Culture
Small-Screen Pride: 10 New(ish) LGBTQ Shows You Have To See
From apocalyptic dramas to spy thrillers, coming-of-age tales and laugh-out-loud comedies, LGBTQ-friendly TV has never been better
We’re in a new age of representation. Today’s television landscape sees a fresh generation of storytellers placing diverse LGBTQ+ characters in a variety of settings, both in the stories about their experiences and in larger narratives. There’s a lot of great queer-friendly programming out there worth tuning into, but join us as we look at the shows that, in our opinion, you simply have to see.
The Last of Us (2023-)
One of this year’s biggest returning shows is The Last of Us, an apocalyptic drama based on the hit video game series. At the centre of the story is Ellie, a tough and resourceful survivor of a zombie outbreak. Played by non-binary actor Bella Ramsey, Ellie is shown to be gay, having fallen for best friend Riley (Storm Reid) in the episode “Left Behind”. The show’s first season also features the heartbreaking “Long, Long Time”, an award-winning self-contained episode that tells one of the most touching LGBTQ+ love stories in TV history. The Last of Us is a perfect example of how queer identities can exist within a larger narrative, and even enhance it.
Veneno (2020)
This Spanish-language drama tells the true story of Cristina Ortiz Rodríguez, known as “La Veneno”, a transgender icon and TV personality who rose to fame in the 1990s. The show’s unapologetic portrayal of trans identities made it a groundbreaking hit in its native Spain – and eventually around the world – proving as well that gender-diverse identities exist and flourish across cultures and eras.
Euphoria (2019-)
Megastar Zendaya’s teen drama phenomenon has often been described as “generation-defining” – an unusual level of success for a series with an LGBTQ+ relationship at its centre; Zendaya’s character, recovering drug addict Rue, is in an off-off relationship with a transgender woman named Jules (played by trans star Hunter Schafer). The sexualities of various other characters are also explored in a show that demonstrates how a new generation is blurring the lines in terms of who we love and how we represent ourselves.
Mid-Century Modern (2025-)
Pitched as a spiritual successor to ‘80s hit The Golden Girls, Mid-Century Modern tells the story of three older gay men (Matt Bomer, Nathan Lane and Nathan Lee Graham) who move in together following an unexpected death. The light-hearted sitcom gives a voice to older members of the LGBTQ+ community at a time when most queer stories focus on youth. Already a smash hit, the misadventures of this trio may be a fixture on our screens for years to come.
Pose (2018-2021)
The oldest show on this list – but an important series – Pose brings to life the New York ball scene of the 1980s, where gay, trans and gender-diverse communities met to celebrate their identities at a time when they were under more scrutiny than ever, during the peak of the AIDS crisis. Filled with an incredible LGBTQ+ cast, the show does a wonderful job of bringing to life the trials, tribulations and fabulous celebrations of those who lived through such a tumultuous and yet exuberant era.
Baby Reindeer (2024)
Another show that isn’t overtly about LGBTQ+ experiences, but weaves them into the narrative, this autobiographical dramedy sees Richard Gadd depicting a comedian who is stalked by an obsessive woman, played by Jessica Gunning. While it explores the darker side of sexuality, such as grooming and assault, there are also positive portrayals in figures such as Teri (Nava Mau), a trans woman shown to be a successful and independent character who isn’t reliant on the narrative of the male lead.
Our Flag Means Death (2022-23)
Sadly cut short despite amassing a loyal fanbase, this series by Taika Waititi put a new twist on pirate tales. Rhys Darby stars as a wealthy man who gives up his comfortable existence to take up the life of a pirate, despite having no aptitude for it. He’s soon overwhelmed by the dreaded Blackbeard (Waititi) – and, unexpectedly, the pair fall in love. Featuring gay, lesbian and gender-diverse storylines throughout, the hilarious show deserved a longer run, but will become hidden treasure for anyone who seeks it out.
The Wheel of Time (2021-)
A fantasy series based on the books by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, The Wheel of Time tells the story of a magical organisation that takes five young people on a journey to find out which of them is the fabled powerful being known as The Dragon. Many LGBTQ+ themes are woven into the mystical adventure, including a sapphic relationship between lead character Moiraine Damodred (Rosamund Pike) and Siuan Sanche (Sophie Okonedo). Polyamory and bisexuality are also present in this story whose genre doesn’t always allow for a variety of identities.
Black Doves (2024-)
Another genre that often lacks queer representation is the world of spies and international intrigue, but British drama Black Doves makes a refreshing break from that tradition. Ben Whishaw plays Sam, a ruthless assassin sent to protect his old friend Helen (Keira Knightley). Whereas other films and shows in this vein may have used queer sexuality as a dark secret, the fact that Sam is gay is presented as a positive aspect of his character, and we learn about his feelings over relationships old and new. It also never detracts from his presence as a foreboding figure in this exciting thriller.
Heartstopper (2022-)
Coming-of-age stories were historically the preserve of straight characters; anyone outside of that identity was left without a frame of reference. Heartstopper, the Netflix show based on the graphic novel by Alice Oseman, takes steps towards redressing that balance. It follows the story of Charlie Spring (Joe Locke), a gay teenager who falls in love with classmate Nick Nelson (Kit Connor), whom he sits next to in class. Displaying a broader understanding of the spectrum of identity, including asexual character Isaac Henderson (Tobie Donovan), Heartstopper will likely be remembered as a must-see for young people looking to find their experience on screen.
[Image at the top via Getty Images]
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