Some truly amazing female-drivenfantasyTV shows didn’t end too early. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for thebest fantasy TV showswith female protagonists to be cut short, airing only one or two seasons before being cancelled. It’s a real shame, especially as there have been manyfantasy TV shows that ran for too long.
Female leads are extremely important for plenty of reasons. Representation in the media is crucial, so it’s always brilliant when a TV show introduces a strong and complex female protagonist for audiences to get to know. These characters provide fascinating stories, even when they’re flawed figures.
Whether it’s anunderrated fantasy show barely anyone talks aboutor a hugely popular title audiences still love to revisit, these titles feature one or more astounding female lead characters. With four or more installments to enjoy, these TV shows are well worth checking out.
With theBuffy the Vampire Slayerrebooton the way, it’s important to appreciate the original show.Buffy the Vampire Slayercenters on the titular Buffy Summers,a teen girl who is tasked with being Sunnydale’s protector against vampires, demons, and all manner of supernatural and fantasy beings.
Inevery season ofBuffy the Vampire Slayer, Buffy and the rest of the Scooby gang are at the forefront of some truly thrilling adventures. However,Buffy’s story is particularly powerful.Buffy fights against various big bads, sacrifices herself for the greater good, and carries her grief with her all in the name of stopping the forces of evil.
While there are, of course, moments in the show viewers find frustrating, Buffy’s character arc is generally considered quite strong.Buffy has her flaws, just like any good character,but her development is undoubtedly brilliant.
Buffy begins the show as a high school student with typical, trivial teenage issues, but by the end, she has grown into a tough and heroic woman.It’s going to be amazing to see who Buffy Summers is decades later in the upcoming revival,and hopefully, it’ll continue to prove what a fantastic female lead she is.
The Vampire Diariestechnically has three lead characters, andalthough Elena is absent in the last two installments (except for in the finale), the story would be very different without her.The Vampire Diariesfocuses on orphan teenager Elena Gilbert, who falls in love with vampire Stefan, but is unaware that he isn’t human.
The Vampire Diarieslove triangle between Elena, Stefan, and Damonis one of the most popular things about the show. While there is plenty of occult-focused content inThe Vampire Diaries,the romance storylines are just as crucial to the show’s success.Plus, their connection to Elena’s doppelganger, Katherine, makes the story even more intriguing.
The Vampire Diaries’ Elena goes from human to vampire, gets caught up in the dangers of Bonnie’s magic, andshe breaks out of the “girl next door” archetype to become a strong and fierce woman.Even though Elena isn’t a Slayer like Buffy Summers, her purpose in the show is still important, as she is the connection between the vampiric and human worlds.
The Vampire Diariesis one of thebest fantasy TV shows based on books, and it does a brilliant job of translating Elena’s character from the page to the screen. AlthoughThe Vampire Diaries’ sequel series has been cancelled now,the original show still has plenty of female-driven content to enjoy.
Lost Girlis a fantastic fantasy supernatural TV show about Bo, a succubus who tries to understand her strange powers and discover exactly where she came from. Growing up in a human family,an adopted Bo accidentally kills her boyfriend during her first sexual experience,and her guilt makes her run away from home.
Lost Girljumps between the world of humanity and the fairly-like world she originates from.The show has rather dark undertones and subject matter,which is strange for a story about fairies and magic, but it makesLost Girleven more unique and endearing.Lost Girl’s queer representationis nothing short of stellar, too.
It’s always amazing to seeLGBTQ+ representation in teen TV shows, but in older titles such as these, it’s not uncommon for these relationships to happen between supporting characters, rather than leads. However,Bo is bisexual,and because she feeds on the life forces of others, she’s able to use her abilities to her advantage.
Despite Bo being designed to seduce and kill people, she is so much more than that. Throughout the show,Bo faces all manner of strange threats, and she frequently struggles with her feelings about her deadly actions.At the same time, she isn’t meek; she’s incredibly powerful and confident, making her a great female lead.
Xena: Warrior Princess’ titular character is one of thecoolest female leads from classic TV showsever, which is amazing, consideringXena’s origins are as a supporting character inHercules: The Legendary Journeys.Xena uses her incredible fighting abilities to help save the innocent, as redemption for her past horrors, and so from the get-go, the character demonstrates how layered she is.
Xena is a hypocrite at times, especially when it comes to her morals. However, this only makes the character more interesting, andthe fact that she often contradicts her own beliefs, even if it’s to keep someone safe, allows for some fascinating development.Regardless of this, it’s still impressive to see her inXena: Warrior Princess’ iconic fight scenes.
Despite the popularity ofXena: Warrior Princess, the show was canceled in October 2000, mere days after season 6 began.
Of course, Xena is often betrayed throughout the show, too. Therefore,it makes sense that she isn’t always the most reliableor someone audiences can predict the actions of. Although many viewers believeXena: Warrior Princess’ divisive finalemakes Xena’s ending a massive disappointment, it doesn’t change the fact that her character development across 8 seasons is brilliant.
The originalCharmedis a fantasy TV show that follows Phoebe, Prue, and Piper Halliwell, the three most powerful good witches of all time, who work together to defeat an array of evil demons, warlocks, and other occult figures. Throughout the show,the sisters learn more about their abilities and the villains they face,but still have somewhat normal lives behind the scenes.
It’s not uncommon for female ensemble casts in TV shows to lack distinct character traits.
Each of the sisters has their own unique powers and personalities,which is great, especially as it’s not uncommon forfemale ensemble casts in TV showsto lack distinct character traits. For example, Phoebe is terrible at following her own advice, especially when it comes to dating.
On top of that,Piper is the most level-headed and mature of her sisters,and Prue initially struggles to keep up with her job and be a witch. AlthoughPrue’s death inCharmedseason 4is gutting, another Halliwell sister is introduced, Paige, the youngest of the clan.
Throughoutall 8 seasons ofCharmed, the Halliwells grow and develop in various ways. While their character development isn’t always for the best, it only proves just how complex the three are as people.WithCharmed, audiences are treated to not one but three passionate female leads,which is an absolute delight.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrinais a streaming era-friendly version ofSabrina the Teenage Witch, but the original show is far better when it comes to having a female lead.The original fantasy sitcom focuses on the titular Sabrina Spellman,a witch trying to live the life of a normal teenage girl, while being mentored by her two aunts, with whom she lives.
Sabrina the Teenage Witchis one ofthe best supernatural teen TV showsfor a lot of reasons, but especially because Sabrina attempted to be a typical teenager. AsSabrina tries to navigate being a witch and attending high school,it often results in multiple chaotic and comical moments.
Thewhole double life concept is hugely popular in TV for children and young adults,andSabrina the Teenage Witchhelped pave the way for similar titles likeHannah Montanain the 2000s. The show stands out in the fantasy and supernatural genres because, while those qualities are a focus, everything revolves around Sabrina’s journey.
Even those who don’t like fantasy can find enjoyment inSabrina the Teenage Witch, regardless of it technically being aimed at teenagers. It’s a fantastic coming-of-agefantasyTV show, and one that audiences still remember fondly from their childhoods.
