Positive Role Model TV for Teen Girls

It's not always easy to find positive role models for girls on television, and it gets even harder when those girls are teens. But if you dig a bit, you'll uncover a few gems that will show girls and women in a positive light. Some are new, some are old, but all of these top-rated girl power TV shows are streamable somewhere. Even though the stars in these shows are great role models for girls and women, none of them are perfect. However, that's not a problem -- teens love relatable characters! They'll also help you talk to girls (and boys) about how women are portrayed in the media and what kinds of stereotypes they see. These discussions can counteract harmful messages kids get about body image, sexuality, and role models.

Alexa & Katie TV Poster
TV

Alexa & Katie

age 10+

Relatable teen dramedy centers on a solid female friendship.

Network: Netflix (2018)
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TV

Hillary

age 10+

Affectionate portrait of political icon digs deep.

Network: Hulu (2020)
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TV

Rilakkuma and Kaoru

age 10+

Human, animal characters shine in quirky slice-of-life show.

Network: Netflix (2019)
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TV

Black-ish

age 11+

Race is tackled gently in fresh family friendly sitcom.

Network: ABC (2014)
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TV

Home Before Dark

age 11+

Kid lead is fabulous in intense mystery for tweens and up.

Network: Apple TV+ (2020)
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TV

Supergirl

age 11+

Strong female lead shoulders the weight of superhero series.

Network: CBS (2015)
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TV

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

age 11+

Classic '70s comedy reflects women's liberation era.

Network: CBS (1970)
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TV

And She Could Be Next

age 12+

Female candidates persevere in galvanizing, powerful docu.

Network: PBS (2020)
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TV

Butterfly

age 12+

Powerful, complex, mature drama dives into gender identity.

Network: Hulu (2019)
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TV

The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia

age 12+

Sweet Latinx throwback sitcom has romance, girl power.

Network: Netflix (2020)
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TV

Lost Song

age 12+

Exciting anime fantasy has strong female lead.

Network: Netflix (2018)
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TV

One Day at a Time

age 12+

70's single-mom sitcom has feminist flair, mature themes.

Network: Online, Syndicated (1975)
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TV

Stargirl

age 12+

Fun DC superhero show has fantasy violence, strong language.

Network: CW (2020)
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TV

Xena: Warrior Princess

age 12+

Mythology and action-adventure for teens and up.

Network: Logo, Oxygen (1995)
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TV

Zoe Valentine

age 12+

Thoughtful drama explores serious themes with heart.

Network: YouTube, Brat (2019)
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TV

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

age 13+

Teen vampire series has female role model; sex, violence.

Network: FX (1997)
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TV

Degrassi: Next Class

age 13+

An edgier Degrassi for the digital age still has heart.

Network: Netflix (2016)
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TV

Instant Influencer With James Charles

age 13+

Upbeat internet influencer challenge full of product promos.

Network: YouTube (2020)
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TV

Parks and Recreation

age 13+

Local government spoof for mature viewers is goofy at heart.

Network: NBC (2009)
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TV

Sweet Magnolias

age 13+

Sweet, endearing friendship drama has mild language.

Network: Netflix (2020)