Guidelines

Before delving into the actual ranking: this is not an objective list. Everyone has their own favorite shows, characters etc. This list is solely based on me as an individual having an opinion on the matter.

I also want to underline the fact that all these protagonists are incredible -- they made us love or hate them, showing us the most intricate parts of themselves. That's what good TV does.

Now, let's start the ranking!

10 - Orange Is The New Black

Orange Is The New Black has been a huge phenomenon since the moment it came out on Netflix. The show centered around Piper Chapman who had to adapt to jail's life with outstanding female characters by her side. The series portrays strong female characters with impactful stories concerning the justice system.

9 - The Queen's Gambit

The Queen's Gambit is definitely one of the best series of 2020. Beth Harmon's journey has been full of ups and downs, but one trait that this protagonist always cherished is being determined to succeed. No matter what. Throughout the series, men tried to discourage her, but Beth proved them all wrong.

8 - How To Get Away With Murder

Viola Davis's character Annalise Keating is someone we're always going to remember. Fierce and passionate in her job, Davis brought to light a character that was deeply imperfect: that's why she turns to be one of the bests. Balancing her private life with law and her students, Annalise Keating definitely deserves a spot on this list.

8 - Scandal

Olivia Pope, played by Kerry Washington, is the main protagonist of Scandal. She showed us that being confident about who we are will always get us where we're meant to be. "It's handled" has become iconic and, no matter if you were Team Fitz or Team Jake, Olivia played by her own rules: "you can dance with me or you can get off my dance floor. I'm fine dancing alone."

6 - Law & Order: SVU

Law & Order: SVU Olivia Benson teaches us that owning our stories is the most powerful thing we can do for ourselves. "Once you tell your story it can be empowering." She never left our backs and, we'll never leave hers.

5 - Killing Eve

Killing Eve's protagonists are one of the most powerful duo in television. Eve Polastri, played by Sandra Oh, and Villanelle, played by Jodie Comer, show us a beautiful dance between good and evil along with understanding who we are with no filters... Even the parts we're trying to hide to ourselves.

4 - Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Buffy The Vampire Slayer defined a generation. Buffy taught us that we can find strength in ourselves even during the hardest times... Yes, even when we're surrounded by vampires.

3 - Grey's Anatomy

Meredith Grey is one of the most resilient characters of television. In Grey's Anatomy, she has survived a plane crash, drowning, the death of her sister, her husband, ex-lover and best friends. And yet, along with powerful women such as Cristina Yang, Callie Torres, Arizona Robbins, April Kepner, she shows us that "no matter how dark it gets, the sun's going to rise again."

2 - The Handmaid's Tale

The Emmy Award series The Handmaid's Tale, based on the novel with the same name, takes us in a dystopian world. Ofjoseph shows us her bravery without ever holding back, protecting women around her from a terrible reality. She definitely deserves second place.

1 - Game Of Thrones

Game Of Thrones female characters are one of the strongest of television. Daenerys Targaryen showed us that women can be fierce and confident without apologizing; Cersei Lannister showed us that ambition is not a sin and no one's entirely good or bad; Sansa Stark showed us that resilience is a real trait we can all find in ourselves and Arya Stark showed us that being who we are is the most important thing we can ever do to be free.