2022 is well underway. Some folks are busily working at keeping their New Years’ resolutions. The rest of us are planning our binge-watching for the next twelve months. Fortunately, if you love TV, and are searching for great LGBTQ+ options you won’t be disappointed this year.
Netflix and other streaming channels will be debuting and continuing some fabulous, LGBTQ+ shows this year. Here are ten you shouldn’t miss.
1. Hacks
Hacks features the absolutely underappreciated Jean Smart as Deborah, a standup comedian desperate to remain relevant, and Ava, the writer who teams up with her. It also brings a heaping helping of bisexual representation as Ava is openly bi.
The show is smart, funny, and sharp as the two main characters navigate a variety of situations, always relating to one another through snappy dialogue and comedic barbs. At the same time, the show has a dramatic, sensitive side. It’s easy to see why it has earned such critical praise.
- Ru Paul’s Drag Race Season 14
The iconic Drag Race is in its 14th season this year, and the excitement is already underway. If you have somehow missed out on seasons 1 thru 13, Drag Race features a collection of fabulous drag queens competing against one another for the ultimate prize: The title of America’s next drag superstar, and 100K in cash prizes.
As always, the show promises to combine drama, comedy, and messiness as the contestants make their way through several challenges. There’s a reason this show has earned such an intensely loyal fandom. You’ll find yourself craving for more when the season ends. Luckily, you can stream reruns when that happens, or simply move on to one of the other incarnations such as Drag Race UK.
- Heartstopper
The highly anticipated Heartstopper is set to debut on Netflix this year. The show will be based on the graphic novels written by Alice Oseman. It features two boys who first meet at a primary school in Great Britain, and develop romantic feelings for one another. Anticipation for the show is intense, and there are high hopes that it will remain true to the original books and web comic series. There’s a good chance of that as Netflix has retained Oseman’s services as a screenwriter.
Like the books, Heartstopper will focus on the two main characters, openly gay and excitable Charlie, and quiet rugby playing Nick. In addition to exploring their relationship, the show will explore themes including mental illness, friendship, and loyalty.
- Gossip Girl
The Gossip Girl reboot is as gay as can be and we are here for it. However, we should note the writers and producers have stated that this is a continuation of the original series. In any case, we recommend finding a cute date on Taimi and settling in for a night of binge-watching to check it out. The new incarnation is darker, more intense, and explores adult material that the original never could. It also features a diverse cast, where the original was decidedly straight and white.
- The Big Brunch
The Big Brunch is a competitive cooking show that is the brainchild of Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy. In the show, local chefs from all over the United States will compete against one another to create and execute mouth-watering brunch menus as they vie for a life-changing prize.
In addition to the competition, each episode will explore the chefs’ personal stories, businesses, and dreams. No, the competitors won’t be exclusively gay. Still, with brunch, cocktails, and the fabulous Dany Levy, The Big Brunch definitely belongs on this list.
- The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder is a Disney show and a cartoon. Does it belong here? Damn right it does! Like the original, the series explores the life and experiences of its main character, Penny Proud.
The original Proud Family series was groundbreaking in that it focused on an African American family, and didn’t shy away from exploring important topics. Louder and Prouder continues that, but at an even deeper level. The show tackles racism, bullying, and the challenges of two new characters, Maya and KG who have two dads.
Ready for More?
These are just five out of a stunning array of LGBTQ+ shows this year. If these don’t do it for you, take some time to find one that does. Or you can also switch to gaming mode. Many of us are ready to switch the console back on and cosy up with a new generation of queer video games. After all, the best way to ensure that we get the representation we deserve is to support creators who bring us this kind of content.
Final Thoughts
There you go! Ten amazing shows to check out this year, and that’s just a small sampling. Whether you are into intense drama, competitive reality, comedy, or musicals there’s a show out there for you. Every major streaming service features at least one LGBTQ+ centered show or movie, if not more. So, go soak up the inclusivity, find your favorite, and start bingeing.
