50 Best LGBTQIA+ Shows on Netflix, from ‘Special’ to ‘Queer Eye’
Shows like Heartstopper, Sex Education and Feel Good have been generating plenty of buzz on our social feeds—and for good reason. Not only do they boast lovable characters and great storylines, but they also show positive representations of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Still, these major titles aren’t the only ones that deserve your attention. There are also quite a few classic, under-the-radar LGBTQIA+ shows on Netflix that are just as good, from sitcoms that feature compelling queer characters (hello, One Day at a Time) to genre-bending titles with diverse casts.
Keep reading for the best LGBTQIA+ shows to watch on Netflix during Pride Month and beyond.
RELATED: The 18 Best LGBTQ Shows You Can Watch Right Now
1. ‘Sex Education’
Who’s in it? Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey
Number of seasons: 3
In this heartwarming adaptation of Alice Oseman's webcomic, two good friends discover that there might be something more to their relationship. PureWow editor Joel Calfee said in his review, “While Heartstopper highlights the struggles of discovering yourself and dealing with bullies, it does not get bogged down in sadness…It's invigorating to see a world where trans and queer teens are warmly accepted for who they are.”
2. ‘Heartstopper’
Who’s in it? Kit Connor, Joe Locke, William Gao, Yasmin Finney
Number of seasons: 1
In this heartwarming adaptation of Alice Oseman's webcomic, two good friends discover that there might be something more to their relationship. PureWow editor Joel Calfee said in his review, “While Heartstopper highlights the struggles of discovering yourself and dealing with bullies, it does not get bogged down in sadness…It's invigorating to see a world where trans and queer teens are warmly accepted for who they are.”
3. ‘First Kill’
Who’s in it? Sarah Catherine Hook, Imani Lewis, Elizabeth Mitchell
Number of seasons: 1
We’ve seen plenty of stories about humans falling for vampires, but what if a vampire falls for a vampire hunter? In First Kill, a shy teen named Juliette meets and falls for the new girl, Calliope—who also happens to be a monster hunter. What could possibly go wrong?
4. ‘Schitt’s Creek’
Who’s in it? Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Daniel Levy
Number of seasons: 6
The Emmy-winning comedy revolves around a formerly wealthy family who settles down in a small town called Schitt’s Creek after losing their fortune. It’s impossible to resist the witty one-liners and fabulous costumes, but at the core of this feel-good series is David, the sassy and outspoken son who is unapologetically queer.
5. ‘Special’
Who’s in it? Ryan O'Connell, Jessica Hecht, Punam Patel
Number of seasons: 2
Based on Ryan O'Connell's memoir, I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves, this series follows a 20-something gay man with cerebral palsy as he establishes independence and navigates the dating world. It’s genuinely funny and so well written. Plus, you’ll fly through each 15-minute episode in the blink of an eye.
6. ‘Queer Eye’
Who’s in it? Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Karamo Brown, Bobby Berk, Jonathan Van Ness
Number of seasons: 6
Allow us to introduce the Fab Five, a team of gay experts who team up to give one lucky “hero” the fashion and lifestyle makeover of their dreams. The reality series, which is already in its seventh season, boasts nine Emmys and even spawned a spin-off, Queer Eye: Germany.
7. ‘Feel Good’
Who’s in it? Mae Martin, Charlotte Ritchie, Lisa Kudrow, Adrian Lukis
Number of seasons: 2
Feel Good follows a comedian named Mae as she pursues a romantic relationship with a closeted gay woman and tries to recover from drug addiction. It's not all charm and sunshine (as the title suggests), but it tackles real-life issues that are sure to resonate with any viewer.
8. ‘Dear White People’
Who’s in it? Logan Browning, Brandon P. Bell, DeRon Horton, Antoinette Robertson
Number of seasons: 4
Inspired by Justin Simien’s movie of the same name, Dear White People follows a group of Black college students who attend a predominantly white Ivy League school. The series explores the complexity of racism by touching on issues like police brutality, but it also breaks barriers with its portrayal of the Black LGBTQIA+ community.
9. ‘Kissing Game’
Who’s in it? Caio Horowicz, Denise Fraga, Esther Tinman
Number of seasons: 1
This edgy Brazilian thriller revolves around a group of small town teens threatened by the outbreak of a contagious virus that’s spread by kissing. Expects a fair amount of gay storylines and steamy makeout scenes.
10. ‘Orange Is the New Black’
Who’s in it? Taylor Schilling, Laura Prepon, Michael Harney, Michelle Hurst
Number of seasons: 7
There are so many things that OITNB got right, like the way it balances humor with heavy topics like police brutality, mass incarceration and white privilege. But it also breaks the mold when it comes to queer and trans representation, thanks to characters like Piper, Alex and Sophia.
11. ‘Young Royals’
Who’s in it? Edvin Ryding, Omar Rudberg, Malte Gårdinger, Frida Argento
Number of seasons: 1
The Swedish drama follows Prince Wilhelm, a teenager who’s sent to an elite boarding school after getting involved in a scandal. He isn’t too thrilled about this change at first. That is, until he embraces his newfound freedom and meets a charming boy. Will he ultimately give up his royal duties for love?
12. ‘I Am Not Okay With This’
Who’s in it? Sophia Lillis, Wyatt Oleff, Sofia Bryant, Kathleen Rose
Number of seasons: 1
This coming-of-age tale focuses on 17-year-old Sydney, who discovers that she has telekinetic powers. Aside from coping with a traumatic family event, Sydney is also harboring a major crush on her best friend, Dina, who happens to have a jock boyfriend that Sydney really dislikes.
13. ‘One Day at a Time’
Who’s in it? Justina Machado, Todd Grinnell, Isabella Gomez, Marcel Ruiz
Number of seasons: 3
This reboot of the 1975 sitcom follows the Alvarez family, who are Cuban American. When one daughter realizes that she’s gay, she must break the news to her family.
14. ‘New Heights’
Who’s in it? Julian Koechlin, Rachel Braunschweig, Sophie Hutter
Number of seasons: 1
The Swiss series (AKA Neumatt) follows a successful gay consultant who ditches his family farm to work in Zurich. But when his father commits suicide, he’s forced to put his life on hold and return home to save the family business.
15. ‘The 100’
Who’s in it? Eliza Taylor, Paige Turco, Thomas McDonell, Eli Goree
Number of seasons: 7
Imagine being a teenager in a post-apocalyptic world, where no one feels pressured to explain their sexuality or label themselves, regardless of who they’re attracted to. That’s essentially what happens in The 100, which follows a group of juvenile delinquents who are sent back to Earth almost a century after a nuclear apocalypse occurs.
16. ‘Cable Girls’
Who’s in it? Blanca Suárez, Maggie Civantos, Nadia de Santiago
Number of seasons: 5
Set in 1920s Spain, this soapy drama follows a group of Spanish women who bond as they work together at a telecommunications company. But one of the central storylines involves the blossoming romance between Sara and Carlota.
17. ‘Hollywood’
Who’s in it? David Corenswet, Darren Criss, Laura Harrier, Joe Mantello
Number of seasons: 1
Set during the aftermath of World War II, in Hollywood’s Golden Age, the seven-part series follows a group of aspiring actors and filmmakers as they strive to get their big break. The series does a deep dive into how homophobia, racism and unfair power dynamics affected the film industry.
18. ‘Elite’
Who’s in it? María Pedraza, Itzan Escamilla, Miguel Bernardeau, Miguel Herrán
Number of seasons: 5
Drama ensues when three working-class teens enroll at an elite boarding school in Spain. Things take an even darker turn when one wealthy student is murdered. Expect compelling queer storylines (hey, Omander) and plenty of mystery. PureWow editor Chelsea Candelario wrote, “The show's blame game gave me major Gossip Girl, How to Get Away with Murder or Pretty Little Liars vibes.”
19. ‘What/If’
Who’s in it? Renee Zellweger, Jane Levy, Blake Jenner, Daniella Pineda, Keith Powers
Number of seasons: 1
Think Indecent Proposal, but with a twist. In the series, Zellweger stars as a selfish businesswoman who offers a rather strange proposal to a desperate young scientist. Meanwhile, the scientist’s gay brother and his partner venture towards a serious romantic relationship.
20. ‘Gypsy’
Who’s in it? Naomi Watts, Billy Crudup, Sophie Cookson, Lucy Boynton
Number of seasons: 1
In this remixed version of The Shrink Next Door, Naomi Watts is Jean Holloway, a clinical psychologist who secretly infiltrates her patients' private lives and develops relationships with the people closest to them. Yep, not creepy at all.
21. ‘Tiny Pretty Things’
Who’s in it? Brennan Clost, Barton Cowperthwaite, Bayardo DeMurguia, Damon J. Gillespie, Kylie Jefferson
Number of seasons: 1
Based on the namesake book by Dhonielle Clayton and Sona Charaipotra, Tiny Pretty Things follows three ambitious dancers at an elite ballet school, who will stop at nothing to be the best. Among those dancers is the talented Shane McRae, an openly gay student who is secretly sleeping with his roommate.
22. ‘Atypical’
Who’s in it? Jennifer Jason Leigh, Keir Gilchrist, Brigette Lundy-Paine
Number of seasons: 4
While the series focuses on 18-year-old Sam, who’s on the autism spectrum, Casey and Izzie (and their nuanced friendship-turned-romance) often steal the show. The duo left such an impression that nearly 74,000 fans signed a petition on Change.org for Netflix to do a Cazzie spin-off.
23. ‘Bonding’
Who’s in it? Zoe Levin, Brendan Scannell, Micah Stock, Matthew Wilkas
Number of seasons: 2
Zoe Levin is Tiff Chester, a New York grad student who works as a dominatrix by night, with the assistance of her gay best friend and aspiring comedian, Pete. As Tiff tries to juggle school with her job and personal life, Pete starts to come out of his shell as he continues to work alongside Tiff.
24. ‘Trinkets’
Who’s in it? Brianna Hildebrand, Kiana Madeira, Quintessa Swindell, Brandon Butler
Number of seasons: 2
Trinkets tells the story of three girls who form an unlikely friendship after they meet at a Shoplifters Anonymous meeting. Hildebrand simply shines as the adorably awkward gay teen, Elodie. Perhaps the biggest plus is that Elodie’s sexuality isn’t central to her storyline, as is the case with so many queer stories.
25. ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’
Who’s in it? Kiernan Shipka, Ross Lynch, Lucy Davis, Miranda Otto
Number of seasons: 4
Sabrina the Teenage Witch got a dark and sinister twist in this Netflix reboot, which follows the young witch as she tries to balance her abilities with school and life. And of course, there’s no shortage of complex queer characters, including Susie (formerly Theo), Ambrose and Luke.
26. ‘Eastsiders’
Who’s in it? Van Hansis, Kit Williamson, John Halbach, Constance Wu, Matthew McKelligon
Number of seasons: 4
When Cal learns that Thom has been cheating on him with another guy, he decides to not break things off in an attempt to make the relationship work. But things get even messier when Cal cheats on his partner with the same guy. Willam Belli delivers an epic performance as the aspiring drag queen Douglas/Gomorrah Ray, a role that earned him a historic Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor.
27. ‘Grace and Frankie’
Who’s in it? Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen, Sam Waterson, Brooklyn Decker
Number of seasons: 7
It’s worth noting that most of this list features younger people in the LGBTQ community, so it’s quite refreshing to see another age group getting represented. In Grace and Frankie, two middle-aged women form an unlikely friendship when their husbands leave them for each other.
28. ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’
Who’s in it? Victoria Pedretti, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, T’Nia Miller, Amelia Eve, Rahul Kohli, Tahirah Sharif, Amelie Bea Smith
Number of seasons: 1
To escape her dark past, Dani Clayton takes a job as an au pair for two children who live in Bly Manor. But it’s only a matter of time before she realizes that their home is haunted. Still, at the center of this chilling tale is Dani’s romance with Jamie, the groundskeeper who helps her heal from her past.
29. ‘Q-Force’
Who’s in it? Sean Hayes, Wanda Sykes, Patti Harrison, Matt Rogers, David Harbour, Laurie Metcalf
Number of seasons: 1
Q-Force, which is written and animated by queer people, tells the story of an unlikely group of LGBTQ misfits who work together as super-spies after their leader gets fired for coming out as gay. Though it’s gotten mixed reviews from critics, the show boasts a talented ensemble cast, and the storylines are quite entertaining.
30. ‘Ratched’
Who’s in it? Sarah Paulson, Finn Wittrock, Cynthia Nixon, Jon Jon Briones
Number of seasons: 1
Paulson shines as the titular character in this thriller series, which follows the villainous nurse’s origin story as she wreaks havoc at a psychiatric hospital. However, her humanity is most visible when it comes to her queerness—or more specifically, her growing feelings for Gwendolyn.
31. ‘Someone Has to Die’
Who’s in it? Carmen Maura, Cecilia Suárez, Ernesto Alterio, Alejandro Speitzer, Isaac Hernández
Number of seasons: 1
An ultra-conservative family in 1950s Mexico is stunned to find that their only son, Gabino, has returned after ten years with a male ballet dancer on his arm. Watch for the insightful social commentary and stunning performances.
32. ‘Tales of the City’
Who’s in it? Laura Linney, Elliot Page, Paul Gross, Murray Bartlett
Number of seasons: 1
This is one show that portrays the LGBTQ experience in a raw and honest way, while also being inclusive of gender fluid and BIPOC actors. The series follows Mary Ann, who returns home to San Francisco more than two decades after she left to focus on her career. Expect plenty of queer storylines and rainbow flag sightings.
33. ‘Shameless’
Who’s in it? William H. Macy, Emmy Rossum, Justin Chatwin, Ethan Cutkosky
Number of seasons: 11
With an absent mom, a neglectful, drunk father and five younger siblings to care for, Fiona Gallagher has her hands full. But one standout family member is her brother, Ian, whose journey from closeted gay man to openly queer still resonates with fans to this day.
34. ‘Wynonna Earp’
Who’s in it? Melanie Scrofano, Shamier Anderson, Tim Rozon, Dominique Provost-Chalkley,
Number of seasons: 4
The supernatural Western horror follows Wynonna, the great-great-granddaughter of famous lawman Wyatt Earp, as she returns to her hometown to battle reincarnations of the outlaws that Wyatt killed. Senior Editor Sarah Stiefvater noted that the relationship between Wynonna’s little sister, Waverly, and the town’s new police officer, Nicole, is a major highlight because it “doesn’t rely on traditional tropes about queer couples.”
35. ‘Sense8’
Who’s in it? Aml Ameen, Jamie Clayton, Doona Bae, Tina Desai, Tuppence Middleton
Number of seasons: 2
Can you imagine being able to share intimate thoughts and emotions with seven total strangers? That’s essentially the gist of this steamy sci-fi drama, which tackles sexuality, gender, racism and identity.
36. ‘How to Get Away With Murder’
Who’s in it? Viola Davis, Alfred Enoch, Jack Falahee, Aja Naomi King, Matt McGorry
Number of seasons: 6
Arguably one of Davis’s best roles to date, the series follows law professor Annalise Keating, who gets involved in a messy murder plot with five of her prized students. While Annalise is bisexual, it also explores the relationship between Connor and Oliver. Given their effortless chemistry and countless make-ups, it’s easy to see why they’re a fan favorite.
37. ‘Halston’
Who’s in it? Ewan McGregor, Rory Culkin, Sullivan Jones, Rebecca Davan,, David Pittu, Krysta Rodriguez
Number of seasons: 1
From the genius mind of Ryan Murphy comes this biographical miniseries, which details the life and career of legendary gay designer Roy Halston Frowick during the ’70s and ’80s. McGregor delivers a show-stopping performance, which earned him an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series.
38. ‘Grand Army’
Who’s in it? Odessa A’zion, Odley Jean, Amir Bageria, Maliq Johnson, Amalia Yoo
Number of seasons: 1
Don't sleep on this underrated gem. The teen drama follows a group of students as they deal with issues like racism, bullying and sexual identity at Grand Army High School in Brooklyn. Expect a few queer storylines and plenty of memorable characters.
39. ‘Daybreak’
Who’s in it? Colin Ford, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Sophie Simnett, Austin Crute
Number of seasons: 1
In post-apocalyptic Glendale, 17-year-old Josh Wheeler only has one goal in mind: to find his missing girlfriend. As he faces threats and fights off enemies, he enlists the help of a 10-year-old pyromaniac and his former bully, Wesley—a beginner samurai who is also gay.
40. ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’
Who’s in it? Rachel Bloom, Vincent Rodriguez III, Donna Lynne Champlin, Pete Gardner, Vella Lovell
Number of seasons: 4
Meet Rebecca Bunch, a brilliant lawyer who decides to leave her job in New York to win back her ex-boyfriend, who’s headed to California. Meanwhile, Rebecca’s emotional boss, Darryl, comes out as bisexual and starts dating a friend of Rebecca’s ex, and…well, we won’t spoil it for you.
41. ‘Crashing’
Who’s in it? Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Jonathan Bailey, Julie Dray, Louise Ford, Damien Molony
Number of seasons: 1
Think of it as a remixed version of Friends, but with better representation. The British series follows a group of six people in their 20s who live in a disused hospital as property guardians. Among the six is Sam, who has a sex addiction, and Fred, an awkward queer man, who develop feelings for one another and start a romantic relationship.
42. ‘Black Lightning’
Who’s in it? Cress Williams, China Anne McClain, Nafessa Williams, Christine Adams
Number of seasons: 4
You might have noticed the increase in queer heroes, but one of our favorites is the fearless Anissa Pierce, better known as Thunder. Played by Nafessa Williams, who made history as the first queer Black superhero on television, Anissa juggles her duties as an activist, part-time teacher, medical student and superhero—all while maintaining a serious relationship with her girlfriend, Grace.
43. ‘AJ and the Queen’
Who’s in it? RuPaul, Izzy G., Michael-Leon Wooley, Josh Segarra
Number of seasons: 1
RuPaul stars in this short-lived comedy drama as Ruby Red, a drag queen who travels across the country in a rundown RV to perform shows at clubs. And at her side is her unlikely sidekick, AJ, a tough-skinned 10-year-old orphan.
44. ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
Who’s in it? Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Katherine Heigl, Sara Ramirez
Number of seasons: 17
No offense to Meredith and Derek, but Callie and Arizona (AKA Calzona) will always be the golden couple on Grey’s. Throughout the series, they experience many ups and downs but always make huge sacrifices to keep their relationship afloat.
45. ‘Degrassi: Next Class’
Who’s in it? Amir Bageria, Soma Bhatia, Jamie Bloch
Number of seasons: 4
Even if you’re unfamiliar with the original series, you’ll take a liking to the students at Degrassi Community School. The show follows a diverse group of teens as they navigate school and deal with things like religion, racism, gender identity and sexuality.
46. ‘Call My Agent!’
Who’s in it? Camille Cottin, Thibault de Montalembert, Grégory Montel
Number of seasons: 4
Think Emily in Paris, but better. This French comedy drama follows the personal and professional lives of people who work at a talent agency in Paris, France. When the agency's founder suddenly passes away, they all struggle to keep it afloat while dealing with their private issues.
47. ‘Riverdale’
Who’s in it? KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart, Camila Mendes, Cole Sprouse
Number of seasons: 6
Inspired by characters from the Archie Comics, the show revolves around a group of teens who discover that there’s more to their charming small town than meets the eye. But one major storyline that excited fans is Cheryl Blossom’s romance with Toni Topaz (or shall we say #Choni?). Fans will recall that it was Toni who pulled Cheryl out of gay conversion therapy and encouraged her to accept her bisexuality. It’s no wonder so many fans ship these two.
48. ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’
Who’s in it? Ellie Kemper, Tituss Burgess, Carol Kane, Jane Krakowski
Number of seasons: 4
Kimmy Schmidt is everyone’s favorite bubbly new girl. But let’s face it…her new BFF, Tituss Andromedon, is the character that really makes this show shine. Though self-obsessed and unapologetically flamboyant, Titus delivers the best one-liners and carries himself with all the confidence.
49. ‘Coming Out Colton’
Who’s in it? Colton Underwood, Donna Underwood, Gus Kenworthy
Number of seasons: 1
The reality series follows Bachelor star and former pro football player Colton Underwood as he comes to terms with his sexuality and learns more about the LGBTQ community. The series also touches on his career journey and features interviews with NFL personalities, including Michael Sam and David Kopay.
50. ‘Unauthorized Living’
Who’s in it? José Coronado, Álex González, Claudia Traisac
Number of seasons: 2
Unauthorized Living follows Nemo Bandeira, a drug lord who gets diagnosed with Alzheimer's and tries to determine who his successor will be—all while keeping his illness a secret. Àlex Monner portrays his gay son, Carlos Bandeira, who can come off as a bit stereotypical at times. Still, his queerness doesn’t make him a victim.
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