The 60 Best Netflix Shows With LGBT Characters, Ranked
- Kit Connor, Joe Locke, William Gao
Heartstopper: A heartwarming tale that tugs on your heartstrings, Heartstopper stars Charlie and Nick, two British schoolboys, as they navigate their blooming relationship. This LGBTQ+ show has quickly gained a dedicated following due to its endearing characters, their relatable struggles with mental health and identity, and the blossoming romance at its core. Heartstopper's impact on its audience serves as a testament to the need for authentic and wholesome LGBTQ+ representation in television.
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- Arón Piper, Miguel Bernardeau, Ester Expósito
Élite: Rife with scandal, secrets, and heart-pounding drama, Élite centers on the lives of students at an elite Spanish private school, where the stakes are high and the relationships tumultuous. Among the show's many twists and turns, the entwined storylines of LGBTQ+ characters Omar and Ander take center stage, providing a passionate and multi-layered depiction of queer love and desire.
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- Brian J. Smith, Tuppence Middleton, Jamie Clayton
Sense8: Braiding together an intricate web of diverse storylines, the riveting Sense8 showcases the lives of eight strangers who find themselves mentally and emotionally connected. With powerful LGBT characters like Nomi and Lito in the mix, this show has cemented its place as a trailblazing celebration of LGBTQ+ representation, pushing the boundaries and fostering an intimate connection with its dedicated fanbase.
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- Rita Moreno, Justina Machado, Stephen Tobolowsky
One Day at a Time: Bursting with both laughter and heart, One Day at a Time serves up a fresh spin on the classic sitcom format, with a keen focus on the Alvarez family. Elena, their young lesbian daughter, explores her identity, giving voice to the myriad challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a compelling and accessible way. This show's warmth, wit, and diverse portrayals make it a must-watch for any fan of inclusive, feel-good television.
- Taylor Schilling, Natasha Lyonne, Uzo Aduba
Orange Is the New Black: Bold, unapologetic, and unafraid to push the envelope, Orange Is the New Black delves into the lives of women behind bars, highlighting the interwoven stories of a diverse ensemble cast, including Laverne Cox as the trailblazing transgender character, Sophia. This groundbreaking show has paved the way for more inclusive storytelling, normalizing the presence of LGBTQ+ characters across the television landscape.
- Peyton Kennedy, Jahi Di'Allo Winston, Rio Mangini
Everything Sucks: Set in the nostalgia-tinged world of the '90s, Everything Sucks delves into the lives of high school misfits as they struggle to fit in and find their footing in a turbulent world. At the heart of the story lies a tender budding romance between queer characters Kate and Emaline, as they navigate the choppy waters of teenage self-discovery and the complexities that come with it.
- 7
Schitt's Creek
Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Annie MurphySchitt's Creek: A quintessential fish-out-of-water tale with a dose of outrageous humor, Schitt's Creek chronicles the extravagant Rose family's unexpected fall from grace. Amidst the chaotic hilarity lies the beautiful, genuine love story of David Rose and his partner, Patrick, whose heartwarming relationship serves as a shining example of LGBTQ+ representation done right.
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- Melanie Scrofano, Tim Rozon, Shamier Anderson
Wynonna Earp: An electric fusion of supernatural thrills, rollicking action, and memorable LGBTQ+ characters, Wynonna Earp has summoned a legion of dedicated fans. With the epic romance between Waverly Earp and Sheriff Nicole Haught at its core, this show breaks new ground in the portrayal of queer relationships, capturing their beauty, passion, and resilience in the face of adversity.
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- Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda
The Umbrella Academy: Blending superhero action, family dysfunction, and compelling LGBTQ+ storytelling, The Umbrella Academy delivers an engaging, offbeat narrative like no other. Featuring a queer character in the enigmatic Klaus Hargreeves, the series breaks the mold of the superhero genre by showcasing an authentic exploration of identity and the importance of self-acceptance.
- 10
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
Aimee Carrero, Karen Fukuhara, Amanda MichalkaShe-Ra and the Princesses of Power: Breathing new life into a beloved animated series, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power dazzles with its vibrant world-building and cast of complex, engaging characters. Among these, the budding romance between main character Adora/She-Ra and Catra is a rare and powerful depiction of queer love and growth in an animated television show.
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- Laura Linney, Elliot Page, Paul Gross
Tales of the City: An enduring classic, Tales of the City has continued to captivate audiences across generations with its rich tapestry of characters and its sprawling LGBTQ+ narrative. Set against the backdrop of San Francisco, this enduring saga has left an indelible mark on TV history, giving voice to the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, and offering a beacon of hope, community, and acceptance.
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- Michaela Rodriguez, Billy Porter, Dominique Jackson
Pose: Setting the stage for groundbreaking LGBTQ+ storytelling, Pose weaves a glamorous, heartrending tapestry of the New York ballroom culture during the late '80s and early '90s. Filled with impeccable performances from a predominantly Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ cast, including transgender stars MJ Rodriguez and Dominique Jackson, this show shines a spotlight on the triumphs and tragedies faced by the queer community, making it one that will go down in history.
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- Brianna Hildebrand, Kiana Madeira, Quintessa Swindell
Trinkets: Anchored by a compelling central mystery, Trinkets follows the lives of three teenage kleptomaniacs who form an unlikely alliance. It is in this context that queer character Moe Truax's journey unfolds – navigating her sexuality, personal growth, and attempts to break free from societal expectations – imparting lessons of empowerment to LGBTQ+ viewers along the way.
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- David Corenswet, Patti LuPone, Jake Picking
Hollywood: Drenched in glitz and glamour, Hollywood reinvents history through the lens of an alternate 1940s Tinseltown, where queer characters like Jack Castello, Raymond Ainsley, and Rock Hudson find their place in the limelight. In honoring the resilience of LGBTQ+ trailblazers, this dazzling show carves its place in the pantheon of boundary-pushing storytelling.
- 15
Special
Ryan O'Connell, Jessica Hecht, Punam PatelSpecial: Infused with wit, charm, and vulnerability, Special portrays the story of Ryan, a young gay man with cerebral palsy, as he grapples with his complex, intersecting identities. Inspired by creator Ryan O'Connell's own life, this groundbreaking show turns the spotlight on narratives that have long been sidelined, highlighting experiences beyond the conventional LGBTQ+ tropes.
- Mae Martin, Charlotte Ritchie, Sophie Thompson
Feel Good: Heralding the arrival of a fearless new queer voice in Mae Martin, Feel Good is a deft blend of mirth and poignancy, centering on the stand-up comic's fictionalized relationships and struggles with addiction. This darkly comic series strikes a chord with its raw, honest depiction of queer life, love, and the path to self-acceptance.
- Amanda Arcuri, Jamie Bloch, Chelsea Clark
Degrassi: Next Class: Ushering in a new era of resilience and relevance, Degrassi: Next Class carries the torch for its influential predecessor, tackling complex issues head-on and championing diverse, multi-faceted LGBTQ+ characters such as Miles, Tristan, and Zoe, who embody the spirit of the series' poignant depiction of teenage trials and triumphs.
- 18
Queer Eye
Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Karamo BrownQueer Eye: Injecting heart, soul, and style into every frame, the uplifting Queer Eye reboot rallies its Fab Five, each an LGBTQ+ trailblazer, to transform and inspire individuals while forging open and compassionate conversations about identity, acceptance, and growth. Like a balm for the soul, this show has won legions of admirers for its knack of seamlessly blending self-discovery with unabashed entertainment.
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- Kiernan Shipka, Ross Lynch, Lucy Davis
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: Conjuring a world where witchcraft, romance, and teenage angst seamlessly coexist, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina bewitches viewers with its strong storytelling and plentiful representation, including queer characters such as Theo and Ambrose. The series casts a bewitching spell over its audience, who can't help but fall under its magical charm.
- Ben Platt, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Lange
The Politician: Masterfully navigating the treacherous waters of politics and high school, The Politician paints a satirical portrait of ambition, power, and morality, with the character Payton at the helm of the story. Through the exploration of relationships between characters like Payton, River, and James, the series illuminates the intricate web of queer identity and personal motives that shape contemporary politics.
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- RuPaul, Izzy G., Michael-Leon Wooley
AJ and the Queen: A glittering tribute to the power of friendship and community, AJ and the Queen follows the journey of drag queen Ruby Red, played by RuPaul, and a plucky young stowaway, AJ, as they traverse life on the road. The series provides ample space for LGBTQ+ visibility and heartfelt self-expression, shedding light on the multifaceted triumphs and tribulations of queer lives in a tumultuous world.
- Prachaya Ruangroj, Perawat Sangpotirat
SOTUS: The Series: Radiating charm and sincerity in equal parts, SOTUS: The Series transports viewers to the world of Thai college life through the magnetic love story between lead characters Arthit and Kongpob. As Arthit and Kongpob navigate societal expectations and cultural norms, the show strikes a captivating balance between earnest representation and engaging, culture-driven storytelling.
- Alejandro Speitzer, Carlos Cuevas, Carmen Maura
Someone Has to Die: Set in Franco-era Spain, Someone Has to Die offers a gripping, suspenseful drama centered around family secrets, societal pressures, and the forbidden love between lead characters Gabino and Lázaro. By unraveling its characters' motives and the lengths they're willing to go for love, the series underpins the destructive power of repression and the liberating strength of self-acceptance.
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- Carlos Cuevas, Miki Esparbé, Eduardo Lloveras
Smiley, a delightful Spanish romantic comedy series, brings to life Guillem Clua's captivating play, starring the charming Carlos Cuevas and Miki Esparbé. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Barcelona, this enchanting tale follows bartender Álex and architect Bruno, whose destinies converge thanks to a serendipitous voicemail mix-up, igniting a heartwarming love story between the unlikely pair.
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- Aislinn Derbez, Cecilia Suárez, Paco León
The House of Flowers: Drenched in extravagance and family dysfunction, The House of Flowers zeroes in on the tumultuous lives of the de la Mora family. Woven throughout the show's opulent intrigue are the entwined stories of queer characters like Julián, whose experiences expose the undercurrents that swirl beneath the veneer of high society and the importance of embracing one's authentic self.
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- Martyna Byczkowska, Bartłomiej Deklewa, Jan SałasińskiDuring a summer at the sea, two friends meet an individual who ignites unfamiliar desires.More Absolute Beginners
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- Janet Varney, Jeff Bennett, Dee Bradley Baker
The Legend of Korra: Breathing life into a fantastical animated world, The Legend of Korra builds upon the legacy of its predecessor by delivering rich, engaging narratives and complex characters. Showcasing the development of an LGBTQ+ relationship between Korra and Asami, the series breaks barriers in the world of animation, securing its place as a groundbreaking masterpiece.
- Harit Cheewagaroon, Chonlathorn Kongyingyong, Phumphothingam Nawat
Love Sick: The Series: Venturing into the tender complexities of teenage affection, Love Sick: The Series unravels the stories of young Thai characters Noh and Phun, who tread the delicate tightrope of love and responsibility. With a refreshing commitment to authenticity and emotional resonance, Love Sick tenderly maps the joys and struggles of navigating queer love in a time of immense uncertainty.
- Naomi Watts, Billy Crudup, Sophie Cookson
Gypsy: Tinged with passion and intrigue, Gypsy chronicles the tumultuous double life of psychologist Jean Holloway, whose desires threaten to unravel both her personal and professional worlds. LGBTQ+ characters like Sidney Pierce offer a multi-layered depiction of desire, affording insight into the complexities of queer attraction, love, and obsession, blurring the lines between right and wrong.
- Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen
Grace and Frankie: Bursting with wit and chemistry, Grace and Frankie paints a vibrant picture of friendship and family forged in the unlikeliest of circumstances, following the titular characters who are brought together by the coming-out of their respective husbands. The show deftly explores themes of late-life self-discovery and love, underscoring the notion that it's never too late to forge your own path.
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