As long as there’s been high school shows, there’s been engaging, interesting and downright entertaining female characters that propel the shows into must-watch territory. Let’s face it, this isn’t a genre that lets the guys have all the fun. Next month will see the return of One Tree Hill, Pretty Little Liars, Glee and The Vampire Diaries; shows driven by their exceptionally talented female casts, so lets look at the 20 most exceptional females television has given us over the decades: Numbers 20-11
#20 Fiona Coyne (Degrassi: The Next Generation)
Over-the-top drama queens are a dime a dozen in soap operas but what can I say? Her infamous abusive boyfriend storyline provided Canada’s premier teen sudser with some of its juiciest moments and humanized the pampered socialite in a way few soaps have.
#19 Blair Warner (The Facts of Life)
The character that paved the way for all other high school prom queens (here’s looking at you Blair Waldorf) Blair was spoiled and hilariously self-centered before it was cool to be so and all future bitches-with-a-heart-of-gold tip their hats off to her.
#18 Naomi Clark (90210)
Okay, so her obnoxious “look at me!” shtick got old in Season 2 and she’s probably one of the least likable bad girls on television but Naomi remains the zip code’s most consistent scene stealer, never failing to give fans a perfectly timed eye roll or word vomit the very thing most of us are too afraid to say out loud.
#17 Angela Chase (My So-Called Life)
Her show may have only ran for one season but Angela Chase has never been forgotten. In a genre filled with larger-than-life personalities, Angela was a real girl, someone viewers could relate to and felt like they knew. Teenage angst hasn’t had a more authentic portrayal since.
#16 Aria/Hanna/Spencer/Emily (Pretty Little Liars)
Has any group of teenagers gotten into so much trouble in one semester? Between daily death threats, increasing paranoia and being framed for murder, it’s astounding they ever have time for homework.
#15 Cher Horowitz (Clueless)
Okay, so maybe TV’s Cher Horowitz never completely won us over the way her movie counterpart did but she gave us three additional years with Beverly Hills’ best intentioned queen bee.
#14 Alisha Bailey (Misfits)
What high school girl hasn’t wished to be the object of desire for any man she wants? Blessed with supernatural powers following an electrical storm, this potty-mouthed rebel can send men into a sexual frenzy simply by touching them.
#13 Kelly Kapowski (Saved by the Bell)
Most girls who woke up Saturday mornings for their Bayside High fix will admit, they wanted to be like Kelly Kapowski. Beautiful and popular but with the girl-next-door charm that made her personable to all. She even hung out with the nerdiest guy in school for god’s sake!
#12 Lyla Garrity (Friday Night Lights)
Some may call her a Christian goody-goody but there was something so sweet and wholesome in a character that could have easily been just another whiny cheerleader. When Lyla left Dillon for good, a piece of the show left with her.
#11 Jackie Burkhart (That 70s Show)
Few girls can pull off being as narcissistic and shallow and still be so likable at the same time, it’s no wonder she was the object of affection for pretty much every guy in the Foreman basement.
popculturewithkyle 