Favourite LGBTQIA+ shows: Characters, stars, and true connection

With June marking Pride Month, it’s the perfect excuse to queue up some comfort shows that celebrate queer identity, joy, and a bit of magical chaos. Whether you’re revisiting old favourites or watching for the first time, these are the series I’ll be happily rewatching all month long.

The Owl House

With a graphic novel spin-off on the way, there’s no better time to revisit The Owl House, which is a show that’s as heartfelt as it is magical.

At first glance, the show revolves around Luz Noceda, a teenager who doesn’t quite fit in and ends up in a bizarre world of witches and demons. But very quickly, it becomes something deeper: a story about figuring out who you are, finding your people, and realising you don’t need to be “chosen” to matter – you just need to choose yourself.

And then there’s the representation. Luz, being openly bisexual and getting a full, beautifully developed romance with Amity, remains groundbreaking for a Disney show. Eda and Raine’s relationship adds even more depth, with Raine’s non-binary identity feeling natural within the story.

Yes, it was cut short by Disney (we’re all totally fine about that… definitely not bitter), and yes, some international versions tried to tone down its queerness, but the love fans have for this show hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s funny, weird, emotional, and incredibly easy to fall back into.

Steven Universe

Created by Rebecca Sugar, this show changed the game for queer storytelling in kids’ TV – and did it with songs you’ll still have stuck in your head for years to come.

The episode ‘Reunited’ gave us one of the first same-sex weddings in children’s television, as Ruby and Sapphire tied the knot. Their fusion, Garnet, is literally the embodiment of their love, which is about as iconic as it gets.

The show plays with identity in really creative ways, too. Steven and Connie (often grouped as Stevonnie) use they/them pronouns, and exist outside traditional gender expectations, while Pearl’s lingering love for Rose Quartz brings in a more bittersweet and complicated side to queer storytelling.

Even in its sequel series, Steven Universe Future, the show keeps expanding its world, introducing a non-binary character, Shay. It’s bold, emotional, and the kind of show that manages to be simultaneously comforting and quietly groundbreaking.

Doctor Who

Doctor Who might not be the first show that comes to mind for queer representation, but it’s been doing more than you might think, especially since its 2005 revival.

Enter Captain Jack Harkness: chaotic, charming, and very openly into… well, everyone. He was one of the first characters on mainstream TV to be unapologetically fluid in his attraction, remaining a fan favourite character.

Then there are the Doctors themselves. With regeneration constantly changing their body (and sometimes gender), the character naturally plays with ideas of identity and transformation. The casting of Jodie Whittaker as the first female Doctor pushed that even further.

Add in characters like Clara, River Song, and of course Madame Vastra and her wife Jenny, and you’ve got a show that – while occasionally inconsistent – has made a real effort to reflect a more fluid and inclusive universe.

What makes all of these shows special isn’t just the representation – it’s how normal it all feels. Queer characters get to go on adventures, fall in love, mess up, and save the day, just like everyone else.

If you’re looking to expand your watchlist even further, there’s no shortage of brilliant queer TV beyond these classics. Shows like Heartstopper bring a softer, feel-good approach to coming-of-age stories, while Sex Education mixes humour with honest conversations around identity, relationships, and self-acceptance. For something a little more chaotic (in the best way), Our Flag Means Death turns pirate lore into a surprisingly tender queer romance.

What’s exciting is how much variety there is now, as queer stories aren’t confined to a singular genre or tone anymore. Whether you want something light and comforting or a bit more dramatic, there’s genuinely something for everyone.

Pride Month is also a great reminder of how much queer storytelling thrives when audiences actively support it. Streaming a show, recommending it to friends, or even just talking about it online makes a real difference in what gets renewed and funded. Many of the shows we now celebrate only exist because creators pushed against industry expectations – and because viewers showed up for them. So, it’s worth seeking out newer or smaller series that might not have had the same spotlight yet.