The landscape of global television has undergone a permanent shift. The era of 2016-2017, in particular, stood as a pivotal moment where the “damsel in distress” trope was finally dismantled.
Across cable, network, and streaming platforms, female characters began to lead ratings not as romantic interests, but as powerful, complex, and often dangerous protagonists.
These women were not waiting to be rescued; they were the ones coming to save the world, often with a sword, a dragon, or a genius-level intellect.
As we look back on these era-defining roles in 2026, it becomes clear that these characters paved the way for the multifaceted representation we see today.
From the political machinations of Westeros to the gritty streets of Marvel’s Hell’s Kitchen, let’s revisit the most badass female TV characters who redefined the small screen.
The Queens of Westeros: Power, Blood, and Dragons
It is impossible to discuss “badass” women without acknowledging the impact of Game of Thrones. Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) didn’t just participate in the game; she scorched it.
Her journey from a sold-off bride to the Mother of Dragons remains one of the most powerful arcs in television history.
Parallel to her, Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) dismantled the traditional expectations of a “Lady.” Her training with the Faceless Men turned her into one of the most lethal assassins on screen.
And we cannot forget Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie), whose honor and physical prowess saved countless lives, proving that true strength is found in resilience.
These women were the heart of Game of Thrones, carrying the plot forward with their unwavering missions.
Gritty Realism: Jessica Jones and Lagertha
In 2016, Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) brought a new kind of intensity to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
As a private investigator with super strength and severe PTSD, Jessica was unapologetically messy, foul-mouthed, and fiercely independent.
She didn’t need a cape; she needed a leather jacket and a bottle of whiskey to fight her demons—both literal and figurative.
Similarly, in the world of Vikings, Lagertha Lothbrok (Katheryn Winnick) rose to become an Earl and a Queen.
As a Shield-maiden, she commanded armies and defended her people with a ferocity that few male counterparts could match.
These characters were groundbreaking because they allowed women to be flawed, angry, and physically dominant.
Sci-Fi and Survival: The 100 and Stranger Things
The science-fiction genre has always been a fertile ground for strong female leads. Octavia Blake and Lexa from The 100 transformed from survivors into warriors and leaders of clans. Their stories were about the heavy weight of command and the sacrifices required for the survival of the human race.
Then came Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) in Stranger Things. In 2016, she became a global phenomenon. A young girl with telekinetic powers and a dark past, Eleven proved that being a “badass” isn’t just about physical stature—it’s about the sheer force of will and the protective instinct for one’s found family.
The Complexity of Leadership: Cookie Lyon and Annalise Keating
In the realm of drama, Cookie Lyon (Empire) and Professor Annalise Keating (How to Get Away with Murder) redefined the “Boss” archetype. Cookie, played by Taraji P.
Henson, was a force of nature—business-savvy, street-smart, and fiercely protective of her empire.
Meanwhile, Viola Davis’s Annalise Keating was a masterclass in complexity; she was a brilliant lawyer who navigated ethical grey areas with a sharp tongue and an even sharper mind.
The Lasting Legacy: Why These Characters Matter
To date, the influence of these 2016-2017 characters is still felt in every new series that hits Netflix or HBO. They broke the old ideas of what a “female lead” should be.
Whether it was the lethal efficiency of Carol Peletier and Michonne in The Walking Dead or the revolutionary self-discovery of Maeve Millay in Westworld, these characters proved that audiences crave stories about women who are the architects of their own destinies.
In the current TV landscape of 2026, we continue to see the fruits of this labor. Being a “badass” is no longer a niche; it is the standard.
These women taught us that whether you are ruling a kingdom, hacking a global corporation like Darlene in Mr. Robot, or surviving a zombie apocalypse, you don’t need to be rescued. You are the hero of your own story.