These 12 Black Female Characters Are Truly Unstoppable

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Hollywood has an inclusivity problem. The entertainment industry has spent decades using Black women as character development tools for white leads, resigning them to side characters that woefully lack the dimensionality they deserve. And in the all-too-rare instances when Black women are cast in starring roles, there's an enormous emotional burden placed on the actors who must find ways to humanize Black female characters that are flattened by stereotypes born out of predominantly white writers rooms.

Furthermore, being messy, flawed, and complicated is the norm among privileged white fictional characters like Serena van der Woodsen on Gossip Girland Brooke Davis on One Tree Hill. They can be wild and crazy for the sake of character development without the fear that they're perpetuating myths about white women off screen. It's about time that Black female characters (and the actors who play them) have the same leeway and breadth of traits to break free from these tired double standards.

The good news? According to USA Today, lead acting rolls played by People of Color on broadcast television grew from 5.1 percent to 24 percent from the 2011-2012 to 2018-2019 television seasons respectively. But even if Black girls on TV are finally showing up as fully developed, complicated charactersinthe way that white girls have always been allowed to be, there is still a long way to go.

Frankly, I'm tired of not seeing my friends' real life stories — their beauty, their romance, and their humor — represented onscreen. That's why it's so exciting when a Black actress gets cast in a role that has been historically white (from Meg in A Wrinkle in Timeto MJ in Spiderman: Homecoming to Ariel in The Little Mermaid).

After so many stories where slavery or violence is the basis for a Black character (like how the first Black American Girl suffers violence as a slave while the other girls' troubles are much less grave), the time for Black girls to see themselves having fun onscreen, falling in love, and, well, making bad decisions for the sake of character development, is long overdue.

The beautiful thing about roles like Meg, MJ, and Ariel is that they give Black girls the chance to get lost in a story that celebrates trauma-free Blackness — they can embrace magic, make mistakes, and explore the ins and outs of regular life. Here are 12 complicated, multi-faceted Black leading ladies who have already made a lasting impact in their boundary-breaking roles.

Our Favorite Black Leading Ladies

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Scandal Official Account on Instagram: "Long live Queen Liv! 👑🍷 #TheFinalScandal #Scandal"

Kerry Washington in Scandal

Washington’s Olivia Pope is a D.C. fixer who keeps scandals under wraps for a variety of clients, including the President of the United States. Pope is beloved for many reasons, including the fact that she's an anti-hero instead of a purely good or purely evil character.

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Zuri Reed in National Treasure

Reed's Tasha is incredibly complex in every aspect. She has great humor and takes charge in the group's adventures whenever she needs to. She can also hack her way into just about any system, and does it while wearing immaculate eyeliner and amazing clothes.

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Black Panther on Instagram: "Wakanda awaits. Watch hours of bonus footage and more from Marvel Studios’ #BlackPanther on Digital, @Movies.Anywhere, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD today: [link in bio]"

Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, and Angela Bassett in Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

The women in Black Panther have redefined what it means to be a superhero. They're powerful, romantic, and incredibly intelligent, proving that you don't have to live your life embracing just one thing.

Image via Glen Wilson/HBO

Issa Rae in Insecure

Insecure follows two best friends: Issa, who works at a non-profit and struggles with the lack of passion in her longterm relationship, and Molly, a corporate attorney who is successful in every area except dating. We love that this comedy is relatable and that it leans into the flaws and humanity of each character.

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Raven's Home on Instagram: "When you hear that every episode of #ThatsSoRaven is now on the @DisneyChannel app..."

Raven-Symoné in That's So Raven

There are quite a few roles from Raven that we could include (The Cheetah Girls is still one of our favorite early '00s movies), but That's So Raven is the perfect pick. Not only was it funny and self-aware, but it also tackled issues like racism and body image in ways that its young audience didn't see much of at the time.

Image via John Wilson/Netflix

Janelle Monáe in Glass Onion

SPOILER ALERT: Monáe flips between two characters in this film (which you don't find out until half way through), and her complexity, persistence, and heartbreak is both amazing and satisfying to watch. Not to mention the fact that her character destroys the Mona Lisa, framing the man responsible for her sister's death. Iconic.

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black-ish on Instagram: "Happy Thanksgiving from our #blackish family to yours!"

Tracee Ellis Ross, Yara Shahidi, and Marsai Martin in Black-ish

We love how this series shows an authentic Black family on primetime TV, as well as the fact that Ross' Rainbow (who's an anesthesiologist), Shahidi's Zoey (who is popular, feminine, and smart), and Martin's Diane (who's smart and witty) turn a lot of expectations about Black women on their heads.

Image via Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Madison Bailey in Outer Banks

Because of her grief following John B.'s supposed death in the season 1 finale, Bailey's Kiara makes some questionable decisions in season two. But even when the decisions aren't the right ones, they're a realistic look into pain and processing grief. Kiara is unashamedly herself and isn't afraid of following through on what she believes in.

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Hidden Figures on Instagram: "The hero behind one of @NASA’s greatest missions. #HiddenFigures🚀"

Taraji P. Henson in Hidden Figures

Not only is Henson's Katherine a mathematician and aerospace technologist (ie: a literal rocket scientist), but she isn't afraid to show real emotion — a scene from the film went viral on TikTok because of its portrayal of female rage.

Image via ABC/Christina Belle

Quinta Brunson in Abbott Elementary

This hilarious and heartfelt sitcom is like honey for the soul — it just feels good to watch. We love the way that it shows every aspect of the characters' personalities, from Janine's (Brunson) spunky attitude to Gregory's (Tyler James Williams) type-A nature. We dare you to watch this show without cracking a smile.

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badgalriri on Instagram: "@oceans8movie is in theaters next Friday! I’m watching for the first time in #NY! hashtag and rep your city below"

Rihanna in Ocean's 8

Rihanna's Nine Ball is many things: she's a hacker, she's a big sister, and she also looks amazing in red. Eight Ball is smart and scrappy, and knows exactly what she wants. In this case, that includes hacking into the Met Gala and pulling off a $150 million heist.

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Halle Bailey in The Little Mermaid

We're super excited to see Bailey as Ariel this year. This is one princess that isn't afraid to tell the world what she wants, and we know that seeing the romance and music that we know so well at the forefront of this story is going to be a truly magical thing.

Let us know your favorite Black female characters on Twitter and check out our Entertainment page for the latest pop culture news.

Featured image via Glen Wilson/HBO

While I love seeing BookTok-viral novels get turned into movies (hello It Ends With Us!), it's just as fun to see them get turned into TV shows, like Fourth Wing — which is why I had such high hopes for A Court of Thorns and Roses at Hulu...before it got canceled. But believe it or not, the fantasy series cancellation could actually a good thing.

Here's the latest update on the A Court of Thorns and Roses show.

Is the ACOTAR TV show still happening?

KoolShooters/Pexels

A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show has officially be scrapped at Disney’s 20th Television, according to Variety. But ACOTAR fans, don't give up hope! Sarah J. Maas was working with Outlander creator Ronald D. Moore, but now Variety's sources say that after the rights expire at Disney, SJM will be shopping the rights to an ACOTAR show to a different studio and platform.

Honestly, I'm totally here for this because a platform like Prime or Max would provide a different kind of edge and aesthetic to the series that would serve it in a different way. And if we have to wait a little longer for a platform SJM feels most aligned with, I'm willing to stick it out!

On February 27, 2024, Sarah J. Maas reportedly went out to coffee with Margot Robbie. Margot's production company (LuckyChap) has backed projects like I, Tonya, Promising Young Woman, Saltburn. Everything Margot touches turns to gold so I really hope she eventually ends up on the creative team for A Court of Thorns and Roses!

Who plays Rhysand in ACOTAR?

Jared Subia/Unsplash

We never got an official cast announcement, but there are plenty of ACOTAR fancasts.

Hannah Dodd, who plays Francesca in Netflix's hit series Bridgerton, would be the PERFECT addition to the cast, whether she plays Elain or Feyre. And now, I honestly don't know if I'll be satisfied with anyone else ;). "She is ELAIN," one TikTok user comments. "Literally copy paste from my brain Elain."

Deuxmoi (via Marie Claire Australia) revealed some potential actors who could be in the running, like Thomas Doherty, Theo James, and Katherine Langford. Actress Brec Bassigner expressed that she'd love to be considered for a role. "I emailed my team, and I was like, ‘Listen, I don’t care if I have one line. I have to be a part of this,'" she says in an interview with TV Line.

Is ACOTAR getting a 6th book?

Amazon

Yes, ACOTAR book 6 is on the way! We don't know who the new book will focus on, but Sarah J. Maas did say she's excited to bring it to us.

"The next book in that series, I have the ideas and general, vague thoughts. But the nitty gritty of writing and the emotional journeys with the characters — I usually love to go on those journeys with them," she said during an appearance on TODAY.

What is A Court of Thorns and Roses about?

Amazon

A Court of Thorns and Roses follows Feyre, a huntress who's forced to live with the immortal faeries after killing a wolf in the woods. The longer she stays in the Fae's world, the more she begins to love it — and the passionate, alluring faerie Tamlin. But as a dark shadow grows, both their world and Tamlin are put in danger, and it's up to Feyre to save them all.

When did the Court of Thorns and Roses series come out?

Amazon

A Court of Thorns and Roses is the first novel in the series of the same name, and was published in 2015. Sarah J. Maas continued the series with A Court of Mist and Fury in 2016, A Court of Wings and Ruin in 2017, A Court of Frost and Starlight in 2018, and A Court of Silver Flames in 2021.

Are you excited for the A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show? Let us know your dream cast in the comments and on TikTok! And read up on The Only ACOTAR Character Breakdown You Need Before Book 6 Comes Out.

This post has been updated.

Piper Ratliff's outfits on The White Lotus are exactly what I'm looking to add to my spring and summer wardrobe for 2025. Piper's (Sarah Catherine Hook) style is the perfect mix of bohemian and classy that gives off a certain laidback elegance. And considering I'm a Carolina girl myself (not to mention I'm actually from the beach), I know exactly how to achieve that ultimate vacation vibe. Here are the best sundresses for a White Lotus look...without any of the drama.

Keep reading for the best sundresses to add some Piper Ratliff & White Lotus magic to your summer wardrobe.

How To Get Piper Ratliff's style from 'The White Lotus.'

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Like I mentioned earlier, all of Piper Ratliff's best outfits are a mix of three things: bohemian, classy, and fitted. While the aesthetic is giving girl off duty, her attention to detail means she always looks put together. Because if you ask me, that's the secret to always looking expensive! Her best outfits feature pieces that are fitted in a flattering way, her accessories are intentional, and everything in her outfit is working together. In this case, less is more.

8 Dresses For Summer 2025 Piper Ratliff Would Approve Of

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Emerson Poplin Wide Strap Midi Dress

This gorgeous dress is perfect for both spring and summer, and it's flirty while still offering plenty of coverage. Plus the blue and white color combo is so giving Carolina.

Madewell

Madewell Seamed Squareneck Midi Dress

To channel Piper's more minimalist outfits, this khaki dress is flattering, elevated, and it lets your accessories take center stage.

J. Crew

J. Crew Squareneck Midi Dress

If you prefer to keep your accessories, low-key, a printed dress will do all the heavy lifting for you. And this print is totally giving White Lotus!

Old Navy

Old Navy Fit & Flare Lightweight Smocked Gingham Midi Dress

You can never have too many fit and flair dresses if you ask me. Especially when they feature fluttery sleeves and a dreamy gingham print.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie LSPACE Calla Midi Dress

For the ultimate beachy look, opt for a lightweight, strappy dress. You can wear it over your bathing suit during the day or a colorful bodysuit at night.

J. Crew

J. Crew Fitted-Waist Shirtdress

If there's anything that makes sense for a preppy Carolina girl, it's a collar. Add some raffia sandals for a Piper Ratliff-approved boho edge.

Anthropologie

By Anthropologie Strapless Drop-Waist Midi Dress

Y'all, I can't stop thinking about this dress. The silhouette! The color! The detail! It's the perfect thing to pack for any vacation...whether or not you're showing up to a White Lotus resort. ;)

Amazon

CUPSHE Beach Dress

Comfy, casual, and some eye-catching details? Sign me up.

Which Piper Ratliff-inspired look will you be rocking this summer? Don't forget to read up on Everything You Need To Know About The WhiteLotus Season Finale.

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The White Lotus season 3 has plenty of drama onscreen, but according to actor Jason Isaacs (who plays North Carolina patriarch Timothy Ratliff), there was more than enough drama off camera, too. WHAT! The Harry Potter actor described filming the latest season of Mike White's TV sensation "like a cross between summer camp and Lord of the Flies but in a gilded cage." Now that sounds like a great pitch for The White Lotus season 4.

Here's what Jason Isaacs had to say about filming with theWhite Lotus cast — including Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sarah Catherine Hook, and Sam Nivola — in Thailand.

Jason Isaacs says filming 'The White Lotus' wasn't a vacation.

Despite the fact their White Lotus characters are on vacation, Jason Isaacs says that filming the latest installment "wasn’t a holiday."

"Some people got very close, there were friendships that were made and friendships that were lost," he tells Vulture. "All the things you would imagine with a group of people unanchored from their home lives on the other side of the world, in the intense pressure cooker of the working environment with eye-melting heat and insects and late nights."

"They say in the show, 'What happens in Thailand stays in Thailand,' but there’s an off-screen White Lotus as well, with fewer deaths but just as much drama," he continues.

Some of 'The White Lotus' cast got along better than others.

So it sounds like the environment of filming The White Lotus added a whole new layer of nuance to what we see in the series thanks to some potential IRL tension...now I need a whole series just about filming this show. But just like with any social scenario, Jason says some people hit it off while others didn't get along quite as well.

"I became very close to some people and less close to others, but we still all had that experience together and there’s a certain level of discretion required," Jason says.

And while he became close with his onscreen children, Jason doesn't confirm that real-life dynamic is what we see onscreen every Sunday. After all, acting is the job, no matter what's happening in the real world.

But Jason Isaacs got "very close" with his onscreen kids.

"I just try to be Tim Ratliff in his situation. Does the fact that I spent a lot of time particularly with Patrick [Schwarzenegger], Sarah Catherine [Hook], and Sam [Nivola], and became very close to them, make any difference? I don’t know," he admits. "I’ve played opposite people I barely knew and we looked like we absolutely loved each other. I’ve played with people I know very well and the relationships don’t work. I can talk about the dynamic but whether it bled into the work or not, I have no idea."

Catch up on Everything You Need To Know About The White Lotus Season Finale before the final episode airs on April 6, 2025 on HBO and Max.

The World Happiness Report for 2025 is officially here, and there's a LOT to take away from it — including the happiest countries around the world that you can visit and live in this year. Whether there's better healthcare, more community, and everything in between, some places really are just happier than others. So, without further ado, these are officially the most happy countries in the world for 2025!

Scroll to see what the happiest countries in the world are for 2025!

When did the 2025 World Happiness Report come out?

Yan Krukau

The 2025 World Happiness Report was aptly released on March 20, the International Day of Happiness!

What does the World Happiness Report measure?

FbyF Studio

Published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, the report is based on data from the Gallup World Poll, which surveys individuals in over 140 countries. It ranks nations by happiness using the average life evaluations over the past three years, specifically from 2022 to 2024.

Participants in the survey rate their overall life satisfaction, and these self-assessments determine the rankings. To better understand the factors influencing happiness, the report examines six key indicators: GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support, generosity, personal freedom, and perceptions of corruption.

What rank is USA in World Happiness Report?

Samson Katt

This year, the United States isn't faring so well. This year, our nation dropped to its lowest ranking ever: number 24.

According to Illana Ron-Levey, Gallup's managing director, some of the United States' decline in happiness was "at least partly attributable to Americans younger than age 30 feeling worse about their lives."

Why would some people be less happy in 2025?

Vlada Karpovich

"Today's young people report feeling less supported by friends and family, less free to make life choices, and less optimistic about their living standards," she added.

The good news is that the research shows people are generally kinder than we assume, and recognizing this could boost our happiness and transform how we perceive those around us.

Moreover, there are plenty of extremely happy countries that make desirable travel destinations. Here are some that topped the list in satisfaction.

Paul Theodor Oja

2025's Happiest Countries In The World

It may not come as a shock that Finland has taken first place for the eighth year in a row. The nation boasts many beneficial policies and initiatives, such as universal health care, as well as a strong social support and education infrastructure. It also has a very low crime rate.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, too, from soaking up the northern lights under the Arctic sky to hiking in one of Finland's 41 national parks, seeing breathtaking architecture, experiencing Midsummer, a celebration of the summer solstice, and, of course, trying Finnish food.

The runners-up to Finland include Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden in second, third, and fourth place, respectively. Just like Finland, these three countries held onto their global happiness ranking from 2024.

Damir K

Those hoping to visit Denmark can explore its capital city, Copenhagen, which is rich in museums and other cultural experiences, learn about the fascinating history of Vikings, and dine at Michelin award-winning restaurants.

Rudy Kirchner

Over in Iceland, experience unbelievable 24-hour daylight from mid-May to late July, go whale watching, take a diving tour or guided snorkeling trip at Thingvellir National Park, traverse glaciers, relax in geothermal spas, and walk along beautiful black sand beaches.

Shvets Anna

Finally, in Sweden, there are various vibrant cities to check out, like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Pop fans must visit the ABBA museum, while culinary connoisseurs need to try authentic Swedish meatballs, and nature lovers can take in all the natural beauty that Sweden is renowned for.

Aside from the Nordic countries, which are dominating the globe in terms of happiness, two Latin American countries also made it into the top 10 for the very first time. Costa Rica ranked at number six, and Mexico at number 10.

Diego Madrigal

If you travel to Costa Rica, you can embark on all kinds of adventures, from hiking and zip-lining to surfing and river rafting.

Bryan Martinez

Or, in Mexico, see the archaeological site Chichen Itza, take a delicious food tour, and sit back on the sand of some stunning beaches.

What's the full list of the happiest countries in the world for 2025?

Kristoffer Brink Jonsson

  1. Finland
  2. Denmark
  3. Iceland
  4. Sweden
  5. Netherlands
  6. Costa Rica
  7. Norway
  8. Israel
  9. Luxembourg
  10. Mexico
  11. Australia
  12. New Zealand
  13. Switzerland
  14. Belgium
  15. Ireland
  16. Lithuania
  17. Austria
  18. Canada
  19. Slovenia
  20. Czechia
  21. United Arab Emirates
  22. Germany
  23. United Kingdom
  24. United States
  25. Belize

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Raffia sandals are going to be huge for spring fashion this year, and since warmer weather provides the perfect excuse to swap out your heavy boots for something a lil' lighter, it’s time to add a pair of raffia sandals to your wardrobe! Whether you’re dressing up for a cutie spring brunch or keeping it pretty casual on vacation, these comfy raffia sandals will be your go-to for every occasion.

Shop our 9 favorite raffia sandals below!

Target

Wild Fable Elide Raffia Fisherman Platform Heels

With the flair of the fisherman aesthetic, these platform sandals lean a little bit bold to make easy 'fits (like jeans and a white tee or linen pants and a tank) truly stand out.

DSW

Anne Klein Roe Sandals

The heels on these cuties definitely make them a fit for formal occasions. Got an Easter party on the cal? Well, you've officially found your shoe! What we love the most about this pair is the black scalloped accents on the straps that instantly add a playful vibe.

Free People

Jeffrey Campbell Cabo Nights Embellished Sandals

Easy to slip right into, these raffia sandals boast some eye-catching crystals to make any spring outfit feel a lil' bit bougie. Though these do have some height to them in the flatform design, the insole is impressively soft and cushiony for all-day comfort.

Anthropologie

Dolce Vita Wriley Raffia Platform Sandals

With some added visual oomph from the bold black lining, these raffia sandals also come with extra reinforcements around the ankle strap to stabilize your step. This is a great pair to snag if you love the look of raffia sandals but want your shoe game to stand out from more traditional styles!

DSW

Crown Vintage Dylann Sandals

Not all raffia sandals have to be the classic tan color – we adore this stunning orange colorway because it's downright perfect for wearing on spring and summer vacations. If you're jetting off to somewhere beachy soon, this pair would look simply iconic with a flowy white sundress or a tasteful matching set for that epic post-beach dinner.

Nordstrom

Steve Madden Bigmona Raffia Platform Sandals

The chunky platform and wide base on these raffia sandals add to their insane comfort level. What's more is the insoles are super soft to handle step after step! You can also easily adjust the straps on these babies to find your ideal fit. If you're one to get your steps in, you'll undoubtedly enjoy walking in these – no matter where you go!

Anthropologie

SIMONMILLER Cloudy Raffia Platform Slide Sandals

Ooh, the puffy feel of these green raffia sandals make 'em feel so retro (in the best way possible). These are the pair to shop if you tend to like a good pop of color on your feet to balance out more neutral 'fits.

DSW

Crown Vintage Leah Sandals

For a casual look, these low-profile raffia sandals are wonderfully easy to wear. They have a slight wedge heel to make them look more polished, plus dual straps to secure your feet with every stride!

Nordstrom

Dolce Vita Holis Fisherman Sandals

Complete with a chic preppy look, these fisherman-style raffia sandals supply a bit more coverage around the toes, but are still generously breathable for hot days. They're simple to secure, too, thanks to the side buckles.

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