On March 3, Daria turns 20. The MTV cartoon, which ran from 1997 to 2002, became a cult classic thanks to its sharply drawn protagonist, a cynical teenager named Daria Morgendorffer who rarely changes her facial expression while commenting—as sardonically as she does intelligently—on the world around her. The Beavis & Butthead spinoff was refreshingly identifiable to members of the ’90s generation who weren’t buying into the heavy rotation of boy bands otherwise offered up on the network. In celebration of Daria’s birthday, TIME looks back at the funniest, bravest and realest women and girls drawn into existence on TV cartoons.
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Ms. Frizzle, The Magic School Bus
Ms. Frizzle, voiced by Lily Tomlin, is an eccentric and knowledgable teacher at Walkerville Elementary who, along with a chameleon named Liz, takes her class (and the show’s viewers) on educational field trips. In Netflix’s remake of the ’90s cartoon, Kate McKinnon will lend her voice to the unique teacher.
Lana Kane, Archer
Lana was the top female agent at ISIS (International Secret Intelligence Service) before it was dissolved. Throughout the series, Lana (voiced by Aisha Tyler) and ex-boyfriend Archer are paired on various missions, and she constantly insults him in the field because of his lack of judgment, though she still harbors occasional feelings for him.
Patti Mayonnaise, Doug
Patti Mayonnaise is Doug’s friend and secret love interest. Creator Jim Jinkins reportedly based Mayonnaise, who generally has a positive demeanor and is a star athlete, on his own crush from his junior high and high school days.
Diane Nguyen, Bojack Horseman
Voiced by Alison Brie, Diane is a ghostwriter, initially working with Bojack Horseman on his autobiography. She dates and later marries Bojack’s frenemy Mr. Peanutbutter. In the show, Bojack and Diane’s friendship gradually devolves from a strong bond to an awkward one, thanks to his feelings for her.
Princess Bubblegum, Adventure Time
Princess Bubblegum is the monarch of the Candy Kingdom. Finn, one of the show’s main characters, views her as a love interest, but the two remain friends throughout the series. Though she can be a powerful force when provoked, she is usually portrayed as a kindhearted figure in the world of Adventure Time.
Penny Proud, The Proud Family
The protagonist of The Proud Family, Penny is a teenager living in Wizville, Calif. and a well-rounded person: she’s a straight-A student, a talented singer, a football player and a high school newspaper staffer. Her everyday ups and downs with her friends and family make her an all-around relatable teen.