charlie Cale in Poker Face (2023)
Poker Face stars Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale, a woman with the ability to tell when people are lying. Her unique gift comes in handy as she often finds herself in all sorts of adventures that mix mystery, crime, and dark comedy. Charlie is not your typical detective, she's a rebel who takes an unconventional approach to each case.
What makes Charlie so compelling is that doesn't just solve crimes for the thrill of it. She's on a high-stakes journey to right wrongs and find hidden truths.
“So many mystery, whodunit shows star arrogant, overly intelligent, well-to-do, bookish characters who enjoy puzzles over people. But in every episode, Charlie becomes entwined in the puzzles exactly because of the people. She's not smug and can enjoy the passions of others, but not so devil-may-care that she's always oblivious to being played. She represents people who aren't always lifted up in Hollywood, and I'm happy to see it,” Redditor svenjacobs3 said.
4. Mare Sheehan in Mare of Eastown (2021)
Mare of Easttown features our beloved Kate Winslet as Mare Sheehan, a detective in a small, working-class town in Pennsylvania. Mare is a seasoned investigator who is navigating both the pressures of solving a high-profile murder case and the deep personal drama that comes with a troubled family life.
Winslet does an amazing job portraying a complex character. Behind Mare's tough exterior is a woman struggling with grief, regret, and the overwhelming weight of her many responsibilities. But there's a paradox. What makes Mare so tough is her vulnerability. The thing is, she's not afraid to show her flaws, but she also refuses to back down in the face of danger.
5. Sarah Manning in Orphan Black (2013-2017)
Tatiana Maslany stars as Sarah Manning, a woman who discovers she is one of many clones created as part of a secret government experiment. As Sarah becomes entangled in a web of conspiracy, she must protect not only herself, but also the other clones, each with their own unique personality. And to do that, she simply must be a fierce leader.
