TV Shows with LGBTQ+ Characters

Last updated: July 26, 2026

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender characters, reality stars, and talk show hosts have starred on television for decades. Series that feature queer characters (Pose, Modern Family) 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 screen. From the hilarious shenanigans on Our Flag Means Death to Alan Cumming's campy flair on the The Traitors (U.S.), 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.

The Bravest Knight TV Poster Image
TV

The Bravest Knight

age 5+

Star power, stellar messages in charming animated series.

Max Original Roller Jam Welcome to the ultimate Skate Showdown in retro font under orange and pink rainbow and three hosts with skaters behind them
TV

Roller Jam

age 6+

Family-friendly music-lover's roller-skate competition.

Max Reality TV (2024)
Play It Forward TV show poster: Different sports' balls go up in the air after a lacrosse stick lifts sand off a soccer field.
TV

Play It Forward

age 7+

Reality show uplifts communities with sports resources.

"Disney The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl Feb 7" over a silhouette of an orchestra, performers on a stage and a giant cartoon lion
TV

The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl

age 7+

Lively concert tribute to 30 years of classic musical.

Celebrity Weakest Link TV show poster: Jane Lynch stands amid chains, her fist clenched
TV

Celebrity Weakest Link

age 8+

Playful insults as celebrities compete in rapid-fire quiz.

Fox Game Shows (2025)
Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro TV show poster: Robert Irwin stands in the middle of people posing in a dance studio with colorful outfits
TV

Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro

age 8+

DWTS spin-off misses a step without studio audience.

Reality TV (2026)
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts TV poster: Three young teens walk through field of towering flowers
TV

Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts

age 8+

Themes of perseverance, friendship dominate dystopian tale.

No Taste Like Home with Antoni Porowski TV show poster: Porowski is shown smiling while seated in front of a pile of barbecue
TV

No Taste Like Home with Antoni Porowski

age 8+

Feel-good show combines food, travel, and history.

Scrabble TV show poster: Raven-Symoné stands smiling against orange and tile backdrop.
TV

Scrabble

age 8+

Fun, family-friendly wordsmith game with lots of promos.

CW Game Shows (2024)
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Poster Image
TV

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

age 8+

Likable 1980s reboot has strong hero, diverse characters.

Steven Universe TV poster: Steven floats in space with Gems
TV

Steven Universe

age 8+

Quirky cartoon values diversity, friendship, and purpose.

The Great American Baking Show: Celebrity Summer TV show poster: baking show hosts wearing aprons standing at a table full of bakes
TV

The Great American Baking Show: Celebrity Summer

age 8+

Celebs in the tent bring laughs, a little booze.

The Owl House TV Poster Image
TV

The Owl House

age 8+

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

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man TV show poster: Spider-Man swings above a bus with supporting characters inside.
TV

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

age 8+

Lots of adventure, some violence, language in super series.

Five couples and a trio of adults varying in age and race stand amongst the words HOLIDAZED in white script on a green background. Halmark plus
TV

Holidazed

age 9+

Endearing, feel-good holiday series tackles lots of issues.

Lego Masters Jr. TV show poster: Kelly Osbourne stands in front of a large LEGO of giant green dinosaur; three kid-contestants in the back.
TV

Lego Masters Jr.

age 9+

Brand focus in spin-off reality competition for families.

Fox , Hulu Game Shows (2025)
Trainer Games: A group of extreme athletes stand next to each other on a beach under the title.
TV

Trainer Games

age 9+

OK extreme fitness competition has overt branding.

Abbott Elementary TV show poster: Teachers and staff smile from inside a bus
TV

Abbott Elementary

age 10+

Empathetic mockumentary about teaching has comedic chops.

ABC Comedy (2021)
Andi Mack Poster Image
TV

Andi Mack

age 10+

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

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