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The 35 Best LGBTQ+ TV Shows of All Time
From laugh-out-loud comedies to poignant dramas, these shows will stand the test of time
LGBTQ+ representation in media has certainly come a long way. It wasn’t until 1971 that the first gay character appeared on prime-time television, during an episode of All in the Family. Then it wasn’t until 1991 that the first gay kiss aired on TV, during a moment on L.A. Law.
Since, many shows have broken new ground for queer representation, from turn-of-the-century hits like Will & Grace and Queer as Folk to more recent game-changers, like Pose and Heartstopper.But the path toward true representation has been long and complicated, and much of what we see on our screens today is owed to the trailblazers that came before.
If you’re looking to brush up on your queer TV history, this list is a great place to start. Here, 35 of the most beloved LGBTQ+ television shows of all time.
Fellow Travelers (2023)
In this heart-wrenching Showtime miniseries, Jonathan Bailey and Matt Bomer play two Capitol Hill men caught in the horrors of McCarthyism, falling in love despite a political atmosphere that is trying to crucify all its queer members. The show charts their relationship over the next three decades, all the way up to the AIDS crisis, with a beautiful, poignant story that echoes with political issues we’re still seeing to this day. Just be sure to have a box of tissues sitting nearby.
Hacks (2021–present)
In Hacks, viewers follow a veteran comedian named Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), who realizes her career has been stuck in autopilot when she meets a struggling young writer named Ava (Hannah Einbinder), who inspires her with a renewed sense of creativity and drive. Through their relationship, we see the struggle of generations trying to learn from one another and, notably, how Ava’s bisexuality opens Deborah’s eyes to past prejudices.
La Casa de las Flores (The House of Flowers) (2018–2020)
In this Mexican black-comedy series from creator Manolo Caro, a surprise death sends a wealthy family spiraling into chaos, with the children left to take care of the family’s floral shop and secret cabaret. Framed by a modern, satirical spin on the telenovela genre, this groundbreaking show presented its LGBTQ+ characters with depth, digging into themes of racism, homophobia, and transphobia while leading a new frontier of Mexican television.
Heartstopper (2022)
Television shows where young LGBT people discover themselves and fall in love are few and far between—and this one is an absolute joy. This British coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama satisfies that void with an adorable, entirely believable, totally heartwarming story of two schoolboys discovering that their friendship may be something more. Plus, Olivia Colman’s role as one of the boys’ mother instantly solidified her status as a gay icon.
Euphoria (2019–present)
We’ve seen so many “teen dramas” come across our screens over the years, but none have come close to the emotional depth and grittiness of HBO’s award-winning Euphoria. It’s not an “LGBTQ show” per se, but a number of the characters are queer, and plot lines exploring the complexities of their lives are seamlessly woven throughout. It’s amazing to look at this show, compare it to the queer shows of 20 or even just 10 years ago, and realize how far we have come.
Degrassi (1979–present)
It’s hard to wrap your mind around how enormous the Degrassi franchise really is. What began as a teenage soap opera in Canada in 1979 would spawn multiple sequel series, spin-offs, graphic novels, documentaries, and more. Since its inception, this franchise has been forward-thinking and raw in its depiction of challenges teens face, including coming out, bullying, and other issues related to LGBTQ life. Who knew the world that gave us Drake was also a queer favorite?
Gentleman Jack (2019–present)
Many LGBTQ shows are set in the present day, but it’s important to remember that queer people have always existed—even when they haven’t necessarily been visible. This BBC One period piece is inspired by the true story of Anne Lister, an 1830s Yorkshire landowner who kept a diary of over five million words. The show focuses on Lister’s journey to restore a run-down estate she inherited and how she finds (forbidden) love along the way.
Glee (2009–2015)
This Ryan Murphy musical comedy and drama was a genre-busting breakthrough when it came out in 2009, in no small part because of the breadth of LGBTQ experience it portrays. Romances, breakups, bullies, marriage proposals—all set to compelling musical performances. Who among us didn’t shed a happy tear when Blaine sang “Teenage Dream” to Kurt?
Looking (2014–2015)
This all-too-short-lived HBO show offered a Sex and the City–style ensemble cast of millennial gay friends navigating life in San Francisco. It was in turns both funny and poignant, delving into topics that aren’t often depicted in mainstream media, such as open relationships, the impact of social media and dating apps on LGBTQ relationships, and aging in the gay community. Lead character Patrick (Jonathan Groff) was entirely human and relatable, and we found ourselves rooting for him even in the stickiest of situations (like when he was sleeping with his boss).
First Kill (2022)
Have you ever watched Twilight and wished it were more sapphic? Here, we present to you First Kill. Although this show was canceled after just one season, it offered a juicy plot in the vein of teen faves like The Vampire Diaries and Teen Wolf, one that asks what would happen if a vampire and a monster hunter who are supposed to be sworn enemies end up falling in love. Suffice it to say, the results were steamy and action-packed. And for more, check out Victoria Schwab’s short story from which the show was based.
Modern Family (2009–2020)
The radical thing about this classic ABC ensemble comedy was that whereas many LGBTQ television shows have depicted gay characters in urban landscapes, this one depicted a married gay couple tackling suburbia. They were adopting and raising children, they were dealing with difficult in-laws, and they were trying to find humor in everyday life.
Glamorous (2023)
Another show that was canceled too soon, Glamorous can best be described as the queer Devil Wears Prada, as it follows the enthusiastic but often messy Marco (Miss Benny), who lands a job as an assistant for the tough beauty mogul Madolyn Addison (Kim Cattrall). But while it’s a campy watch, Glamorous was most groundbreaking for what happened behind the scenes. During the making of the show, Benny came out as trans, resulting in her character being written to reflect that change. And despite the show’s cancellation, seeing this shown in the season one finale will forever remain a beautiful moment in LGBTQ+ TV history.
Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019)
This series, which is among Netflix’s most widely viewed original productions, made waves for the way it centered the stories of LGBTQ women of color. Whereas previous LGBTQ-centric shows might have included a single lesbian character or two, or perhaps had a lesbian or a single trans person as a secondary character, Orange made the lives and relationships of its LGBTQ cast the main event.
Pose (2018–2021)
So much of the queer community’s liberation movement is owed to the communities of color from New York City’s ballroom scene in the 1980s and ’90s. Part history, part drama, part over-the-top campfest, this critically acclaimed show focuses on the lives of LGBTQ people and especially trans women of color, some of whom lived through the early days of the HIV pandemic. Come for vogueing scenes and the NYC nostalgia; stay for the tearjerking emotional gravitas.
Queer As Folk (2000–2005)
You know how some people will argue that the original U.K. version of The Office was superior to the American version? It’s a similar situation with Queer As Folk. Yes, the 10-episode British version was perhaps more of a trailblazer, as it came before (1999–2000), but it was the 83-episode, six-year American iteration that brought this concept to life: a group of gay men living in Pittsburgh, exploring their careers, relationships, and personal struggles.
Dickinson (2019–2021)
Hailee Steinfeld portrays the legendary Emily Dickinson in this Apple TV+ original, during a period when she finds herself falling in love with her brother’s fiancée, all the while developing the skills that would ultimately make her one of the greatest American poets of all time. Dickinson stands out from other period pieces not only for its rare queer content but also for its use of modern language and cultural references woven into its historical setting.
RuPaul’s Drag Race (2009–present)
You better work. Drag legend RuPaul leads the way on this reality competition show that’s part America’s Next Top Model, part American Idol, and part LGBTQ Super Bowl. This is one of the most popular shows to delve deeper into the mythology and humanity of drag performers, showcasing their complexity and underscoring the value of community—and the value of “not fucking it up.”
Young Royals (2021–2024)
If The Crown is a little too stodgy for your tastes, the fictional Young Royals offers more of a modern take on royal life. This Swedish teen drama focuses on Prince Wilhelm of Sweden, who has only just started at a new boarding school when a tragic family death puts him next in line for the throne. To make matters more complicated, it’s around this time that the prince starts to make revelations about his sexuality as he falls in love with one of his fellow classmates.
The Other Two (2019–2023)
It can be hard living in the shadow of a sibling, especially when that sibling is your baby brother, who has become a Justin Bieber–esque teen phenomenon overnight. In this uproarious comedy from Saturday Night Live writing alums Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider, two struggling 30-somethings—a gay aspiring actor and a former dancer turned agent—must deal with their brother’s fame, all while trying to carve their own place in the world.
Sense8 (2015–2018)
If it’s made by the Wachowskis, who created the Matrix franchise—and who have both transitioned since their breakout hit film—you know it’s going to be visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and perhaps a little out there, but compulsively watchable. This sci-fi drama focused on eight individuals from various backgrounds, all of whom were mentally and emotionally linked. (Spoiler: That connection leads to some pretty wonky sex scenes.) Overall, it was a beautiful depiction of how LGBTQ people of all orientations and identities are ultimately interconnected.
