Almost everyone is familiar with the concept of a ‘girlboss' who is usually a strong woman character that gets everything done and stands on her own in a masculine environment, but this year saw the popularity of the term ‘girlfailure’ which describes a female character that is usually clumsy or in distress—but rather than the term being derogatory, it means that these traits actually make the character more endearing and relatable.
Though it’s necessary for the girlboss to always be at her best, here’s a list of some girlfailure/girlbosses that prove that being on top doesn’t mean that you can’t be a little ditzy or weird once in a while.
Leslie Knope (Parks and Recreation)
Everyone can relate to having a boss they think is pretty incompetent, but the Pawnee Parks Department’s Leslie Knope proves that she’s anything but. Though Leslie is socially awkward and is a tad out of touch at times, her extreme dedication to her job and the town she loves are what make her shine as a character.
Just an endless ball of energy, Leslie Knope exemplifies what a good public servant should strive for, and though the series did become a bit too optimistic about where good workers end up in the system, it’s a nice thought to think people like Leslie deserve to be on top after years of good, hard work.
Liz Lemon (30 Rock)
You can’t think of Amy Poehler without her ex-partner-in-crime Tina Fey. Before Poehler was wrangling unwilling government workers, Fey’s Liz Lemon was wrangling oddball writers and actors in the fantastically written 30 Rock.
Based on Fey’s experience being lead writer on Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock follows Liz as she tries to get everyone in line for her variety series The Girly Show (or TGS), all while trying to please her executive boss Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin).
With a variety of colorful kooks, you’d think that Liz would be the straight person in the show, but 30 Rock does make sure to emphasize that Liz is very much a kook herself, and that’s why some of the other writers/actors don’t respect her. In the end though, she’s still the smartest person in the room, and you can’t help but root for her.
Rebecca Welton (Ted Lasso)
Probably the best way to describe Ted Lasso as a show is that it’s the sitcom equivalent of a warm hug, and no character needs it more than Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham). Though Rebecca is introduced as a boss at the beginning of the series, she’s actually at her lowest point when Ted meets her, having gone through a divorce; she essentially just bought the AFC Richmond and hired Ted to spite her ex-husband.
Throughout the series though, we get to watch Ted use his boundless enthusiasm to get Rebecca out of her shell, and though she can still be a tad awkward, her grace and poise onscreen is all fans need in a girlboss.
Janine Teagues (Abbott Elementary)
Janine Teagues is just a small-time elementary school teacher, and though her heart is in the right place, her co-workers can’t seem to stop making fun of her. Janine is pretty much an awkward nerd, and you can see it whenever she makes bad jokes or attempts at friendship.
Despite being weird though, Janine is still an exceptional teacher, and this is not lost on fellow educator Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams).
Miriam 'Midge' Maisel (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)
Women in show business sure have it hard nowadays, but they had it even harder during the 50s—that’s when The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is set. Growing up a spoiled Jewish-American, Miriam ‘Midge’ Maisel decides to attempt stand-up comedy professionally after her marriage ends up in shambles when her wannabe comedian husband cheats on her.
Though Midge knows all about being the perfect housewife, she is incredibly green when it comes to showbiz, and the series follows her in her rise to stardom. It may be hard to root for someone who grew up privileged, but with Midge’s sense of humor and fabulous good looks, audiences will have no problem falling in love with her.
Better get on the Rachel Brosnahan train now before she makes her debut as Lois Lane in James Gunn’s Superman.