The 20 Best LGBTQ+ TV Shows of All Time
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
LGBTQ+ representation in media has come a long way—we know it wasn’t always like this. 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 who came before. If you’re looking to brush up on your queer TV history, this list is a great place to start: Here are 20 of the most beloved LGBTQ+ television shows of all time.
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 1979 spawned multiple sequel series, spinoffs, graphic novels, documentaries, and more. Since its inception, this show has been forward-thinking and raw in its depiction of issues that teenagers face, including issues related to LGBTQ life, coming out, and bullying. Who knew the show that would eventually give us Drake was also an LGBTQ favorite?
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 award-winning Euphoria. It’s not a “LGBTQ show” per se, but a number of the characters are LGBTQ, 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 twenty or even just ten years ago, and realize how far we have come.
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 always been visible. This BBC One period piece is inspired by the true story of Anne Lister, an 1830’s Yorkshire landowner, who kept a diary of over five million words. The show focuses on Lister’s journey to restore a rundown estate that she has inherited, and how she finds (forbidden) love along the way.
Glee (2009-2015)
This Ryan Murphy musical comedy-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, break-ups, 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?
Heartstopper (2022)
Television representation of young LGBT people discovering themselves and falling 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’ mothers instantly solidified her status as a gay icon.
Looking (2014-2015)
This all-too-short lived HBO show offers 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, it delved into real-life issues that aren’t often represented in mainstream media, such as open relationships, the impact of social media and dating apps on LGBTQ relationships, aging in the gay community, and more. Jonathan Groff’s character Patrick was entirely human and relatable, and we found ourselves rooting for him even in the stickiest of situations (like sleeping with the boss).
Modern Family (2009-2020)
The radical thing about this classic ABC ensemble comedy is that whereas many LGBTQ television shows have depicted gay characters in urban landscapes, this one depicted a married gay couple going through the motions of suburban life. They’re adopting and raising children, they’re dealing with difficult in-laws, and they’re trying to find humor in everyday life.
Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019)
This streamer, which is among one of Netflix’s most widely viewed original productions ever, made waves for the way it centered the stories of LGBTQ women of color. Whereas previous LGBTQ-centric shows might include a single lesbian character or two, or perhaps have a lesbian or a single trans person as secondary characters, this show 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 1980’s and 1990’s. Part history, part drama, part over-the-top camp fest, 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, and especially trans women of color. Come for vogueing scenes and the NYC nostalgia, stay for the tear jerking emotional gravitas.
Queer as Folk (2000-2005)
You know how some people will argue that the original UK version of The Office was superior to the American version? It’s a similar situation with Queer As Folk. Yes, the 10-episode UK version was perhaps more of a trailblazer as it came before (1999-2000), but it was the 83-episode, 6-year American version that brought this concept to life: a group of gay men living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania exploring their careers, relationships and personal struggles.
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 f*cking it up.”
Sense8 (2015-2018)
If it’s made by The Wachowskis, who created The Matrix franchise, then 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 alert: 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.
Tales of the City (2019)
Armistead Maurine’s novels by the same name have inspired several adaptations, including a 1993 miniseries, a second and a third installment in 1998 and 2001, as well as a 2019 streaming miniseries on Netflix, which brought all of the past adaptations together. Based on the Armistead Maupine’s novels by the same name, they follow the complex lives of a group of friends living in San Francisco, many of whom are LGBT. This show went beyond just focusing on the day-to-day lives on LGBTQ people, and examined what happens when people reach critical junctions in their lives and decide to make momentous changes.
The Golden Girls (1985-1992)
This may not seem like an overtly “gay show,” but trust us—it just is. While the sitcom has a few LGBTQ characters and plots that saunter in and out of the action, it’s more about the overall campy attitude of these leading ladies. That being said, there are flashes of progressivism if you look closely—including one episode where Rose gets an HIV test after a blood transfusion accident. Something that might seem routine today, but was considered radical television back in 1990.
The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020)
Who knew that a Mike Flanagan horror series would turn out to be one of the best lesbian love stories we’ve ever seen? This unique blend of horror and romance makes a solid case that ghost stories aren’t just about the terrifying spirits that haunt us—they’re about the experiences we carry with ourselves, too.
The L Word (2004-2009, 2019-present)
Has there ever been a more iconic show centered on the lived experiences lesbian, bisexual , and transgender women? Set in Los Angeles, the show followed a cast of women—but especially Jenny Schecter, who deals with the stir and fallout within her social circle after publishing the book “Lez Girls,” a book inspired by the personal lives of her friends.
The Last of Us (2023-present)
OK so this HBO horror-adventure show’s presence on this list is less about the entire production being an LGBTQ classic, and more about one episode specifically: Episode 3, “Long, Long Time.” It depicts a gay couple falling for each other against all odds—at the end of the world, after a zombie apocalypse. It’s one of the most heartwarming and heart wrenching gay relationships ever depicted on television.
Transparent (2014-2019)
What would you do if your family’s patriarch comes out as transgender? This award-winning comedy-drama deals with that precise question. Watching Mort (Jeffrey Tambor) embark on a journey of self-discovery is an emotional rollercoaster, to say the least, and this show provided a frank and honest portrayal of the complexity of transgender life.
Uncoupled (2022-present)
What would you do if your husband of seventeen years suddenly leaves you, and you’re forced to re-enter New York City’s competitive dating pool in your mid-forties? LGBTQ representations often deal with characters in their 20’s and 30’s, but rarely those in middle age—and watching the heartfelt comedy and drama of Neil Patrick Harris’ character makes this show an instant classic.
Will & Grace (1998-2006, 2017-2020)
This show gave us so much—unending laughs, an honest depiction of a gay man and straight woman cohabitating in New York City, the iconic Karen Walker. Beyond its entertainment value, which in its heyday was second to none, this show broke barriers by portraying openly and unapologetically gay characters using humor to defeat stereotypes and foster acceptance.
You Might Also Like
