What do we look for in a television show? Witty dialogue, action scenes, cliffhangers, and characters with heart and depth. It’s not about who plays the characters; it’s about how the characters are written. And it’s not about the plot; it’s about how the plot is written. This means that the lead on a show can be one person, or it can be multiple people sharing the spotlight. It can be one man, or maybe it could be a one woman. Recently, Hollywood has come under fire for sexist casting and mistreatment of females in lead roles, or the lack of lead roles thereof. While I agree the lack of female representation in lead roles is an issue, I also have to say hope is not completely lost. Here is my list of the best television shows starring strong female characters.

1. Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, "Gilmore Girls"

“Gilmore Girls” is a show about women, for women, starring women, written by a woman. “Gilmore Girls” centers on Lorelai Gilmore and her teenage daughter Rory. Lorelai left home at a young age, due to being pregnant with her daughter. Leaving the comfort of a well-off family solely due to the lack of support she received from her parents, Lorelai strikes out on her own as a teen. Lorelai manages to raise a daughter on her own, maintain a relationship with Rory’s father, and build a life mostly on her own. Throughout the series, Lorelai imparts wisdom on Rory, which she then carries throughout her own life. The layers to “Gilmore Girls” go deeper than just the importance of two female leads, the plot and the dialogue add wit and layers to a show so important in its feminine essence.

2. Leslie Knope, "Parks and Recreation"

“Parks” began in the wake of the moc-doc success of “The Office” and attempted to mirror the blueprint of the show it followed. After a season or two of gaining footing as well as a more unique voice, a show about a motivated, intelligent, hard-working, honest government official rose to more notoriety. Leslie Knope is a tough, kind-hearted woman, not swayed by the corruption around her and dedicated to serving the people of her town. A motley crew of people working in the parks department of a small town in Indiana add layers to Leslie’s character, but what initially make this show so successful is her honest doggedness and dedication to her job.

3. Veronica Mars, "Veronica Mars"

A show about a teenage detective sounds a bit cheesy, but "Veronica Mars" does it right. Veronica resides in the seedy beach town of Neptune, California and works with her dad as a private investigator. Although her life has not always been easy, she remains stoic and sharp in her wit. She is incredibly smart and wily, even when dealing with gang leaders and drug lords. Veronica also has a big heart and always supports her friends and her dad. The writing is clever, the story is exciting and the characters are vivid.

4. Elizabeth McCord, "Madame Secretary"

Another example of a woman in politics, “Madame Secretary,” focuses on Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord navigating international relationships and raising teenagers. Elizabeth is steadfast in her love for her country as well as her support for her family. Her toughness is shown in her diplomatic responses to the hardest problems the country faces. In addition to her strength regarding politics, she is a great mother and leader to her children.

5. The Cast of "Orange is the New Black"

Another shining example of a show by women and for women. The issue of imprisonment and incarceration as well as the justice system as a whole are hot button topics in today’s society. However, the mistreatment of women in state penitentiaries is broadened through this show by the deep characters and their backstories. Each episode provides an explanation for a character’s imprisonment. Intertwined with the backstory is a plot revolving around a corrupt issue within the prison. The women have diverse motivations for breaking the laws, whether it be for family or friends or to provide for themselves. Their actions before arrest as well as in the prison itself make each character more than just a criminal.

6. The Cast of "Orphan Black"

The plot of this show is one thing; a homeless drifter named Sarah Manning assuming the identity of another women, Elizabeth Childs, after Sarah witnesses Elizabeth’s suicide. As Elizabeth, Sarah begins to find many other clones just like her and explore the immorality of human cloning. In addition to the exploration of the scientific implications, each clone has their own set of struggles from divorce to kidnapping along with the attempt to expose who cloned them in the first place. The cast of women fighting against corruption and the corporations that hold them captive, and actress Tatiana Maslany’s expert portrayal of each character makes “Orphan Black” a winner for sure.

7. Jessica Jones, "Jessica Jones"

In the wake of the "Marvel" revolution, fans have received "Avengers" movies, a "Daredevil" T.V. show and countless other comic book adaptations. The latest in this superhero mania is “Jessica Jones.” With super strength and sarcasm to boot, Jessica is a different kind of superhero. She uses her powers solely to save her friends and loved ones. The villain of the show uses mind control to get his bidding done, and Jessica once found herself as a victim of his hypnotism. Her vulnerability exposes her as a more human character, despite her superpowers.

8. Dana Scully, "The X-Files"

In addition to being a female F.B.I. agent, which is hard enough on its own, Agent Dana Scully has to deal with her handful of a partner Agent Mulder. While her competence is questioned relentlessly, and she is often responsible for rescuing Mulder, she remains dedicated to her job and secure in her identity. In addition to fighting cancer and the villains of the world, Scully stays strong as ever.

9. Temperance "Bones" Brennan, "Bones"

As a forensic anthropologist for the F.B.I., Dr. Temperance Brennan deals with a great amount of crime and violence. She remains level-headed, no matter what the situation. She is confident in her extensive knowledge and while her workplace is a boy’s club, she stands her ground. She is rational and thoughtful in her job decisions as well as with her home life. Dr. Brennan remains practical above all else, even in regards to her family and more complicated situations.

10. Buffy Summers, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"

Buffy Summers is the quintessential female lead. As a teenager with super strength and other magical powers due to her status as "The Slayer," Buffy attempts to balance a regular life with a supernatural one. She is sweet and loyal to her friends, but fierce and unforgiving to enemies. She remains hard-working and dedicated to anything life throws at her.