One of the best things about the countless streaming services and networks offering endless TV options is the amazing new characters we get obsessed with. Many of those characters are unforgettable, badass Black women. Whether it’s an old favorite or something new, settle in for a binge with TV’s fiercest Black women.
Queen Charlotte – Bridgerton
Whether it’s Golda Rosheuvel’s stoic, unforgiving queen on the original, or India Amarteifio’s fiery, independent young queen in the prequel spinoff, Charlotte is woman you do not want to mess with. From her husband the king, to his mother, to the palace staff, everyone learned she does what she wants, when she wants.
Special Agent Michelle Mackey – NCIS: Sydney
For the first time in the long history of the “NCIS” franchise, a Black woman is leading the team as Special-Agent-in-Charge. Mackey is fearless, tough, and all about the victims. She also protects her team at all costs. She also has to bend the rules to get around the obstacles set up by her mediocre male bosses.
Gabi Mosely – Found
Gabi is in no way perfect. There’s obviously some issues about her character we need to discuss. However, if you’re loved one is missing, and you know the police won’t care, she’s the one you want looking for them. She doesn’t let politics or the law stand in her way.
Sgt. Ayanna Bell – Law & Order: Organized Crime
It takes a truly special woman to put up with Stabler’s emotional baggage.
Ava Coleman – Abbott Elementary
She’s not your average principal, but Ava cares in her own unique way. And you do not want to be on her bad side.
Robyn McCall – The Equalizer
You do not want to be the one standing between Robyn and helping her client. It never ends well.
Dominique Devereux – Dynasty
The way she so elegantly shades Alexis is perfection.
Olivia Pope – Scandal
It’s not just the way she always knows how to put these white men in their place, but also that she looks so spectacular while doing it.
Cookie Lyon – Empire
I don’t care how in love they were, she was way too good for Lucious.
Annalise Keating – How to Get Away With Murder
No TV lawyer ever broke down a witness like Annalise.
Maxine Shaw – Living Single
I could have put all the Living Single women on the list, but no one does a comeback like The Maverick.
Reva/Third Sister – Obi-Wan Kenobi
I know she’s the bad guy, but she’s has a heartbreaking backstory and a fascinating redemption arc. I hope they find a way to bring Reva back in Andor.
Iris West – The Flash
Iris is the heart and soul of Team Flash. She’s the reason Barry became a superhero. He would be nothing without her.
Miranda Bailey – Grey’s Anatomy
She’s tough because she has to be. If I have a medical emergency in Seattle, I want Bailey operating on me.
Clair Huxtable – The Cosby Show
I’m still thinking about how she laid into Vanessa after she went to see The Wretched.
Lt. Uhura – Star Trek
You know you’re a badass when you changed the course of the entirespace program. Special shoutout to Celia Rose Gooding’s amazing portrayal of a young Cadet Uhura on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
Vivian Banks (Janet Hubert) – The Fresh Prince of Bel Air
I’m not comparing Aunt Vivs, but she definitely lost some fire when the switch happened.
Zoë Washburne – Firefly
Zoë is clearly better suited to be Serenity’s captain, but her loyalty to her friend Malcolm keeps her from taking over.
Kelli – Insecure
Her one-liners are legendary and Natasha Rothwell not getting an Emmy is criminal.
Donna Meagle – Parks and Recreation
Every time Donna showed up, she delivered the comedy’s most memorable scenes.
Athena Grant – 9-1-1
Angela Bassett never misses. She is truly a master at her craft. If you’re not watching 9-1-1, she is the No. 1 reason to start.
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