While it seems like almost every new TV show has a queer character, this wasn’t the case even just a decade ago: before the advent of streaming productions, fewer than 4% of characters on primetime and cable series were LGBTQ+.
Nowadays, we can celebrate the fact that in the last year (2023) alone, there were 327 LGBTQ+-identified characters in streaming series, 64 in primetime and 77 in cable. All things considered, that’s a pretty good representation. Of course, it could be better. But the first time we saw a lesbian kiss on American TV was in the ’90s, and the first time we saw a gay kiss was in the season 3 finale. Dawson’s Creek!
Representation is important for all identities, including sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, and disability. Especially in the media, where so much of our lives are spent in front of a screen. In a time when many of our rights are constantly under attack, it’s heartening to see LGBTQ+ characters and themes in television shows and other media. Pop culture plays a vital role in the ongoing fight for acceptance and equality, helping to break down stereotypes and foster empathy and understanding. Not sure where to start? From pioneering classics to modern hits, here are 11 of the best LGBTQ+ TV shows to watch during Pride Month and beyond.
1. Heart Stopper
Based on the popular graphic novel series of the same name by Alice Osman, Heartstoppers is an LGBTQ+ drama that depicts the emotional rollercoaster of self-discovery, acceptance and coming out. The show focuses on the budding romance between Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor), but also features transgender, lesbian and asexual supporting characters, providing a rich tapestry of diverse experiences. With a 98% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this enchanting coming-of-age series is already a hit, with a third season coming this fall. Whether you’re still in school or have kids of your own, Heartstoppers is a heartfelt reminder that young love is valuable and beautiful, regardless of sexual orientation.
2. The L Word
One of the first LGBTQ+-focused original shows, “The L Word” gave viewers a front-row look into lesbian life and love in Los Angeles. First airing on Showtime in 2004, “The L Word” didn’t hold back when it came to sex. It featured some of the most titillating lesbian sex scenes that are still forever burned into my memory. It also introduced “The Chart,” a visual representation of how small and interconnected the LGBTQ+ community is. Fast forward, and now “The L Word: Generation Q” continues that tradition with new faces and modern issues. While both series are must-watches, the original series is my favorite given its pioneering representation and timeless impact on lesbian visibility.
3. Pause
This incredible LGBTQ+ series is set in the glamorous yet rugged world of New York’s 80s and 90s ballroom subculture. Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Steven Canals, “Pose” tackles serious issues like transphobia and the AIDS epidemic with both grace and candor. Iconic characters like Billy Porter’s Pray Tell, Michaela Jay Rodriguez’s Blanca Evangelista, and Indya Moore’s Angel bring to life LGBTQ+ POC navigating life and love in their chosen families and “houses.” “Pose” also made history by featuring one of the largest transgender casts in TV history (5 actors!).
4. Queer Eye
Originally launched in 2003 as “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” this reboot of the reality show highlights transformations for people from all walks of life, including the LGBTQ+ community. With seasons airing across the U.S. and even Japan, the Fab Five use their expertise in grooming, cooking, design, fashion and culture to inspire and change people’s lives for the better. “Queer Eye” is full of emotions, teaches life lessons and gives you laughs. It’s a colorful celebration of inner beauty and the true value of being yourself, making it the perfect Pride Month binge-watch.
5. RuPaul’s Drag Race
“Racers, start your engines and may the best drag queen win!” RuPaul’s Drag Race is a glamorous reality competition show that has brought drag culture to the mainstream. Hosted by the legendary RuPaul, drag queens from all over the world will compete to show off their charisma, uniqueness, courage and talent to win thousands of dollars and become America’s next drag superstar. These queens are larger than life and represent the best when it comes to drag culture. More than just glittery costumes, wigs and intense lip syncing, Drag Race has a big heart and shares powerful stories about struggle, resilience and the joy of self-expression. Best of all, once you’ve finished watching all the American seasons, you can also watch the UK, Thai and Canadian versions.
6. Will & Grace
Will & Grace is a classic ’90s sitcom that President Biden (then Vice President) once said “probably did more to educate the American people on LGBTQ+ issues than almost anything anybody’s ever done.” The show brought gay characters to the forefront at a time when it was a big risk for television, but Will, Grace, Karen and Jack captured the hearts of Americans with their bold laughs and drama. Though the characters sometimes veered into stereotype territory, the show still broke barriers and paved the way for future LGBTQ+ representation on network television and beyond.
7. Sense8
“Sense8” is a sci-fi TV show created by the Wachowski sisters, creators of “The Matrix” trilogy, who are transgender. The show follows eight people from around the world who become mentally and emotionally connected as “sensates.” The only catch is that they are being pursued by a mysterious organization that is trying to eliminate them. Among the eight are Nomi, a transgender hacker, and Lito, a closeted gay actor who lives with his boyfriend. As well as diverse sexualities, the cast and characters are refreshingly diverse in race and religion. “Sense8” is ultimately about empathy and how we are all connected despite our perceived differences. With stunning visuals and a compelling storyline, “Sense8” is a memorable show with a poignant message.
8. Glee
Glee, unite! Thanks to Glee, choirs have never looked more glamorous (or nerdy, depending on how you look at it). The show follows a talented ragtag group of misfits at William McKinley High School as they navigate high school politics with their love of singing, dancing, and performing. The characters, many of whom are LGBTQ+, are bullied simply for being involved in the arts, and they also struggle with gender, sexuality, race, and disability. It’s a painfully familiar scenario that many of us can relate to, LGBTQ+ or not. But don’t let that put you off; Glee is a fun, queer mix full of drama, romance, and musical numbers.
9. Big Mouth
“Big Mouth” is a funny, raunchy animated series that dives into the awkward, chaotic world of adolescence, where human hormones become literal monsters and characters embody the struggles with body image, sexuality, and human emotions. Created by comedian Nick Kroll, the show is frank, funny, and refreshingly honest. But despite being an animated show about middle schoolers, it’s also very adult (loads of sexual and crude humor). Still, “Big Mouth” will bring the laughs while shedding light on the diverse and often embarrassing experiences of growing up, especially when you’re still trying to figure out who (or, in the case of one character, what) you’re attracted to.
10. Queer as Folk
Queer as Folk launched in 1999 as the first all-gay drama on British television. Created by Russell T. Davies, the series broke new ground by unashamedly portraying gay men and focusing on their friendships, relationships, and challenges in Manchester’s gay scene. The original show ran for 10 episodes, but was rebooted in the US a year later, set in Pittsburgh and with a larger cast that also included lesbian couples. The American version is a bit more complex in the characters’ experiences, dealing with issues like artificial insemination, the AIDS crisis, and drug addiction in the LGBTQ+ community. That said, both versions are worth watching, as is the 2022 reboot, currently airing on Peacock.
11. Dead Boy Detectives
So where are all my creepy queers? One of the newest shows on this list, Dead Boy Detectives is about a pair of teen ghosts who team up with a clairvoyant to solve crimes. Like Heartstopper, it’s based on a comic book series and focuses on the budding relationship between the two main characters. The show is like a cross between Sabrina: The Dark Adventures and Supernatural. However, Dead Boy Detectives is actually part of the Sandman universe (now a Netflix show) created by prolific author Neil Gaiman. The show’s over-the-top visuals and paranormal themes are highly entertaining, but the slow-burn queer love story will keep you watching.
