The Top 10 LGBT+ TV Shows You Need To Watch
With a brand new year comes the need for a new TV show watchlist, right?
It used to be pretty hard to find some LGBT+ representation on our screens with only the token gay character cropping up.
Now, the community is being represented more within television, which we love to see.
If you’re wondering which LGBT+ TV shows to watch, we’ve put together this diverse range of suggestions.
Whilst it’s always good to find some new shows to watch, it’s even more important during February as this month is LGBT+ History Month, an annual celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans, and non-binary history.
You’ll find a binge-worthy watch within our guide…
1. It’s a Sin
If you’re wanting to be truly educated on LGBT+ history, we’d suggesting watching It’s a Sin.
This miniseries written by Russell T Davies is set in London between 1981 and 1991.
It follows a group of gay men and their friend group as they navigate through life amongst the HIV/AIDS crisis within the UK.
We’re not saying it’s the most cheery of watches, but it’s so important to understand the challenges that those within the community have faced.
Featuring Years & Years singer Olly Alexander as well as a talented main cast of Omari Douglas, Callum Scott Howells, Lydia West, and Nathaniel Curtis, this TV show is an impeccable watch.
Head over to Channel 4 to give it a watch, and be sure to check out the trailer below.
2. Heartstopper
Heartstopper is an absolute favourite of ours when it comes to LGBT+ TV shows.
It’s just so wholesome in its clever portrayal of young love.
Released in April 2022, this British coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama TV series follows two teenagers Charlie and Nick as they both study at the same school and discover their friendship might be something more.
Based on the graphic novels by Alice Oseman, this coming of age series is a beautiful watch.
Lucky for all you fans, season two of the Netflix series is currently in production so you can expect to see it back on your screens in the near future – yay!
If you somehow haven’t binged watched this one yet, watch the trailer below and go to Netflix to get streaming.
3. Young Royals
Another Netflix favourite, Young Royals is a must-watch if you’re one for teen drama romances.
Released back in 2021, the plot of this LGBT+ TV show follows Prince Wilhelm of Sweden, who finds himself stuck adjusting to life at a prestigious boarding school, Hillerska.
Without giving too much away, the young prince’s royal status is at odds with who he really wants to be, on top of this he’s also trying to navigate his sexuality as he falls in love with one of his classmates, Simon.
If you’re after something easy watching, there’s only six episodes for season 1 and season 2.
Watch the trailer below and stream both seasons on Netflix!
4. Euphoria
If you haven’t heard of Euphoria then you must’ve been living under a rock for the past 4 years, it’s been all the talk since it was released back in 2019.
The HBO TV Show follows 17-year-old Rue, a drug addict and group of high school students as they navigate love and friendships in a world of drugs, sex, trauma and social media.
Written by Sam Levinson, the show features a diverse cast with the likes of Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Hunter Schafer, Alexa Demie, and Jacob Elordi amongst many more big names.
The TV show has been one of the most loved of the past couple of years as well as being praised as being one of the most groundbreaking LGBT+ TV shows.
Whilst we do recommend watching, we’d prepare yourself as the series does focus on a lot of sensitive topics, and take you through a whirlwind of emotions.
You can check out the trailer for season 1 of Euphoria below.
5. The White Lotus
The White Lotus isn’t specifically an LGBT+ TV show, but it has plenty of queer representation and it’s a series that people won’t shut up about, so it’s gotta be featured!
This outstanding comedy series debuted back in 2021, and if you’re yet to check it out, you’re missing out big time.
The award winning series follows an all-star cast of guests and employees of the fictional White Lotus resort chain whose stay is affected by their various psychosocial dysfunctions.
You can stream The White Lotus on Now TV, go on them, give it a watch and see if it’s worthwhile.
6. Queer Eye
Queer Eye is one of those TV shows you won’t be able to get enough of once you start watching, it’s unreal.
Premiering back in 2018, the show is now on its sixth season so if you’ve never watched it before, you’ve got plenty of streaming to keep yourself busy.
The award-winning American reality TV series is known for its amazing representation of the LGBT+ community – we LOVE it.
The Netflix reboot came to our screens more than a decade after the original show was axed.
It follows a team of gay professionals (the “Fab 5”) as they give lifestyle and fashion makeovers to guests.
Trust us, this show will make you laugh and bring out all the feels.
Get watching on Netflix now!
7. Sex Education
Netflix’s British comedy-drama series Sex Education is such a great watch, and we’d be surprised if you haven’t given this hit programme a try yet.
The TV show was first released way back in 2019 and its fourth season is currently underway – we cannot wait!
Receiving overwhelming critical acclaim, the plot of the show focuses on socially awkward high school student Otis, who doesn’t have much experience in the sexual department.
Although, he gets some advice from his mum Jean, who is a sex therapist.
The Netflix show is one of the most progressive shows at the minute, with many LGBT+ characters and queer stories.
In a world lacking LGBT+ representation, Sex Education is an amazing watch.
You’ll get gripped from the moment you put it on!
8. Gentleman Jack
Next within our guide of LGBT+ TV shows you need to watch is Gentleman Jack.
Released in 2019, the historical drama tells the story of Anne Lister and Ann Walker, a couple set up home together at Shibden Hall as wife and wife in 1834 Yorkshire.
Despite not being accepted at the time as a lesbian couple, the two combine their estates and become a power duo.
All episodes of Gentleman Jack are available to watch on BBC Iplayer for UK viewers.
Unfortunately, the TV series is not being renewed for a second season – sad times indeed.
It’s still worth watching for the first season though.
Get streaming!
9. Queer as Folk (2022)
Queer as Folk is a reboot of the UK TV show of the same name by Russel T Davies.
First hitting our screens back in 2022, this TV show is one of our favourite watches.
It takes place in New Orleans with a diverse group of friends who find their lives transformed in the aftermath of a shooting at a queer nightclub called the Babylon.
Throughout the series the friend group go through their fair share of troubles.
We’ll leave the rest up to you to watch and discover!
Sadly, the show hasn’t been renewed for a second series but you can watch the first season on Amazon Prime.
10. RuPaul’s Drag Race UK
Concluding our guide of the top 10 LGBT+ TV shows is none other than RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
The reality show focuses on a group of talented drag queens who compete in challenges to impress host RuPaul, the world’s most famous drag queen, to win a cash prize along with a crown and the title of UK’s Drag Race Superstar.
The show has such an impact on the LGBT+ community as it gives the contestants a platform to focus on important topics.
If you haven’t already watched it, you’re missing out – Sashay Away!
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
And so concludes our guide on the top 10 LGBT+ TV Shows you need to watch.
Which one will you be running to stream first?!
There’s so many other shows out there if none of these have made it to your watchlist.
If you’ve got any recommendations for some must-watch LGBT+ TV Shows, we’d love to hear from you @essentialstudentliving.
Read next: Self Help Books Students Should Read To Kickstart The New Year.