10 LGBTQ+ TV Shows to Watch Right Now
With Pride in full swing, we know there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate, from Pride parties, to festivals, to everything in between. But what about something low-key? Maybe you’re hoping to celebrate from the comfort of your couch. If so, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve crafted a list of the best queer television series available to tune into this month—and throughout the year. (Pride isn’t over when July 1 hits, people!)
From Netflix's hit coming-of-age series Heartstopper, to the poignant and hilarious Work in Progress, to the supernatural hit, Interview with the Vampire, there's something for everyone. Whether you want to learn something new about the queer community, find kinship in shared experiences, or simply watch a show with a stellar plot—these ten options are sure to keep you entertained from start to finish. Enjoy!
Heartstopper
Heartstopper is a coming-of-age show based on the comic-book series of the same name. The television adaptation follows two teenage boys, Charlie and Nick, who develop an unlikely friendship. Charlie is a bookish kid, while Nick is a stereotypical jock with a golden heart. Though the social hierarchy in their high school advises against it, the two boys become close friends—and fall in love. Though Heartstopper is a romantic drama with juicy twists and turns, it’s also a heartwarming tale about two individuals discovering themselves amidst societal pressures.—Bria McNeal
Pose
Pose is an Emmy-winning series created by Ryan Murphy. The show takes place in 1980s New York and showcases the rise of ballroom culture among LGBTQ youth. The story opens with Blanca, a dancer who starts a "house" to support queer people who’ve been kicked out of their families. One of her first house guests is Damon, another performer. Together, they recruit more members and compete in balls against Blanca’s former house mother Elektra. Through the lens of dance—and the emerging drag scene—Pose tells a story about self-discovery and the importance of chosen families.—B.M.
Feel Good
Mae Martin stars in Feel Good, a semi-autobiographical show about their life. Feel Good follows Mae’s journey as a recovering addict and budding comedian. The series begins with Mae’s decision to get clean and rid themselves of the romanticism and obsessive behaviors that have stalled their life. But Mae’s plan to focus on self-growth is thwarted when they meet and fall in love with George. Through its ups and downs, Feel Good explores gender, sexuality, and the ever-evolving process of growing up.—B.M.
Work in Progress
Work in Progress follows Abby (played by comedian Abby McEnany), a gay woman battling depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. After accidentally killing their therapist, Abby meets Chris, a trans man who pulls her out of her shell. As they grow closer, Abby unpacks the roadblocks holding her back from enjoying life to its fullest. Work in Progress is a comedic ode to self-actualization. The characters are colorful and diverse, making for a well-rounded story that nearly anyone can relate to.—B.M.
She's Gotta Have It
She’s Gotta Have It is a reboot of Spike Lee’s classic 1986 rom-com. The television adaptation gives the story a fresh retelling, with Tracy Camilla Johns staring as Nola Darling, a woman who can’t decide who she wants to date. Naturally, she decides to pursue multiple people at once. At first, Nola chooses three different men, but her worldview changes when she meets Opal Gilstrap—a single mother who helps Nola grow into her best self.—B.M.
Interview With the Vampire
This AMC series took Anne Rice’s classic book about two intertwined vampires and turned it into an explosive, high-stakes love story. Lestat de Lioncourt, a villainous yet painfully lonely vampire, meets the hotheaded and aimless human, Louis de Pointe du Lac ,in early twentieth-century New Orleans. The two fall in love, enter eternal damnation together, and even raise a vampire child. If you like your queer love with drama, literal life-and-death stakes, and lots of romance, this is a must-watch. We can hardly wait for the second season.—Sirena He
XO, Kitty
XO, Kitty is a spin-off to the hugely popular Netflix movie, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. This brand-new show follows Kitty Song Covey, the younger sister of Lara Jean. Kitty goes on her own journey of self-discovery—and has her first experiences with love and heartbreak. With a cast of young queer characters, and Kitty herself coming to terms with discovering her sexuality, the show is a fun and addictive romantic comedy.—S.H.
Broad City
In Broad City, Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson cracked us up as ditzy, but endearing best friends. The two New York City gals took many trips to Bed, Bath, and Beyond, lived by the four R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rihanna, and even did some adult stuff, like their taxes! Throughout the series, Ilana often expresses her not-so-platonic love for her dear friend, Abbi, and even has a relationship with a girl who looks just like her, portrayed by Alia Shawkat. These two fun-loving pals may get into a lot of trouble, but they always have each other’s backs.—S.H.
Ugly Betty
The iconic four-season dramedy, Ugly Betty, was adapted from the Colombian telenovela, Yo Soy Betty La Fea. The American rendition gave the show some modern twists, focusing on Betty’s career ambitions at the stylish Mode magazine—and her self-actualization while facing a new environment on her own. Silvio Horta, who produced and wrote the show, is an openly gay, first-generation Cuban-American. Ugly Betty featured many beloved LGTBQ characters and a trans female main character, Alexis Meade, exploring each of their journeys in hilarious and heartwarming ways.—S.H.
What We Do in the Shadows
We’re so glad that Jermaine Clement, of Flight of the Conchords fame, decided to turn the What We Do In The Shadows original film into a full-blown series. The show follows the misadventures of a group of vampires who live on Staten Island. They’re the definition of a chosen family, with Lazlo and Nadja—who have been husband and wife for over hundreds of years. (They're also pansexual—and open to exploring as much as supernaturally possible.) There's Nandoor, the oldest vampire of the bunch, who is desperate for companionship—and his familiar, Guillermo, who may be human but is just as complex a character as his masters. In the most recent season, Guillermo had a touching coming-out story that resonated with many viewers. With Season Five premiering next month, we can’t wait to see how these beloved characters grow.—S.H.
From: Esquire US
