TV mean girls have been the staple of teen media for years. Whether they are wearing the latest designer clothes or sitting at the popular table, these TV mean girls have been at the center. They mostly clash with the female protagonist, but other times they have their own story. They fully blossom into intelligent characters.
And although of course, they are mean girls, there are a few female characters in this category that fans adore. Sometimes they are more than meets the eye and their mean-spirited nature comes from past trauma or simply being misunderstood.
Sadie Saxton - Awkward (2011-2016)
Fans of the MTV scripted series Awkward know just how snobby Sadie was as soon as she appeared on the screen. She was the head cheerleader at Palos Hills High School and the antagonist of Jenna Hamilton.
Although she was manipulative and smug, she had the most vulnerability throughout the series. Her main conflict was between her body image and her family struggles. She truly becomes someone to root for especially when it came to her relationships. And overall she had the most growth at the very end of the series.
Naomi Clark - 90210 (2008-2013)
In the very beginning days of 90210, Naomi was materialistic and selfish. After her main conflict with Annie Wilson, and the many hardships she faced during the series, she slowly becomes a good friend, independent, and overall someone worth rooting for. Her witty one-liners and compassion help soften her character for the better.
She finally learns to be present and even mends relationships with the boy she loves and her biggest rival, her sister.
Lemon Breeland - Hart Of Dixie (2011-2015)
Lemon Breeland is more than meets the eye. At the start of Hart Of Dixie, Lemon only cares about status and getting what she wants no matter who is in the way. However, Lemon's arc throughout the series becomes more fleshed out and interesting.
She has many internal conflicts and the relationships she has with her mother that abandons her make her vulnerable and relatable. She charms everyone she meets and manages to sustain friendships with the majority of the other characters, and even has her moments with Zoe Hart.
Holly J - Degrassi (2001-2015)
Holly J is one of many characters that goes through an abundance of transformations in Degrassi. She is introduced as a bossy and controlling mean girl but, as the seasons go on, her mean girl ways are transformed into being an overachiever with high standards. Holly J's interactions with other characters shift.
Although she isn't as rude or snarky, her ability to get what she wants remains. Fans find her admirable in most moments. She is someone who truly believes in doing her best and even building genuine friendships with her enemies in the process.
Quinn Fabray - Glee (2009-2015)
Glee showcases many out-there characters with stereotypical antics. And at first, Quinn is a device that gets in between Rachel and Finn. This brings out the worst in her and her morals are questioned. She also brings light to getting things wrong and struggling with her status in high school.
But with the many distasteful things she does and says, she is aware of her misdirections and tries to grow. By the end of her time on the show, she is understanding and mature.
Paige Michalchuk - Degrassi (2001-2015)
Paige Michalchuk was the first mean girl archetype on Degrassi: The Next Generation. She was one of the popular characters on Degrassi. In the early days, her character was sassy, and manipulative, and constantly felt the pressure to be perfect. Ultimately, Paige was able to be unguarded and relatable. She was usually all-knowing and supportive of her friends.
When it was time to face her demons, she struggled. Her character had many highs and lows throughout her entire arc of the series, but she is still one of the most beloved characters and had the best matter-a-fact quotes.
Paris Geller - Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
Fans of Gilmore Girls can recount the number of times Paris Geller stole the show. But before she was fully developed as a character, Paris was introduced as a bully. She goes out of her way to be miserable and irritate Rory. But when the two slowly become friends, Paris has her storylines worth paying attention to. Fans of the show realize how relatable she is and how they can sympathize with her. She had genuine moments and admirable ways she got to the top.
Although sometimes her methods are questionable, she's still fun to watch and laugh with. Overall, there were many life lessons to be learned from Paris.
Alison Dilaurentis - Pretty Little Liars (2010-2017)
Alison Dilaurentis was at the center of Pretty Little Liars. She was the one that caused most of the conflict and she was proud of that. Viewers of the series got to watch the highs and lows of Alison's moments. They were able to understand where she was coming from.
And sometimes, some moments questioned Alison's actions and the ways she treated the people around her. She was very complex and interesting, but her ability to constantly keep people at bay and keep secrets made it hard to root for her. There were times when Alison was evil and times she was genuine. But in the end, she comes full circle and viewers begin to care what happens to her.
Blair Waldorf - Gossip Girl (2007-2012)
Blaire is one of the most well-liked female characters in Gossip Girl. She is constantly trying to fight her way to being a queen bee but finds herself falling short. She is another mean girl character that cares about materialistic things but hides behind this with snarky comments.
Fans rooted for Blair from the beginning of Gossip Girl because of her determination and confidence. She has authentic moments that make fans resonate with her. In the end, fans have many opinions about Blair.
Katherine Pierce - The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)
Katherine Pierce has been considered one of the most captivating villains in The Vampire Diaries. Every time she is on the screen, fans know something is going to happen. She is an interesting antagonist because she constantly does terrible things to people for her pleasure. But when the series progresses, viewers are aware of why Katherine is the way she is.
She still has heartfelt moments with unsuspecting characters and maybe a few moments of weakness where she does the right thing. Ultimately, It's safe to say she is never boring and that's what makes her likable.