TV Shows That Cast Black Lesbians as Action Heroes

Representation in action television has expanded significantly over the last decade to include more diverse protagonists. Showrunners are now casting Black lesbian characters in roles previously reserved for white male leads. These characters range from masked vigilantes fighting crime to monster hunters protecting their communities. The following series highlight these powerful women who serve as both physical forces and emotional anchors in their respective narratives.

‘Black Lightning’ (2018–2021)

Anissa Pierce is a medical student and part-time teacher who discovers she possesses the ability to manipulate density and create shockwaves. She eventually adopts the superhero persona Thunder to fight corruption alongside her father in the city of Freeland. The series portrays her romantic life as an openly lesbian woman with the same importance as her crime-fighting duties. Her character broke ground as the first Black lesbian superhero on network television.

‘Batwoman’ (2019–2022)

Ryan Wilder takes over the cowl after the disappearance of Kate Kane and brings a new perspective to the role of Gotham City’s protector. She uses her martial arts skills and street smarts to battle villains while living out of her van before finding a home in the Batcave. The show explores her journey from an ex-convict to a beacon of hope for the citizens of Gotham. Javicia Leslie brings intense physicality and emotional depth to the character of Ryan Wilder throughout her tenure.

‘First Kill’ (2022)

Calliope Burns belongs to a prestigious lineage of monster hunters who are dedicated to ridding the world of supernatural threats. She faces a complex dilemma when she falls in love with a vampire named Juliette whom she is supposed to kill. The series follows her training and her struggle to prove herself worthy of the Guild while navigating her forbidden romance. Action sequences showcase her proficiency with various weapons and her combat readiness against deadly creatures.

‘Supergirl’ (2015–2021)

Kelly Olsen is a former military psychologist who eventually takes up the shield as the vigilante known as Guardian. She joins the Superfriends to protect National City and uses her combat training to fight alien threats and domestic terrorists. Her relationship with Alex Danvers serves as a central emotional arc for the series during its later seasons. Kelly represents a hero who balances empathy and tactical skill to save innocent lives.

‘9-1-1’ (2018–)

Henrietta Wilson serves as a paramedic and firefighter who constantly puts herself in harm’s way to rescue victims of disastrous accidents. She navigates the high-pressure environment of the Los Angeles Fire Department while managing her medical studies and family life. The show depicts her as a brave first responder who faces dangerous situations ranging from earthquakes to massive fires. Hen stands out as a competent and resilient hero who remains cool under extreme pressure.

‘Doctor Who’ (2005–)

Bill Potts joins the Twelfth Doctor as a companion who travels through time and space to battle extraterrestrial threats. She is an openly gay woman who faces Daleks and Cybermen with courage and curiosity. Her adventures require her to run from danger and solve mysteries that threaten the fabric of the universe. The character provides a fresh and grounded perspective to the sci-fi chaos surrounding the Time Lord.

‘Peacemaker’ (2022–)

Leota Adebayo joins the Project Butterfly team as a reluctant recruit under the command of Clemson Murn. She struggles to balance her secret mission objectives with the morality of black-ops work. Her character is married to a woman named Keeya and fights to protect her family from her dangerous job. Adebayo proves her worth in the field by using her tactical helmet to defeat alien parasites alongside the titular anti-hero.

‘Star Trek: Picard’ (2020–2023)

Raffaela Musiker serves as a brilliant but troubled intelligence officer who aids Admiral Jean-Luc Picard. She battles personal demons and addiction while uncovering massive Romulan conspiracies across the galaxy. Her combat skills are displayed through her proficiency with phasers and blade weapons during critical missions. Raffi eventually finds stability and love through her relationship with Seven of Nine.

‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)

Kima Greggs works as a dedicated narcotics detective in Baltimore who fearlessly participates in dangerous undercover operations. She navigates the hyper-masculine environment of the police force while maintaining her identity as an out lesbian. Her storyline involves a harrowing shooting incident that tests her resolve and physical recovery. Greggs remains one of the most competent and principled officers throughout the gritty investigation.

‘Yellowjackets’ (2021–)

Taissa Turner showcases immense physical resilience when her high school soccer team crashes into the Canadian wilderness. She takes on a leadership role to hunt for food and defend the group against predatory wolves. The series contrasts her survivalist past with her present life as a politician managing a complex family dynamic. Taissa constantly fights to keep her composure while facing traumatic memories and supernatural occurrences.

‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ (2020–)

Beckett Mariner is a skilled but insubordinate Starfleet officer who thrives in chaotic situations. She constantly disobeys protocol to save her crewmates from hostile aliens and environmental disasters. The show highlights her romantic history with women and her disinterest in traditional command structures. Mariner proves that unorthodox methods are often necessary to survive in the unexplored corners of the galaxy.

‘FBI: Most Wanted’ (2020–)

Sheryll Barnes is a key member of the Fugitive Task Force who uses her background in undercover work to track dangerous criminals. She balances the high-stakes demands of hunting fugitives with her life as a wife and mother. The series highlights her tactical abilities during raids and her intuitive profiling skills. Barnes frequently puts herself in the line of fire to bring justice to victims.

‘Steven Universe’ (2013–2019)

Garnet acts as the stoic leader of the Crystal Gems and protects humanity from intergalactic threats. She is the physical embodiment of a romantic relationship between two female-coded gems named Ruby and Sapphire. Her gauntlets allow her to deliver powerful blows while her future vision guides the team through battle. The character represents the strength found in love and stability during endless conflicts.

‘She-Ra and the Princesses of Power’ (2018–2020)

Netossa serves as a tactical expert and general in the Rebellion against the Horde. She utilizes magical energy nets to trap enemies and control the battlefield with precision. Her motivation is deeply tied to protecting her wife Spinnerella from the forces of evil. The series showcases her as a confident warrior who doubts nothing about her combat abilities or her marriage.

‘Van Helsing’ (2016–2021)

Ivory begins as a member of the Sisterhood before evolving into a fierce vampire hunter allied with the Van Helsings. She wields medieval weaponry and martial arts skills to decapitate the undead in a post-apocalyptic world. Her journey includes a deep emotional bond with Jack that anchors her humanity amidst the slaughter. Ivory stands as a testament to redemption and the will to survive against impossible odds.

‘Clarice’ (2021)

Ardelia Mapp is a sharp FBI agent who supports Clarice Starling while fighting institutional bias within the bureau. She utilizes her intellect and sniper training to assist in solving complex serial killer cases. The show expands her role from the source material to give her more agency and field action. Ardelia proves to be a loyal ally who risks her career to uncover the truth.

Let us know if we missed any of your favorite characters in the comments.