LGBTQ Plotlines
Shows I have seen with at least one significant established, canonical (non subtextual) queer plotline. Comedy, cartoon, documentary, drama, science fiction, horror, and crime are all genres included in the list. Shows are sorted by the significance of the plotline to the overall show, as well as the cultural impact they made. ***
Shows with at least one queer/trans character that is prominent but they don't quite make it on the list: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, The Office, Penny Dreadful, The Handmaid's Tale, Bojack Horseman, Doctor Who, Master of None, The 100, Jessica Jones, Game of Thrones, Halt and Catch Fire, Humans, What We do in the Shadows.
Shows with at least one queer/trans character that is prominent but they don't quite make it on the list: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, The Office, Penny Dreadful, The Handmaid's Tale, Bojack Horseman, Doctor Who, Master of None, The 100, Jessica Jones, Game of Thrones, Halt and Catch Fire, Humans, What We do in the Shadows.
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- CreatorJenji KohanStarsTaylor SchillingDanielle BrooksTaryn ManningConvicted of a decade-old crime of transporting drug money, ordinarily law-abiding Piper Chapman is sentenced to 18 months behind bars and quickly discovers the realities of life-changing prison time.Drama/Comedy
About half of the main characters are queer women, and that notably includes queer women of color. The lead, Piper, is bisexual. Some relationships are depicted to be problematic, others are heartfelt, and sometimes both. The show is not the first to show explicit sex between women, but it is the first to do so within the genre and to one of the largest audiences in modern dramatic television. Also key is Sophia, played by Laverne Cox, for bringing transgender issues and trans women of color issues into public discourse.
*Netflix* *Seven seasons* *Ended* - CreatorRussell T. DaviesStarsJohn BarrowmanEve MylesKai OwenThe members of the Torchwood Institute, a secret organization founded by the British Crown, fight to protect the Earth from extraterrestrial and supernatural threats.Science Fiction
4 of the 5 main characters fall under the queer umbrella, but only two have a plotline within the show. It gets a spot so high on the list, however, because of the main character, Jack, and the show's general attitude toward sexuality; "You humans and your quaint little boxes." Jack is pansexual, or "omnisexual," as some say, because he is also attracted to aliens, who, more often than not, don't have a concept of gender. His character is revolutionary in terms of normalizing romantic and sexual freedom, especially in a genre that diversifies aliens but not humans.
*BBC* *Netflix Streaming* *Four seasons* *Ended with radio continuations* - CreatorJ. Michael StraczynskiLana WachowskiLilly WachowskiStarsBae DoonaJamie ClaytonTina DesaiA group of people around the world are suddenly linked mentally, and must find a way to survive being hunted by those who see them as a threat to the world's order.Science Fiction
2 of the 8 Sensates (who are the main characters) are queer. One, Nomi, is likely the most commonly featured character--she is trans and lesbian. The other, Lito, is gay, and their identities are as integral to their storylines as the other characters' opposite-sex relationships. The twist that puts Sense8 higher on the list? Due to the nature of the sensates' relationship, their sexualities will eventually put them all on the spectrum of pansexuality.
*Netflix* *Two seasons + special* *Ended* - CreatorCarter CovingtonDana GoodmanJulia Lea WolovStarsRita VolkKatie StevensGregg SulkinAfter numerous attempts of trying to be popular two best friends decide to come out as lesbians, which launches them to instant celebrity status. Seduced by their newfound fame, Karma and Amy decide to keep up their romantic ruse.Comedy/Drama/Romance
The show is unique for depicting an environment where differences are celebrated, rather than shunned or even merely tolerated. 3-4 of the main 5 characters fall under the queer umbrella. The primary plot of the show follows Amy's struggle with her feelings for her longtime best friend, Karma, who could potentially reciprocate the feelings. Shane, another main character, is gay; Amy's step-sister, Lauren, was born intersex. The show's plot portrays many aspects LGBTQ folk can relate to, from coming out, to forcing others or being forced to come out, to developing feelings for a close friend who is unable to feel the same way, to not identifying with a particular orientation.
*MTV* *Three seasons* *Cancelled* - CreatorDominic MitchellStarsLuke NewberryHarriet CainsMarie CritchleyFour years after the Rising, the government starts to rehabilitate the Undead for reentry into society, including teenager Kieren Walker, who returns to his small Lancashire village to face a hostile reception, as well as his own demons.Drama
The main character, Kieren, is pansexual. His sexuality is part of the fabric of the show, not just an added detail. His feelings have consequences in his relationships and the town's view of him. Since the show's theme mainly explores how minorities can be demonized and persecuted, Kieren's (and a couple others') experience is all the more heart-wrenching and powerful. In the context of television, the show is important because most shows in the genre focus on world-building and lose the realism in our own world.
*BBC* *Two seasons* *Cancelled* - StarsIan DanielElliot PageJair BolsonaroElliot Page and Ian Daniel set off on a journey to explore the multiplicity of LGBTQ experiences around the world, getting up close with moving stories of struggle and triumph.Documentary
The actress Ellen Page and friend Ian Daniel, both gay, go around the world to document straight/hegemonic communities' perspectives on LGBT issues and rights, as well as the LGBT communities themselves. Countries include but are not limited to France, Jamaica, India, and the USA.
*VICE/HBO* *Two seasons* *?* - CreatorJoey SolowayStarsJeffrey TamborAmy LandeckerGaby HoffmannAn L.A. family with serious boundary issues have their past and future unravel when a dramatic admission causes everyone's secrets to spill out.Drama/Comedy
Questions not only norms of sexuality but also gender. Most characters are queer, and "figuring things out" in each season in an honest, not over-informed way.
*Amazon* *Four seasons* *Renewed* - CreatorMitsurô KuboSayo YamamotoStarsJun'ichi SuwabeToshiyuki ToyonagaKôki UchiyamaAfter suffering defeat, Yuri Katsuki hangs up his ice skates for good. But will an encounter with two top skaters reignite his passion?Sports/Cartoon
The 23-year-old Japanese figure skater Yuri Katsuki has never been in a relationship, though from afar he's always sort of been in love with his idol, 27-year-old Russian figure skating legend Victor Nikivorof. In addition to the skating competitions throughout the season, the two male skaters fall in love. The anime is high on the list because it strikes new ground between focusing on a realistic, interracial gay relationship and competitive sports.
*Crunchyroll (streaming, subtitles in multiple languages)* *One season* *Movie coming soon* *Renewed* - CreatorBradley BredewegPeter PaigeStarsTeri PoloSherri SaumHayden ByerlyTeenager Callie Jacob is placed in a foster home with a lesbian couple and their blend of biological, adoptive, and foster children.Drama
Stef and Lena Foster are shown to be like any couple with many of the same issues that any parent has. However, the show doesn't write them as though one could be easily swapped for a man. They go through multiple issues (pregnancy/sperm donors, homophobic upbringing/families) that heterosexual couples would not experience in the same way. In addition, one of their adopted children, Jude, is (most probably) gay and struggles with homophobia in school. There are also minor characters who are transgender.
*ABC Family* *Five seasons* *Ended* - CreatorPeter NowalkStarsViola DavisBilly BrownJack FalaheeA group of ambitious law students and their brilliant criminal defense professor become involved in a twisted murder plot that promises to change the course of their lives.Drama
One of the main characters, Connor, is gay, and his relationship with Oliver is one of the main relationships on the show. In the second season, the lead character Annalise is revealed to be bisexual.
*ABC* *Five seasons* *Renewed* - CreatorRebecca SugarStarsZach CallisonDeedee MagnoMichaela DietzA team of intergalactic warriors fights to protect the Earth, but the combination of three highly trained beings and one quirky young boy leaves the team struggling to overcome the dangerous scenarios that are put in front of them.Fantasy/Cartoon
Most of the main characters are Crystal Gems, aliens without the same gendered existence as humans but who are all referred to by she/her/hers pronouns. Thus, all romantic subplot between them is queer, something never done before in children's television. One main character, Garnet, is a "fused" gem composed of two gems who are life partners. The show continually challenges norms about gender and sexuality. Its creator is a bisexual woman.
*Cartoon Network* *Five seasons* *Renewed* - CreatorMichael Dante DiMartinoBryan KonietzkoStarsJanet VarneyP.J. ByrneDavid FaustinoAvatar Korra fights to keep Republic City safe from the evil forces of both the physical and spiritual worlds.Fantasy/Family
The main character Korra develops feelings for her best female friend, particularly in the third and fourth seasons of the show. While this may be considered subtextual, the show's creators have confirmed their intent for Korra to be bisexual.
*Nickelodeon* *Four seasons* *Ended* - CreatorJulie AndemStarsJosefine Frida PettersenIman MeskiniUlrikke FalchThe story of young teenagers and pupils on Hartvig Nissens upper secondary school in Oslo, and their troubles, scandals and everyday life. Each season is told from a different person's point of view.Drama
Season 3 is from the perspective of Isak, a teenage boy figuring out he's gay and experiencing his first love.
*NRK (Norwegian)* *Four seasons* *Other adaptations currently airing* - CreatorPaul AbbottStarsChloë SevignyRoma ChristensenJorden BennieFollows the life of transgender contract killer Mia, who travels to West Yorkshire to seek out her ex girlfriend.Drama
The main character Mia is a trans woman and a contract killer, a combination that isn't just for kicks; her story is represented through her struggle with family, romance, and career.
*Netflix* *One season* *Ended* - CreatorKim CoghillAndrew De AngelisJeff DetskyStarsTatiana MaslanyDylan BruceJordan GavarisA streetwise hustler is pulled into a compelling conspiracy after witnessing the suicide of a girl who looks just like her.Science Fiction/Drama
One of the main characters, Cosima, is bisexual. Her relationship with Delphine begins in season 1, and is woven into a dramatic situation usually for heterosexual romances. Another main character, Felix, is gay, and is written neither as a stereotype or a subverted character to prove a point. Both characters are fleshed-out and dynamic.
*BBC America* *Five seasons* *Ended* - CreatorPaul AbbottJohn WellsStarsEmmy RossumWilliam H. MacyEthan CutkoskyA scrappy, feisty, fiercely loyal Chicago family makes no apologies.Drama/Comedy
One of the main characters, Ian, is gay. The show explores every aspect of this, from his committed relationships and one-time flings to coming out to homophobia and modern lack thereof. Trans issues and polyamory are explored in later seasons.
*Showtime* *Nine seasons* *Renewed* - StarsJosh ThomasThomas WardJohnTwenty something Josh is going through a number of big changes as he navigates his first decade of adulthood. After being dumped by his girlfriend, he comes to the realization that he is gay.Comedy
The show depicts modern LGBTQ life in a refreshingly modern way; the main character Josh isn't the conventional beauty that most most gay characters have a tendency to be, and he isn't ostracized for his sexuality.
*Pivot/ABC* *Four seasons* *Ended* - StarsElise BaumanNatasha NegovanlisAnnie BriggsLittle Laura Hollis has just moved in to attend Silas College. When her missing roommate is replaced without explanation, Laura vows to find out what is happening on campus.Drama
Most or all female characters are queer. Carmilla and Laura's relationship develops over the course of the first season in a dramatic and heartfelt way.
*YouTube* *Three seasons* - CreatorMarta KauffmanHoward J. MorrisStarsJane FondaLily TomlinSam WaterstonFinding out that their husbands are not just work partners, but have also been romantically involved for the last twenty years, two women with an already strained relationship try to cope with the circumstances together.Comedy
Unique in that the two of the four main characters who are queer/gay are in their upper 70s, while most television features unobtainable attractive people in their 30s.
*Netflix* *Five seasons* *Renewed* - CreatorDan GoorMichael SchurStarsAndy SambergStephanie BeatrizTerry CrewsComedy series following the exploits of Det. Jake Peralta and his diverse, lovable colleagues as they police the NYPD's 99th Precinct.Comedy
With two queer main characters of color, B99 definitely deserves a spot on the list. The characters Captain Holt and Detective Rosa Diaz aren't tokenized but develop as complex characters throughout the series, which is hugely significant for workplace comedies preceding it that couldn't quite boast the same representation.
*NBC (formerly FOX)* *Six seasons* *Renewed* - StarsCiara BaxendaleDan CohenJodie ComerSet in the mid-90s at the height of Cool Britannia, a drama based on real diaries takes an honest look at teenage life through the eyes of funny, music-mad RaeDrama/Comedy
One of the six main characters, Archie, is gay, and over the series figures out his sexuality and has to endure the bigotry of the time (late 90s).
*Channel 4* *Three seasons* *Ended* - CreatorJustin SimienStarsLogan BrowningBrandon P BellDeRon HortonAt a predominantly white Ivy League college, a group of black students navigate various forms of racial and other types of discrimination.Comedy/Drama
NEW ADDITION
One of the main characters, Lionel, is gay, and as the show alternates perspectives between characters, the intersection of his race and his sexual orientation is explored. With most shows depicting gay white men as their main queer representation, Dear White People shows the potential of more inclusive media.
*Netflix* *Two seasons* *Renewed* - CreatorLaurie NunnStarsAsa ButterfieldGillian AndersonNcuti GatwaA teenage boy with a sex therapist mother teams up with a high school classmate to set up an underground sex therapy clinic at school.
- CreatorRob McElhenneyGlenn HowertonStarsCharlie DayGlenn HowertonRob McElhenneyFive friends with big egos and small brains are the proprietors of an Irish pub in Philadelphia.Comedy
NEW ADDITION
Iasip makes the cut more for its evolution and format than a substantial representation of sole canonically gay main character, Mac. The creators' ideas of his sexuality have evolved over time, making the show an interesting example of taking subtext and a regressively masculine, insecure character to develop an arc of self-realization that still has yet to fulfill its potential.
*FXX* *Thirteen seasons* *Renewed* - CreatorJennie Snyder UrmanStarsGina RodriguezAndrea NavedoYael GrobglasA young, devout Catholic woman discovers that she was accidentally artificially inseminated.
- CreatorSpike LeeStarsDeWanda WiseAnthony RamosLyriq BentThe story of one woman and her three lovers. TV series based on the film by Spike Lee.Comedy/Drama
NEW ADDITION
The main character Nola Darling is a self-identified polyamorous pansexual, and her sexuality is explored in a refreshingly explicit way in terms of how it interacts with race, mental health, feminism, and more.
*Netflix* *Two seasons* - CreatorJulie AndemStarsGiovanni NiuboAaliyah MuhammadJulie RochaAn American version of the acclaimed and innovative Norwegian youth series Skam, which follows a group of teenagers in their everyday life of school, love and leisure time.
- StarsBrian Jordan AlvarezStephanie KoenigJon EbelingA wondrous story of the complexities of relationships, friendly and romantic that blurs the lines of expected tropes through random comedy and realistic, interconnected interactions.
- StarsVincent FranklinJulie HesmondhalghJames MurrayModern gay life in Manchester.Drama/Comedy
The show follows its leads, two gay men struggling with their relationship, and their world in England.
*Channel 4* *One season* *Ended* - CreatorRussell T. DaviesStarsFisayo AkinadeFreddie FoxVincent FranklinCelebrate love without labels; join eight different couples on their journey of love, heartbreak, sex, and drama.Drama/Comedy
Banana is in conjuction with Cucumber, but delves outside male-male romance, depicting a wider range of stories and intersections of race, class, and sexuality.
*E4* *One season* *Ended* - CreatorRussell T. DaviesStarsOlly AlexanderNathaniel CurtisShaun DooleyThe lives of a group of friends living in 1980s London are irreparably changed by the AIDS crisis.
- CreatorBilal BaigFab FilippoStarsBilal BaigAmanda CordnerGray PowellFollows a gender-fluid millennial who straddles various identities, exposing the identities and labels that are no longer applicable.
- CreatorJohnnie IngramSteve WarrenStarsCaldwell TidicueEureka D. HuggardD.J. 'Shangela' PierceA trio of drag queens descend upon various American towns and cities to inspire and teach their own "drag daughters" to step outside their comfort zone for a night of no-holds-barred full-on drag.
- CreatorHannah Carroll ChapmanBen GannonMichael JenkinsStarsAyesha MadonJames MajoosChloe HaydenA fresh look at Hartley High over 20 years on. With her new friends - outsiders Quinni and Darren - Amerie must repair her reputation, while navigating love, sex, and heartbreak.
- StarsAljosha MuttardiLeni BoltJan-Henrik Scheper-StukeA new Fab Five set out to Germany to help some of the city's people refine their wardrobes, grooming, diet, cultural pursuits, and home decor.
- CreatorDavid CollinsStarsAntoni PorowskiKaramo BrownTan FranceA new Fab Five set out to Atlanta to help some of the city's people refine their wardrobes, grooming, diet, cultural pursuits, and home décor.
- StarsMark LewisMaha AwadYohan NicolasThe uplifting makeover series hits Brazil with a new Fab Five and more courageous journeys of transformation along with lots of tears and laughs.
- CreatorDavid CollinsStarsAntoni PorowskiTan FranceKaramo BrownThe team of Queer Eye take their gorgeous, uplifting make-over skills to the Land of the Rising Sun.