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The seven coolest (female) geeks on TV

TV Squad recently posted its list of the "The seven coolest geeks on television." I think this is a fun idea (and I'm all for supporting geekdom!) but none of the geeks are women! This may be because, frankly, there are fewer female geeks than male ones on TV; women on TV are supposed to be sexy or not exist at all, whereas there is more wiggle room for men to exhibit a range of behavior.

However, I think I am not alone in loving a smart — even geeky — woman. So here are my seven coolest female geeks on TV (in alphabetical order, because I am that geeky):

Samantha Bee from The Daily Show — Bee's reporting on everything from pop culture to politics presents a character who is so earnest about her (faulty) expertise I always wonder how she manages to keep a straight face on-camera. It takes a smart woman to pull off deluded with Bee's panache.

Watch a hilarious clip of her reporting on whether America is ready for a Mormon president after the jump:

Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) from Bones — It's hard to get geekier than this statement from "Bones" Brennan: " I think you have a subconscious knack for reading body language. Stress in the voice, other subtle yet discernible indicators. It's not mysterious, but it is impressive and in the future, I will try to accord it an appropriate degree of objective worth." Woo!

Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) from 30 Rock — Do I really need to explain why Liz makes geekdom so darn cool? Nah.

Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan) from Buffy the Vampire Slayer — Willow + computers circa 1998 = True Geekdom. 'Nuff said.

Dr. Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) from The X-Files — No one could perform an alien autopsy while exhibiting an acute case of skepticism with the aplomb of Agent Scully. Example: "Mulder, not everything is a labyrinth of dark conspiracy, and not everybody is plotting to deceive, inveigle and obfuscate."

Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox) on CSI — Her no-nonsense demeanor and sly sense of humor makes her potentially fun to hang out with, but it's her scientific prowess that makes her sexy.

Lisa Simpson (voiced by Yeardley Smith) from The Simpsons — Nobody's smarter or more self-aware than Lisa. Example: "Relax? I can't relax! Nor can I yield, relent, or... Only two synonyms? Oh my God, I'm losing my perspicacity!"

Who are your favorite female TV geeks? Share your preferences in the comments.

malindalo's blog

Submitted by

Malinda Lo

on July 9, 2007 - 6:02pm.

TAGS ::

Max from Veronica Mars

Submitted by

TheWeyrd1 (403 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 6:10pm.

I mean...she even has a guy name...but alas...also a guyfriend. But hey...she was definitely Veronica's go to geek! Which is saying alot since Veronica had her own geeky moments ya know.

Mac

Submitted by

playthemusic814 (159 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 7:19pm.

It's actually Mac. Which is not 'cause she's good with computers. Just a happy coincidence as her name is Cindy MacKenzie. Although, she did meet a boy named Max in season three. There was a funny moment. Wait, no, stop making me miss VM. *tear*

~It means pride.~

Mac is an excellent choice.

Submitted by

mollyblooming (56 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 8:16pm.

Mac is an excellent choice. I am still mourning the passing of the show myself...

If anyone is interested, there's some good femslash fic for VM here:

http://community.livejournal.com/vmarsfemslash/

There's some Mac/Veronica stories as well...

oops...my bad

Submitted by

TheWeyrd1 (403 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 8:26pm.

Mac...which is STILL a boyish name...hehehe

WHAAATT???? IS VM OVER????

Submitted by

bbkf101 (162 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 12:00am.

WHAAATT???? IS VM OVER???? say it ain't so! NOOOOO!!!

Sadly...

Submitted by

TheWeyrd1 (403 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 9:41am.

It's all over for the girl PI...

Abby

Submitted by

EmsInNz (19 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 6:13pm.

I love Abby from NCIS

Abby RULES !

Submitted by

JulieGabi (30 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 4:35am.

I'm with you on this one !

Abby is the ultimate mix between coolness and geekness ^_^

deceive, inveigle, and obfuscate

Submitted by

Doc McG (58 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 6:15pm.

What a classic.

One of my faves (not listed): Lt Col Samantha Carter from Stargate SG-1 & Atlantis.

Yesss!!

Submitted by

Karyn (15 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 9:18pm.

Sam Carter pwns x)

Sandra Oh from Grey’s

Submitted by

newbie (258 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 6:15pm.

Sandra Oh from Grey’s Anatomy. Oh. Oh. Oh!

Rory Gilmore

And I know it’s not TV, but Alyson Hannigan, again, in “American Pie”. “And, one time, at band camp….” Adorable!

also from Gilmore Girls

Submitted by

the linster (435 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 6:46pm.

Paris Geller

for some reason, I always

Submitted by

newbie (258 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 6:59pm.

for some reason, I always had the urge to trip her. Just me?

or maybe...

Submitted by

TheWeyrd1 (403 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 7:03pm.

Slap her upside the head...

yep. thank you.

Submitted by

newbie (258 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 7:09pm.

yep. thank you.

Yeah

Submitted by

the linster (435 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 7:46pm.

I should've been more specific - Paris got cooler as she grew up. In early seasons, she was definitely slap-worthy.

And Michelle (Alyson

Submitted by

åäö (24 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 6:55am.

And Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) in American Pie 2:

"One time... um... HERE".

LOL

OR her as Lily on How I Met

Submitted by

tiff (152 posts)

on July 11, 2007 - 8:47am.

OR her as Lily on How I Met Your Mother... how come no one ever mentions the show that's actually on air??

Going a touch old-school, but

Submitted by

Laura (125 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 6:22pm.

Carol Seaver from Growing Pains (before she got anorexic -- I just don't believe true geeks have to resort to that sort of thing -- well, my sort of geek, anyway). ;)

This post made my day, btw. Geeky makes me melt. mmmScullymmm...

Samantha Bee - NILF HUNTER

Submitted by

MsWoo, Moderator (408 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 6:31pm.

YES! She is fantastic. Here she is as a NILF Hunter:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=DvuNuWyrlf8

jessie spano from saved by

Submitted by

junglequeen (68 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 6:35pm.

jessie spano from saved by the bell! even after her freak out...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=u7DTyztV2gE&mode=related&search=

Say "no" to caffeine!

Submitted by

Xanadugrrl (82 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 7:11pm.

That made me laugh sooooo hard. I'll never take another No-Doz again!

I second the love for "geek"

Submitted by

imthey (372 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 6:37pm.

I second the love for "geek" Abby from NCIS and Max from VERONICA MARS!

Three of my favorite "geeks" are already listed Willow from BTVS and Temperance Brennan (aka: Bones) from BONES as well as Sara from CSI.

Oh who am I kidding, I LOVE all the geek girls listed... give me a "geeky/nerdy" girl, especially one with glasses and I'm a goner! Intelligence is one of the sexiest things a woman can possess!

A few of the ladies left off the list: Alice from THE L WORD (come on, she's definitely a bit of a geek), Fred from the now departed ANGEL, I loved CJ Craig from WEST WING (was she a geek?), Rory and her best friend Lane from GILMORE GIRLS, Joan from the defunct JOAN OF ARCADIA. I'm sure I could think of a bunch more, but for now these ladies came to mind!

"Think Sideways"

I M THEY

Gilmore Girls!!

Submitted by

AngelinaLover (26 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 7:09pm.

Totally agree with everyone on the Gilmore Girls... Paris Gellar is totally geeky and Rory and Lane are pretty geeky too! Those are who I can think off the top of my head...

Inveigle

Submitted by

jennifer from p... (1166 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 7:14pm.

Oh, I remember that X-Files episode! A group of my geek friends, who kindly let me hang out with them, would NOT stop using that word! Of course within days it grew to ridiculous proportions. Hershey inveigles me with their bite sized kisses, etc ;)

Bones.

Submitted by

Blythe (12 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 7:27pm.

I was hoping to see Brennan on the list when I saw the title. That made me quite happy. I love her to death.

Paris

Submitted by

deathbyblonde (275 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 7:32pm.

Totally. Paris would own this list. I adore her.

Classic Paris moment:

Girl: Is it raining outside?

Paris: No, it's national baptism day. Get your tubes tied, idiot!

Polar Hijinx

Submitted by

jennifer from p... (1166 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 7:53pm.

Paris is the polar opposite of this list. Oh, sweet, too rich to be bothered Paris, who once threw down a menu saying that she hates to read. Yeah, I could see her doing an autopsy and saying something other than 'ew' and making it sound believable.

no Paris!

Submitted by

BAS (169 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 8:16am.

I totally agree. Geek does NOT mean smart person. Paris is certainly intelligent, but as far as I recall it was all for show. She learned to get places. Whereas real geeks like Dr.Brennan or Willow learn for the sake of learning. Also I really think for the word geek to apply you have to have a bit of social awkwardness. Paris' awkwardness is not born of her intelligence but simply because she's a brat.

And I yes, Fred should be on this list. I'm torn on Cristina Yang.

No Fred?

Submitted by

XSaraXPoeX (31 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 7:46pm.

I think that Winifred Burkle, Fred from Angel, would make the list. http://sarasdarkness.blogspot.com

Oh how I would love to be in

Submitted by

Vee (215 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 7:58pm.

Oh how I would love to be in a Bones and Sarah Sidle sandwich :)

Kari Byron

Submitted by

rorschach (2 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 8:25pm.

Come on. Kari Byron, of Mythbusters fame? Debunking urban legends and looking good while doing it.

Good catch.

Submitted by

Omega II (385 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 8:57pm.

Any woman who can make gun cotton DESERVES to be on the list.

And... kari Byron

..nuff said.

"I can explain why I like, but not why I love."

How could I have forgotten her!

Submitted by

deathbyblonde (275 posts)

on July 12, 2007 - 1:26pm.

Kari should be at the very top of this list. She kicks serious ass.

Bones!

Submitted by

juncat (10 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 8:50pm.

Dr. Brennan from "Bones" is definitely coolest geek to me :) Her actions and voice,, its just so good

And Fred from "Angel" !!!! Why is she not on the list?!!!!! I can not believe that,,,, um maybe she is not coolest geeks but totally the cutest geek! HaHa

And one more thing, Willow is the sexiest Geek ever! :)

Does no one else consider

Submitted by

tex2009 (not verified)

on July 9, 2007 - 9:53pm.

Does no one else consider Dr. Allison Cameron a geek? I was sure she'd be in the list somewhere

...

Submitted by

Harpy, Moderator (8693 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 10:36pm.

I consider her hot, but not a geek. ;)

24?

Submitted by

Sarah (40 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 11:11pm.

How could you forget Chloe O'Brien?? She, like, helps save the world!

top retro nerd girls!

Submitted by

abbagirl (101 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 11:12pm.

don't think i'm weird, but i was an eighties kid:

markie post as attorney christine sullivan in night court, 'cause, you know, all lawyers are nerds:

carol seaver of growing pains:

velma:

and my all-time fav, penny! from inspector gadget:

------------------------------

you can dance

you can jive

having the time of your life

Velma! Right on!

Submitted by

cosmiccowgirl (476 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 1:27am.

Good call on all the geeks, ladies. As a bespectacled academic, I'm glad that geeky gals are appreciated here. I think we all have a Wonder Woman hidden within.

diana prince

Love Markie Post

Submitted by

Sally (299 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 5:08am.

That's a great choice of geeks! Even the animated characters are so good... My favorite animated is Lisa Simpson, but I was craaaazy about Markie Post on Night Court.
lesbian without borders

turn ons include:

Submitted by

venus sans furs (53 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 2:26am.

my dream girl would be the lovechild of barbara gordon (cartoon redheads have always been my weakness) and winifred berkle. so its safe to say geeky girls really turn my crank.

i agree with most of the list though i've never seen jorja fox's appeal.

deschanelcest anyone?

Pauley

Submitted by

Flame (63 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 2:51am.

I love the goth gal Pauley from NCIS

See her profile

Monica

Submitted by

Lilly (10 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 3:38am.

Hrm, what about Monica from Friends? She was definitely kinda geeky with her cleaning problem.

Also, when there is a group of girls in a tv series there is always a cute geeky-ish girl (see Max from L-Word or Miranda from SatC).

heh, i think that Monica's

Submitted by

Flame (63 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 4:53am.

heh, i think that Monica's cleaning is a severe neurosis, not a sign of geeknes ;-)

Fred from Angel

Submitted by

GrrrlRomeo (284 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 4:44am.

And when Willow and Fred get together in an episode of Angel (Orpheus) I'm in lesbian geek heaven. LOL

Best scene...

Submitted by

Omega II (385 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 11:26pm.

was when Fred was nerding out about reading mystic books in their original languages and Willow says,"Sorry but I am seeing someone". I was both laughing at the confused look on Fred's face and disappointed that Fred didn't feel rejected. The chemistry was great between them.

"I can explain why I like, but not why I love."

great list

Submitted by

rarticalsista (118 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 4:49am.

I agree with many that others have said.

Mac- Veronica Mars
Velma from Scooby Doo... such a geek lol

Others..
Chloe from Smallville
Barbara from Birds Of Prey

I have to go with Paris and Alice

Submitted by

girllaughing (8 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 6:17am.

I'm madly in love with Alice and she is so sweet and geeky...Love her...

There's just something hot about Paris in a really bizarre way.

3rd and 4th have to be Willow and Tara, they can cast a geek spell on me anyday...

myspace.com/girllaughing

Andrea Zuckerman

Submitted by

Ace (271 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 7:36am.

Back in the days of 90210, I always thought Andrea Zuckerman was the hot one--both because she was smart and geeky, and because curly hair and glasses are hot.

Gabrielle Carteris who plays Andrea Zuckerman Vasquez on Beverly Hills 90210

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