The Greatest Female TV Characters Of All Time

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Updated January 2, 2025 659.1K views 590 items
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Vote up the most memorable, inspirational, and/or funniest female characters in TV history.

Let's celebrate the best female TV characters of all time with this ranked list of the iconic women who have graced our television screens, spanning from soap operas and sitcoms to sagas of science fiction. The criteria for making this list transcends popularity, focusing on uniquely appealing attributes, character depth and the broader impact of these characters reflected in our society. Conceived by passionate fans and industry connoisseurs, this crowd-ranked compilation underscores the essential role of influential female characters in shaping the television landscape.

Our tour through television history introduces us to pioneering women who have left a lasting impression on audiences across the globe. Comedic legend Lucy Ricardo of I Love Lucy set the bar high with her slapstick humor, opening doors for inspiring modern comedians like the ever-quirky Phoebe Buffay from Friends. Unforgettable, strong characters like The X-Files' Dana Scully, and the grim yet spiritually tenacious Buffy Summers from Buffy the Vampire Slayer have paved the way for modern warriors like Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones and the persistently smart and resilient Eleven from Stranger Things. These famous TV show characters occupy a special place in our hearts due to their engaging storytelling, complex personalities, and their ability to break stereotypes.

As we traverse through different timelines and narratives, these women from classic shows and our favorite series have defined their eras, won our hearts, and revolutionized the representation of women on television. The portrayal of each character on this list has sparked important conversations, connected audiences, and set the tone for future female TV characters.

Now, we invite you to participate in this homage to female representation in television. Cast your vote for the top female TV characters, helping them climb up the ranks on this list. Your vote is key to shaping this tribute to the most formidable and compelling women in television. After all, you, the fans, are the definitive voice in determining the ultimate female TV character of all time.

Most divisive: Penny
Over 57.0K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Greatest Female TV Characters Of All Time
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