Top 5 Shows with Badass Female Leads

With millions of different television shows and streaming networks at your fingertips, it’s so easy to become overwhelmed with the question of what you’d like to binge-watch next. (I know, it’s a definite first world problem.)

So I guess if you’re going to spend time mindlessly watching 22 episodes per season in 2 days, it should be something worth your while. Furthermore, the shows should expand your perspective on why badass female leads are the absolute best, as well as inspire the superwoman within you. The five female leads I’m about to share with you are going to rock your world. So sit tight, and watch out for minor spoilers:

Olivia Pope, Scandal:

Oh, hello, my beloved political drama star! Olivia Pope is basically the fierce ruler of D.C. (and, let’s face it, America). This gladiator in a suit is all about never giving up and she takes loyalty very seriously. Olivia teaches us to always fight for what’s right, even if you have to fight alone. She also makes drinking red wine and eating popcorn for dinner every night practically trend-worthy.

Alex Parrish, Quantico:

Quantico is barely two seasons in, and Alex Parrish, an FBI recruit, has managed to become the definition of stubborn–but for all the right reasons. She doesn’t take no for an answer, and probably trusts her intuition more than anyone else. Also, can we talk about how beautifully FIT she is? Alex is why I decided to start doing my workouts while watching the show. Motivation? Done. Strong is beautiful.

Daenerys (Dany) Targaryen, Game of Thrones:

If you haven’t watched Game of Thrones, please start binge-watching this epic and mythical power-driven series right now. Only then will you truly understand just how badass Dany is. You may also know her as ‘Khaleesi’, and this mythical bae reminds us that our gender does not define what we can accomplish. Furthermore, her unwavering passion for achieving justice across the seven kingdoms of Westeros is exemplary. Oh, did I also mention she’s literally the mother of dragons??

Bonnie Bennett, The Vampire Diaries:

I’m on a fictional-character roll right now. Bonnie Bennett is the Salem-Witch descendant of the supernatural drama-thriller: The Vampire Diaries. Besides all of her different supernatural abilities (and she’s had quite a few over the past 8 seasons), she is frequently seen as the underdog of the show. As the seasons have gone on, Bonnie teaches us that we’re still awesome even when no one is paying attention to us. She’s also an extreme ride-or-die towards her friends and loved ones, and isn’t afraid to tear a guy a new one if he deserves it. But best of all, she teaches us that vulnerability does not equate to weakness.

Lorelai Gilmore, Gilmore Girls:

Okay, back to normal characters that aren’t mystical. Lorelai Gilmore–mother of Rory Gilmore, and daughter of Richard and Emily Gilmore–is the best Gilmore of all. She also takes the win for best TV mom. Growing up, this show exposed us to a very family-friendly storyline of a single mother and her daughter, and all the rewards, struggles and challenges that come with this relationship. From leaving everything behind to raise her daughter at 16, to chasing her long-time dream and symbolizing what it means to never settle, Lorelai Gilmore and her love for coffee are the perfect pick-me-ups when you’re having a rough day. Next time you’re in a funk or need to get through your to-do list, channel your inner Lorelai and tap into all that enthusiasm for some (fast-talking) energy.

I hope this list not only inspired you to renew your Netflix subscription, but to also be the best (and badass) version of yourself possible.