15 TV Shows Where the Black Character Survives Purely Out of Spite

For years, horror and thriller stories often relied on the harmful trope of Black characters being the first to die. Thankfully, television is starting to change this pattern. Writers are now creating strong Black characters who overcome incredible challenges and survive, even when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles – whether those are real-world issues or supernatural dangers. This change shows a new direction in how stories are told. The series below showcase Black characters who defy expectations and prove they can survive against all odds.

‘How to Get Away with Murder’ (2014–2020)

Annalise Keating, a law professor and attorney, battles both crippling alcoholism and constant legal battles as she tries to shield her students from the consequences of their actions. Throughout the series, she fights against a dishonest legal system determined to ruin her career and freedom. Her ability to overcome these challenges, fueled by her intelligence and determination, is a constant defiance of those who underestimate her. Viola Davis powerfully portrays this unwavering strength, showing Annalise consistently outsmarting her opponents.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)

Bonnie Bennett repeatedly puts her own well-being aside to protect her friends in Mystic Falls. Despite facing immense hardship, she consistently overcomes challenges and resolves magical problems. Throughout the eight seasons of the show, her resilience and refusal to give up become central to who she is. Finally, she chooses to leave town and embark on a journey to discover herself and fully develop her magical abilities.

‘True Blood’ (2008–2014)

Lafayette Reynolds wasn’t meant to survive past the first season, according to the books the show was based on. However, the actor Nelsan Ellis played him with so much charm and personality that the writers decided to keep him on throughout the entire series. Despite facing dangers like vampire attacks and demonic possession while working as a cook at Merlotte’s, Lafayette persevered, proving how compelling a character he was and his determination to overcome any challenge.

‘Scream Queens’ (2015–2016)

Zayday Williams is a smart and level-headed student trying to survive on a college campus terrorized by a series of murders. Unlike many of her classmates who fall prey to typical horror movie clichés, she uses her intelligence to stay one step ahead of the Red Devil killer. Her practical nature helps her cope with the strange and often ridiculous world of the Kappa Kappa Tau sorority, and ultimately allows her to survive the attacks and pursue her dream of becoming a doctor to help others.

‘Westworld’ (2016–2022)

Maeve Millay becomes self-aware and breaks free from her pre-programmed life as the madam of a Western-themed park. Driven by a desire to find her daughter, she ventures into both the dangerous world of the park and the real, futuristic world outside. Throughout her journey, she repeatedly faces death, but each time she returns with enhanced strength and intelligence. Ultimately, she refuses to accept the story the park’s creators intended for her and forges her own destiny.

‘Doctor Who’ (2005–Present)

Martha Jones’s adventures take her across time and space, where she faces both heartbreak and the challenges of racism throughout history. She manages to save the world by literally walking across the planet to share a message about the Doctor while his enemy, the Master, is in power. Ultimately, Martha recognizes her own value and decides to prioritize her family, choosing to leave the Doctor and his time-traveling ship, the TARDIS, behind. This decision is a powerful moment of self-respect, allowing her to escape an unhealthy relationship with the Doctor.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

Michonne Hawthorne joins the story with a unique survival tactic – using walkers as cover – and rapidly becomes a key leader. She’s a resilient character who overcomes immense loss and the breakdown of society simply by refusing to give up. Her exceptional katana skills make her a formidable fighter, easily handling dangers that defeat others. Ultimately, she’s one of the few original characters who survives to reach a satisfying conclusion.

‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997–2003)

Robin Wood comes to Sunnydale determined to avenge his mother’s death at the hands of the vampire Spike. He joins forces with the Slayer to fight a massive army of powerful vampires during the climactic battle at the Hellmouth. Despite the many casualties and the town’s destruction, Robin survives, breaking the typical trope of the mentor character who sacrifices themselves for the greater good, often seen in supernatural stories.

‘Z Nation’ (2014–2018)

Roberta Warren guides a diverse group of people across a zombie-ridden America, carrying a possible cure for the outbreak. Initially a National Guard soldier, she transforms into a strong and decisive leader whose choices determine humanity’s future. Throughout their dangerous journey, facing strange mutations and the devastation of nuclear fallout, she watches her fellow travelers fall, but remains a steadfast moral compass and the last one standing in a world gone wrong.

‘The 100’ (2014–2020)

Indra starts as a warrior for the Trikru people and endures betrayals from various groups and leaders. She lives through massive changes – both political and technological – that destroy most of humanity. Her practical nature helps her navigate constantly changing loyalties while staying true to herself and her fighting spirit. By the end of the turbulent series, she’s one of the last characters still standing.

‘Lost’ (2004–2010)

When Rose Nadler’s plane crashes on a strange island, she’s miraculously healed from her cancer. She and her husband, Bernard, decide to create a peaceful, secluded life for themselves, avoiding the conflicts and dangers faced by the other survivors. By staying out of the power struggles, they manage to stay safe as the series concludes with them enjoying a quiet retirement on the island.

‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ (1993–1999)

I’m a huge fan of Captain Sisko! He’s an amazing character – a single dad raising his son while commanding Deep Space Nine right near this incredible wormhole. And talk about pressure! He led the Federation through a truly brutal war against the Dominion, even when they were seriously outmatched. What I really admire is how he handled all the tricky politics with the Bajorans and the constant threat from the Cardassians – he always stayed true to himself. It’s not exactly a typical ending, but instead of dying, he basically became something…more. It’s powerful stuff!

‘Scandal’ (2012–2018)

Olivia Pope is a crisis manager for Washington D.C.’s most influential figures, all while secretly having an affair with the President. She faces life-threatening dangers like kidnapping and attempts on her life, overcoming them by skillfully controlling those in power. Though she strives to do what’s right, her dedication often leads to difficult choices that hurt the people around her. Ultimately, she chooses to leave her life in Washington behind and walks away from the White House on her own terms.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Grey Worm leads the Unsullied army and consistently risks his life in battle throughout the series. Remarkably, he survives both the devastating Long Night and the destruction of King’s Landing, even while fighting on the front lines. Though the death of Missandei enrages him, he doesn’t die in battle as many predicted. Instead of sacrificing himself for a queen, he travels to Naath to keep a promise.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–Present)

Lucas Sinclair is a brave friend who battles monsters from other dimensions and uncovers government secrets in Hawkins. He confronts terrifying threats while also dealing with the challenges of being a teenager. His ingenuity with gadgets like his wrist-rocket and fireworks frequently gets the group out of trouble. Despite facing both social rejection and supernatural danger, Lucas remains loyal and resilient.

Please tell us which resilient character you cheered for the most in the comments.

2025-12-07 13:46