For 80 years, Wonder Woman has stood tall as an icon not only of comic book superheroes but of female empowerment as well. Created by William Moulton Marston, his wife Elizabeth, and their life partner, Olive Byrne along with artist Harry G. Peter, Wonder Woman was designed to be a hero for female readers to look up to, but what no one could have known all those decades ago was just how much of an impact the Themyscirian princess would have.
A countless number of heroic characters who have appeared in comics, movies, or on TV owe at least part of their existence to the path Wonder Woman laid out for them, from her strength to her kindness and everything that lies between.
10 Xena Is An Obvious Comparison
Spun off from Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess starred Lucy Lawless as the titular character as she worked to redeem herself for her past actions. The series, created by John Schulian and Robert Tapert, quickly became a cult hit thanks in no small part because of the fantastic work by Lawless in the role.
It can be hard to look at Xena and not think of Wonder Woman. Both are characters with connections to Greek mythology, and both have become examples of strong female characters in fiction.
9 Jadzia Dax Was All About Living It Up On Deep Space Nine
While there are a number of female characters from Star Trek that could be compared to Wonder Woman, Deep Space Nine's Jadzia Dax is the one who stands out as being a little different from the rest.
Like Wonder Woman, Dax is a believer in fighting for what is right, but what really makes her similar to the Amazonian warrior is Dax's love of life. Thanks to the Trill symbiont that lives inside her, Jadzia Dax has lifetimes of memories and understands the beauty of life more than just about anyone else in all of Star Trek.
8 Olivia Benson Protects The Innocent On Law & Order: SVU
For over twenty years, Oliva Benson has been working to get justice for those who need it on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Played by Mariska Hargitay, Benson has become one of the most beloved characters in television history, and while she may not have superpowers, her constant fight against some of the greatest evils mankind can create puts her on Wonder Woman's level for many fans. It isn't hard to imagine DC's first female superhero teaming up with the most famous television policewoman to solve a few cases and bring in a few bad guys.
7 Sydney Bristow Kicked Butt On Alias
Played by Jennifer Garner for five seasons on Alias, Sydney Bristow worked as a spy for the CIA, helping to keep the world safe from any number of wildly entertaining evil plots. Created by J. J. Abrams, Alias was a critical and ratings success, thanks in no small part to Garner's ability to play Sydney Bristow as more than just a tough spy, but as a real human. While the series ended fifteen years ago, it continues to find new fans and inspire more people.
6 Buffy Summers Was The Chosen One On Buffy The Vampire Slayer
When it comes to kick-ass women, Wonder Woman is certainly at the top of the list for many people, but Buffy Summers is probably a close second. Played by Sarah Michelle Gellar for seven seasons on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Buffy was unlike any character seen on TV before.
The singular woman chosen to keep the world safe from vampires, demons, and whatever else may come out of the Hellmouth, Buffy the Vampire Slayer mixed horror, action, and drama in ways not before seen, opening the door for shows like Supernatural, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and Orphan Black.
5 C. J. Cregg Held Her Own In A Man's World On The West Wing
Aaron Sorkin's The West Wing is essentially a show all about guys. With over a dozen main cast members across its seven seasons, the number of women who had real storylines can be counted on one hand. And when it comes to women on the show, none stand out as much as C.J. Cregg.
Played by Allison Janney, Cregg was the Press Secretary to Martin Sheen's President Bartlet for most of the series, but by the end of the series, she had become his Cheif of Staff. In a show filled with ethical dilemmas and tough decisions, C.J. Cregg always fought to do what was right, no matter the cost.
4 Veronica Mars Saught The Truth
With her magic lasso, Wonder Woman can make anyone tell the truth. This kind of ability would be a boon for any detective, even high school gumshoe turned lawyer turned private detective Veronica Mars.
Created by Rob Thomas and played by Kristen Bell, Veronica Mars originally lasted just three seasons, but over the years, the show has seen its fanbase grow, leading to a movie and a revival series on Hulu that saw the hero detective hunting down a serial killer during spring break in her hometown of Neptune, California.
3 Temperance Brennan Searched For Justice On Bones
Played by Emily Deschanel on the long-running series Bones, Temperance Brennan has all the qualities of Wonder Woman without any of the superpowers. Brennan, a genius forensic anthropologist who also happens to be more than able to handle herself in a fight, spends her time solving crimes with FBI agent Seeley Booth, played by David Boreanaz.
It can be hard to watch Brennan, a highly intelligent woman who believes in justice above all else, and Booth, a government agent who believes in taking down the bad guys no matter what it costs, working together and not think of Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor.
2 Zoë Washburne Fought For What She Believed On Firefly
The right hand of Captain Malcolm Reynolds on the Serenity, and the wife of the ship's pilot, Zoë Washburne was a skilled fighter and tactician who never backed down from a fight and never gave up on what she believed.
While Firefly lasted just one season, fans championed the show so much that a movie was made to close out the storyline. In both the series and the movie, Zoë was played by Gina Torres, who went on to voice Wonder Woman in the DC Universe Online game.
1 Tiger Fought To Save The Future On Future Man
While the overall humor of Future Man wouldn't be the kind of thing Wonder Woman may enjoy, Tiger, played by Eliza Coupe, would be someone the Amazonian would probably get along with. Like Wonder Woman, Tiger was fighting to create a better future and using her skills to protect Josh Futturman, the man who she believed would save mankind.
Tiger is certainly funnier than Wonder Woman, and quite a bit more violent, but like any good hero, she was guided by her heart to do what was right, and that is something seen in every superhero, but especially in Wonder Woman.