Whether you're trying to beat the summer heat or find ways to avoid the winter weather, chances are you're in need of something new to stream. Standards like Orange is the New Black always have a place in our hearts, but we've put together a new list of shows with LGBTQ+ characters or themes. Some of them are older, some are brand new, but all of them deserve to find their place among other classic LGBTQ+ shows.
Keep scrolling to find your next binge-worthy series.
You've probably heard of this one. Killing Eve was one of the BBC's most-watched series, with 3.5 million viewers and a very devoted fan base on Twitter. Jodie Comer took home an Emmy award in 2019 for her portrayal of Villanelle, an assassin who becomes obsessed with a British intelligence agent who is investigating her. The show, which began in 2016, is well on its way to being a classic in Sapphic shows. There's a little something for everyone - Russian spies, intrigue, government espionage, haute couture, obsession, murder, and locations that range from Paris to Moscow. Come for chemistry between Comer and her costar, Sandra Oh, and stay for riveting performances by Fiona Shaw and Kim Bodkin. Phoebe Waller-Bridge of Fleabag wrote the first season, which has proved to be a fan favorite.
If you like true stories, this one might be for you. Suranne Jones stars in the historical romantic drama as industrialist and landowner, Anne Lister. Lister was a diarist who recounted her lesbian relations, writing them mostly in secret code. Lister's love interest, Ann Walker, is played by Sophie Rundle, who is best known for her stint on Peaky Blinders. Lister and Walker's actual historical homes are featured on the show, and a voiceover provided by Jones allows the audience an inside look at Lister's thoughts. The Guardian, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter all weighed in, praising the acting and writing. The show was cancelled in July of 2022 due to low ratings, but don't let that fool you: Gentleman Jack is an underrated gem in a sea of content.
Where to watch: Seasons 1 and 2 on HBO Max
A British coming-of-age romantic comedy starring Joe Locke and Kit Connor. Charlie Spring, played by Locke, is thoughtful and openly gay, while Nick is a rugby player. Charlie falls for Nick, who slowly begins to reciprocate those feelings. Sweet but never cloying, this show is about love, friendship, mental illness, and being your authentic self. Heartstopper is based on a webcomic and graphic novel by Alice Oseman, who also oversaw the writing and casting of the show. A second season has yet to be announced, but we have our fingers crossed.
Where to watch: Season 1 on Netflix
Hailee Steinfeld brings Emily Dickinson to life in this coming-of-age drama that envisions Dickinson as a queer, Sapphic character. Her rebellious side is emphasized, giving viewers a look at a lively burgeoning poet. It is a refreshing change from the outdated myths of Dickinson being a hermit who ate dandelions and nursed long-standing daddy issues. Here, we find a Dickinson who is ambitious, determined, and confident in her talents. The cast is youthful, but viewers of all ages are sure to be interested in this vibrant take on one of America's great poets.
Where to watch: Seasons 1-3 on Apple TV+
The Owl House stands out for being Disney's first real foray into LGBTQ+ representation: the lead character, Luz Noceda, is unabashedly queer. There is also a non-binary character, Raine Whispers. The story is animated and fantasy based - Luz is a regular girl who becomes trapped in a demonic realm and studies magic under an older witch. The show has a huge, obsessive fanbase who gathers on Twitter after each episode to discuss and share fan art. If you're looking for something fun, whimsical, and still impactful, then tune into The Owl House.
Where to watch: Seasons 1 and 2 on Disney+
If you're a fan of Love, Simon, then this spin-off is made for you. Love, Victor follows Victor, played by Michael Cimino, the new kid at Simon's high school. He's a top student, an athlete, and close to his family. He's also grappling with being gay, which leads him to reach out to Simon on social media, who pops in occasionally to offer advice. Simon has graduated but his presence offers a nostalgic connection to the original series. The show is a modern take on high school classics like The Breakfast Club, offering a mix of comedy, drama, romance, and betrayal. The show as canceled in February of 2022 after 3 seasons, but remains a solid choice for fans of high school romance.
Where to watch: Seasons 1-3 on Hulu
Dead End: Paranormal Park is a masterful blending of comedy horror, and what it means to be a transgender teen. It was originally a graphic novel, Deadlandia, written by Hamish Steele. The animated series follows a trans boy and his chosen family who work at a theme park haunted by a variety of demons. Some of the demons are evil, some are mischievous, and some are simply silly, but all of them keep Barney and his friends on an adventurous path. Barney is rejected by his family for being trans but finds his own family at theme park that consists of playful demons, animals, and his human friends. This strikingly original show premiered in June of 2022 and will hopefully attract the fanbase that it deserves.
Where to watch: Season 1 on Netflix
Pose bagged 10 Emmy nominations and won three of them, which is a testament to the quality of this drama, centered on New York City's 1980s ballroom scene. The show focuses on the LGBTQ+ Black and Latino community that was under siege by the AIDS epidemic, and how they were affected by social stigmas, family rejection, Reagan-era disinformation, and poor medical treatment. But Pose is also about resilience, art, chosen family, and finding joy. The show is ultimately uplifting because the characters survive by creating hope in their art and their interactions. Pose is for fans of docu-fiction, arthouse movies, and city history.
Where to watch: Seasons 1-3 on Hulu
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