They did so by being the first network superhero TV show with an LGBTQ+ lead (actress and character), as is the case of the CW’s Batwoman, or featuring some of the earliest recurring gay characters on American TV, like Vincent Schiavelli’s Peter Panama on the short-lived The Corner Bar, or Billy Crystal’s Jodie Dallas on Soap. But the titles in this first section stand out for breaking boundaries and crossing major milestones.
In many ways, nearly all of the series on this list could be called “trailblazers,” “pioneers,” and recognized for their contribution to furthering fuller LGBTQ+ representation on TV and in streaming.
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 feature LGBTQ+ characters and stories, but where that isn’t necessarily the primary focus or thrust of the series and reality shows and docuseries. As with al l lists like this, even an “essential” one, there will be titles we’ve missed, and you may disagree with some of our categorizations we encourage you share your thoughts and add your favorites in the comments, so when we do an update, we can have even more great LGBTQ+ titles to consider. In this list of essential LGBTQ+ TV shows, we highlight 175 shows that have broken ground, enlightened, and entertained. One pioneering show at a time, groundbreaking character by groundbreaking character, TV and streaming series have given the world an insight into the LGBTQ+ experience, and provided LGBTQ+ people with reflections of their own lives – stories to laugh along with, to cry with, and to identify with. It has also, perhaps most importantly, been a platform to tell stories that have made gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, and more people feel less alone in the world – to know there is a big and varied community to which they belong. TV has been instrumental in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and in changing attitudes towards the community. Burrows / ©Showtime / Courtesy Everett Collection, Courtesy of Netflix, Pari Dukovic/FX) 175 Essential LGBTQ+ TV Shows (Photo by © ABC / Courtesy: Everett Collection, Adrian S.