2025 was a wild ride for LGBTQ+ television—one that brought heartbreak and triumph in equal measure. Several promising shows (Boots, Clean Slate, Mid–Century Modern) were heartbreakingly cancelled after just one season, despite critical praise and loyal audiences.
On the flip side, surprise hits like The Hunting Wives and Heated Rivalry lit up social media, with the latter’s fifth episode now ranked as the second highest-rated TV episode of all time.
This year also marked major milestones: the first trans man appeared on I Kissed A Boy, King of Drag became the first reality series focused solely on drag kings, and fan favourites like Andor and Stranger Things aired their final seasons.
While LGBTQ+ representation hit record highs in 2025, GLAAD warns that 40% of queer characters won’t return in 2026. Still, with shows like Euphoria and Interview With the Vampire getting renewed, there’s much to look forward to.
Here’s our definitive list of the 25 best queer-inclusive TV shows of 2025.
25. Doctor Who
Ncuti Gatwa’s tenure as the Time Lord may have been short-lived, but it left an indelible mark. His unexpected departure shocked fans, but the final episode teased the return of Billie Piper’s Rose Tyler, sparking speculation about her role in the show’s future.
24. Andor
The Star Wars spin-off delivered gripping drama and subtle queer representation through rebel couple Vel and Cinta. Their complex, intimate moments were a rare win for LGBTQ+ characters in the Star Wars universe.
23. Hazbin Hotel
Broadway-quality tunes and hellishly good humour defined this Prime Video animation. Season two expanded the queer-filled universe, with more on the way in seasons three and four.
22. Mid-Century Modern
A loving homage to The Golden Girls, this Hulu series starring Nathan Lane and Matt Bomer was cancelled far too soon. Featuring a star-studded queer cast, it remains a gem worth discovering.
21. Wednesday
The second season went deeper into the Addams family lore and teased a darker turn for Enid and Tyler. With Billie Piper’s mysterious Isadora Capri entering the mix, fans eagerly await what’s next.
20. Big Brother (UK)
Both celebrity and civilian versions were proudly queer in 2025. With the likes of JoJo Siwa and trans trainer Zelah Glasson in the house, vital LGBTQ+ conversations reached mainstream audiences.
19. The Ultimatum: Queer Love
A sapphic reality sensation with chaotic relationship drama that viewers couldn’t look away from. Sadly, Netflix pulled the plug this year, proving again that the gays can’t even keep their mess.
18. King of Drag
The world’s first drag king competition show exploded onto Revry with fierce performances and heartfelt stories. A little scrappy, yes—but gloriously queer and long overdue.
17. I Love LA
Created by Rachel Sennott, this HBO comedy about LA millennial chaos has already been renewed for season two. Sennott’s biting humour and cultural commentary gave it a strong crossover appeal.
16. The Last of Us Part II
Ellie and Dina’s relationship took centre stage in this gut-punching season. The show also remained committed to casting queer actors in queer roles, strengthening its emotional impact.
15. I Kissed A Boy
With its first trans male contestant and Dannii Minogue still serving Cupid realness, this season delivered heartfelt (and at times messy) romance, proving once again why it’s the most genuine queer dating show out there.
14. 9-1-1
It’s been a dramatic year for the 118 crew—deaths, space disasters, and perhaps a budding romance between Buck and Eddie? Fans of “Buddie” certainly have reason to hope.
13. Clean Slate
Laverne Cox shone in this heartfelt sitcom, playing a trans woman reconnecting with her estranged father. Its cancellation after just one season remains a major loss.
12. Stranger Things
Will’s queer identity finally took centre stage in the final season, serving a powerful metaphor for self-acceptance. Meanwhile, Robin’s deepening romance with Vickie gave fans more to cheer about.
11. Adults
FX’s response to Friends, but queer. With two LGBTQ+ characters in central storylines—including a green card marriage—it’s a welcome update for modern audiences.
10. Pluribus
Created by Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad), this queer sci-fi epic stars Rhea Seehorn as one of the last free minds in a hive-minded world. It’s bold, surreal, and brilliant.
9. Hacks
With its fifth season confirmed to be its last, fans are savouring every scene of this Emmy-winning dramedy. Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder continue to deliver TV magic.
8. The Hunting Wives
Described as “MAGA-coded lesbians with murder,” this scandalous, queer soap is as wild as it sounds. A second season is on the way in 2026—praise be!
7. The Four Seasons
A Netflix reimagining of the Carol Burnett classic, this ensemble comedy featured a standout performance from Colman Domingo. A second season is already on the way.
6. The Celebrity Traitors
Alan Carr shocked the nation by winning, while Cat Burns, Clare Balding, and Stephen Fry made this year’s cast a queer cultural event.
5. Overcompensating
Benny Drama’s college comedy captured closeted chaos in the noughties with painful accuracy and comedic brilliance. Season two is in the works.
4. What It Feels Like For A Girl
Based on Paris Lees’ memoir, this BBC drama told the story of a queer teen navigating life in 2000s Nottingham. Visceral, urgent, and beautifully performed—this was the standout of 2025.
3. Big Boys
This heartfelt Channel 4 dramedy ended with its third season, telling Jack Rooke’s coming-of-age story with humour, emotion, and raw honesty. A modern queer classic.
2. Heated Rivalry
This steamy hockey drama became an instant phenomenon. Based on Rachel Reid’s beloved books, it balanced intense queer romance with emotional storytelling. The UK gets it in Jan 2026!
1. Boots
Despite fan and critic acclaim, this military drama about a queer soldier in the 1990s US Army was cancelled. Based on a memoir, Boots is still one of 2025’s most important shows.
