TV Shows with LGBTQ+ Characters and Leads

Characters on television are more diverse than ever, and there's been a notable rise in the number of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender characters, reality stars, and talk show hosts. Series that feature diverse characters (Glee, The Fosters) as well as real-life inspirations and LGBTQ+ 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 kind to one another," these must-see TV shows (and stars) celebrate diversity and highlight the LGBTQ+ community in positive, relatable ways. For more great LGBTQ+ stories, check out our lists of books and movies with LGBTQ+ characters.

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Ridley Jones Poster Image
TV

Ridley Jones

age 3+

Museum comes alive to teach preschoolers life lessons.

Network: Netflix (2021)
The Bravest Knight TV Poster Image
TV

The Bravest Knight

age 5+

Star power, stellar messages in charming animated series.

Network: Hulu (2019)
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TV

The Owl House

age 8+

Engaging, quirky fantasy series has diversity, LGBTQ+ leads.

Network: Disney Channel (2020)
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TV

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

age 8+

Likable 1980s reboot has strong hero, diverse characters.

Network: Netflix (2018)
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TV

Andi Mack

age 10+

Heartwarming, diverse coming-of-age story best for tweens.

Network: Disney Channel (2017)
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TV

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

age 11+

Ellen brings humor and positive messages to daytime.

Network: NBC , Syndicated (2003)
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TV

First Day

age 11+

Lovely, warm series about trans girl has some bullying.

Network: Hulu (2020)
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TV

Supergirl

age 11+

Strong female lead shoulders the weight of superhero series.

Network: CBS (2015)
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TV

Butterfly

age 13+

Powerful and complex drama dives into gender identity.

Network: Hulu (2019)
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TV

I Am Jazz

age 11+

Transgender teen's reality show is positive, poignant.

Network: TLC (2015)
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TV

Love, Victor

age 11+

Earnest LGBTQ+ spin-off series is endearing and lovely.

Network: Hulu (2020)
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TV

One Day at a Time

age 11+

Worthy update of classic sitcom has heart.

Network: Netflix (2017)
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TV

Pride

age 11+

Worthy docuseries traces 6 decades of LGBTQ+ struggle.

Network: FX (2021)
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TV

Xena: Warrior Princess

age 12+

Mythology and action-adventure for teens and up.

Network: Logo , Oxygen (1995)
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TV

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

age 13+

Teen vampire series has female role model; sex, violence.

Network: FX (1997)
Dead End: Paranormal Park poster
TV

Dead End: Paranormal Park

age 10+

Fun, spooky series features LGBTQ+ and racial diversity.

Network: Netflix (2022)
Girls5eva TV show poster: 4 women stand in front of a big lit-up 5.
TV

Girls5eva

age 13+

Language, mature humor in hilarious music biz spoof.

Network: Peacock , Netflix (2021)
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TV

The Haunting of Bly Manor

age 14+

Elegant ghost story with romance, language, smoking, scares.

Network: Netflix (2020)
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TV

Heartstopper

age 13+

Sweet, lovable LGBTQ+ romance has teen-friendly content.

Network: Netflix (2022)
Homicide: the Baltimore homicide department stands in a tunnel
TV

Homicide: Life on the Street

age 13+

All-time great detective series has violence, language.

Network: Peacock (1993)