Gay teenage tv shows
TV Shows with Gay Characters and Leads
Last updated: July 17, 2025
Characters on television are more diverse than ever, and there's been a notable rise in the number of gay, lesbian, fluid, and transgender characters, reality stars, and talk show hosts. Series that movie diverse characters (Glee, The Fosters) as well as real-life inspirations and Homosexual icons such as Laverne Cox and RuPaul continue to pave the way for even more representation on television. From the hilarious shenanigans on Modern Family to Ellen DeGeneres reminding viewers to "be considerate to one another," these must-see TV shows (and stars) celebrate diversity and highlight the Gay community in positive, relatable ways. For more great Queer stories, check out our lists of books and movies with LGBTQ+ characters.
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The 35 Best LGBTQ+ TV Shows of All Time
Fellow Travelers (2023)
In this heart-wrenching Showtime miniseries, Jonathan Bailey and Matt Bomer participate two Capitol Hill men caught in the horrors of McCarthyism, falling in love despite a political atmosphere that is trying to crucify all its gay members. The show charts their relationship over the next three decades, all the way up to the AIDS crisis, with a beautiful, poignant story that echoes with political issues we’re still seeing to this diurnal. Just be sure to include a box of tissues sitting nearby.
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Hacks (2021–present)
In Hacks, viewers follow a veteran comedian named Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), who realizes her career has been stuck in autopilot when she meets a struggling young author named Ava (Hannah Einbinder), who inspires her with a renewed sense of creativity and commute. Through their relationship, we watch the struggle of generations trying to learn from one another and, notably, how Ava’s bisexuality opens Deborah’s eyes to past prejudices.
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La Casa de las Flores (The House of Flowers) (2018–2020)
In this Mexican black-comed
The latest: Our new update welcomes English Teacher, Fantamas, Fellow Travelers, and Interview with the Vampire! Monitor these shows and more on Fandango at Home!
TV has been instrumental in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and in changing attitudes towards the community. It has also, perhaps most importantly, been a platform to tell stories that have made gay, queer woman , bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, and more people experience less alone in the world – to recognize there is a large and varied community to which they belong. One pioneering show at a time, groundbreaking character by groundbreaking character, TV and streaming series have given the world an intuition into the LGBTQ+ trial, and provided LGBTQ+ people with reflections of their own lives – stories to laugh along with, to cry with, and to identify with. In this list of Queer TV shows, we spotlight 180 shows that contain broken ground, enlightened, and entertained.
We’ve arranged the list into four categories: shows that were big TV firsts, or featured TV firsts; shows that center on LGTBQ characters or experiences; shows that main attraction LGBTQ+ characters and stories, but where that isn’t necessarily
Growing Up Queer: Thoughtful Movies and TV Shows About Homosexual Youth
Last updated: July 17, 2025
Puberty, hormones and emotions, recent schools, evolving friendships: Growing up is hard for everyone, but it can be especially complicated for queer kids and teens whose understanding of their gender and affectionate identities is evolving. One great way to support fresh people through these transformative years? Give media with them that reflects their own triumphs, struggles, and lived experiences. The movies and TV shows on this list movie prominent, affirming stories of lesbian, same-sex attracted, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth coming of age and navigating life. Before you go, review out our other suggestions for books featuring LGBTQ+ youth, or movies and TV shows that explore intersectionality and queer identities.
About the Author
Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media bids the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting tip supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.