News, Reviews & Commentary on Lesbian and Bisexual women in Entertainment and the Media
Home » Blogs » Malinda Lo's blog » The seven coolest (female) geeks on TV

The seven coolest (female) geeks on TV

by
Malinda Lo

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.

  • Malinda Lo's blog
  • Login or register to post comments
    • Submitted by
    Malinda Lo
    on July 9, 2007 - 6:02pm.
    TAGS :: 
    TheWeyrd1's picture

    Max from Veronica Mars

    Submitted by
    TheWeyrd1 (610 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.
    playthemusic814's picture

    Mac

    Submitted by
    playthemusic814 (243 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.~

    mollyblooming's picture

    Mac is an excellent choice.

    Submitted by
    mollyblooming (78 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...

    TheWeyrd1's picture

    oops...my bad

    Submitted by
    TheWeyrd1 (610 posts)
    on July 9, 2007 - 8:26pm.
    Mac...which is STILL a boyish name...hehehe
    bbkf101's picture

     WHAAATT???? IS VM OVER????

    Submitted by
    bbkf101 (319 posts)
    on July 10, 2007 - 12:00am.

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

    TheWeyrd1's picture

    Sadly...

    Submitted by
    TheWeyrd1 (610 posts)
    on July 10, 2007 - 9:41am.
    It's all over for the girl PI...
    EmsInNz's picture

    Abby

    Submitted by
    EmsInNz (19 posts)
    on July 9, 2007 - 6:13pm.
    I love Abby from NCIS
    JulieGabi's picture

    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 ^_^

    Doc McG's picture

    deceive, inveigle, and obfuscate

    Submitted by
    Doc McG (64 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.

    Karyn's picture

    Yesss!!

    Submitted by
    Karyn (14 posts)
    on July 9, 2007 - 9:18pm.
    Sam Carter pwns x)
    newbie's picture

    Sandra Oh from Grey’s

    Submitted by
    newbie (251 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!

    the linster's picture

    also from Gilmore Girls

    Submitted by
    the linster (866 posts)
    on July 9, 2007 - 6:46pm.
    Paris Geller
    newbie's picture

    for some reason, I always

    Submitted by
    newbie (251 posts)
    on July 9, 2007 - 6:59pm.
    for some reason, I always had the urge to trip her.  Just me?
    TheWeyrd1's picture

    or maybe...

    Submitted by
    TheWeyrd1 (610 posts)
    on July 9, 2007 - 7:03pm.
    Slap her upside the head...
    newbie's picture

    yep.  thank you.

    Submitted by
    newbie (251 posts)
    on July 9, 2007 - 7:09pm.

    yep.  thank you.

    the linster's picture

    Yeah

    Submitted by
    the linster (866 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.
    -AnnaW-'s picture

    And Michelle (Alyson

    Submitted by
    -AnnaW- (24 posts)
    on July 10, 2007 - 6:55am.

    And Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) in American Pie 2:

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

    LOL

    tiff's picture

    OR her as Lily on How I Met

    Submitted by
    tiff (153 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??
    Laura's picture

    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...

    MsWoo's picture

    Samantha Bee - NILF HUNTER

    Submitted by
    MsWoo (450 posts)
    on July 9, 2007 - 6:31pm.

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

     

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

    junglequeen's picture

    jessie spano from saved by

    Submitted by
    junglequeen (83 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=

    Xanadugrrl's picture

    Say "no" to caffeine!

    Submitted by
    Xanadugrrl (155 posts)
    on July 9, 2007 - 7:11pm.
    That made me laugh sooooo hard. I'll never take another No-Doz again!
    imthey's picture

    I second the love for "geek"

    Submitted by
    imthey (521 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

    AngelinaLover's picture

    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...
    jennifer from pittsburgh's picture

    Inveigle

    Submitted by
    jennifer from p... (1391 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 ;)
    Blythe's picture

    Bones.

    Submitted by
    Blythe (16 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.
    deathbyblonde's picture

    Paris

    Submitted by
    deathbyblonde (306 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!

    jennifer from pittsburgh's picture

    Polar Hijinx

    Submitted by
    jennifer from p... (1391 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.
    BAS's picture

    no Paris!

    Submitted by
    BAS (415 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.

    XSaraXPoeX's picture

    No Fred?

    Submitted by
    XSaraXPoeX (36 posts)
    on July 9, 2007 - 7:46pm.
    I think that Winifred Burkle, Fred from Angel, would make the list. http://sarasdarkness.blogspot.com
    Vee's picture

    Oh how I would love to be in

    Submitted by
    Vee (217 posts)
    on July 9, 2007 - 7:58pm.
    Oh how I would love to be in a Bones and Sarah Sidle sandwich :)
    rorschach's picture

    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.
    Omega II's picture

    Good catch.

    Submitted by
    Omega II (389 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."

    deathbyblonde's picture

    How could I have forgotten her!

    Submitted by
    deathbyblonde (306 posts)
    on July 12, 2007 - 1:26pm.
    Kari should be at the very top of this list.  She kicks serious ass.
    juncat's picture

    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! :)

    Halley's picture

    Does no one else consider

    Submitted by
    Halley (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
    Harpy's picture

    ...

    Submitted by
    Harpy (9376 posts)
    on July 10, 2007 - 10:36pm.
    I consider her hot, but not a geek.  ;)
    Sarah's picture

    24?

    Submitted by
    Sarah (42 posts)
    on July 9, 2007 - 11:11pm.
    How could you forget Chloe O'Brien?? She, like, helps save the world!
    abbagirl's picture

    top retro nerd girls!

    Submitted by
    abbagirl (120 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

    cosmiccowgirl's picture

    Velma! Right on!

    Submitted by
    cosmiccowgirl (860 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

    Sally's picture

    Love Markie Post

    Submitted by
    Sally (302 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
    venus sans furs's picture

    turn ons include:

    Submitted by
    venus sans furs (70 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?

     

     

     

    Flame's picture

    Pauley

    Submitted by
    Flame (62 posts)
    on July 10, 2007 - 2:51am.

    I love the goth gal Pauley from NCIS

    See her profile

    Lilly's picture

    Monica

    Submitted by
    Lilly (12 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).

    Flame's picture

    heh, i think that Monica's

    Submitted by
    Flame (62 posts)
    on July 10, 2007 - 4:53am.
    heh, i think that Monica's cleaning is a severe neurosis, not a sign of geeknes ;-)
    GrrrlRomeo's picture

    Fred from Angel

    Submitted by
    GrrrlRomeo (1035 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

    Omega II's picture

    Best scene...

    Submitted by
    Omega II (389 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."

    rarticalsista's picture

    great list

    Submitted by
    rarticalsista (165 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

    girllaughing's picture

    I have to go with Paris and Alice

    Submitted by
    girllaughing (10 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

    Ace's picture

    Andrea Zuckerman

    Submitted by
    Ace (336 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

    12next ›last »

    Home » Blogs » Malinda Lo's blog » The seven coolest (female) geeks on TV