The best LGBTQ+ TV to stream on Netflix right now
Heartstopper is one example of the great LGBTQ+ series on Netflix(Netflix)
Heartstopper is one example of the great LGBTQ+ series on Netflix(Netflix)
We’re all painfully aware of the trend involving LGBTQ+ series being cancelled, and Netflix is just one streaming service that has been guilty of this.
It’s a horrible precedent that has led to beloved LGBTQ+ characters and narratives being ended without a planned conclusion. In their most recent Where We Are on TV report for the 2023-24 season, GLAAD counted 468 LGBTQ characters counted across all platforms. Sadly, 170 (36%) of those will not be returning.
Even so, there are some LGBTQ+ Netflix series that have been given a decent chance to shine. Also, the TV industry as a whole is still a place where some of the most exciting queer narratives are given the space to blossom.
If you’re looking for a new show to start, a binge-watch for the weekend, or just to rewatch your favourite, here are some strong choices on Netflix to add to your watchlist right now (August 2025).
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Feel Good
Feel Good is a semi-autobiographical, British romantic comedy from comedian Mae Martin – but don’t expect to just be laughing through the two series.
The show sees Martin starring as a version of themselves, a Canadian comic in London, attempting to navigate both a new relationship and sobriety as a former drug addict.
Martin received a BAFTA for their performance in the show and they certainly deserved it!
Sex Education
After a spectacular four-series run, Sex Education has now come to an end… which means it’s the perfect time to watch again from the very beginning.
The star-studded sex-positive teen drama from the mind of Laurie Nunn has provided open and frank discussions of sex and sexuality to the masses.
Heartstopper
Since its premiere on Netflix, Alice Oseman’s adaptation of their graphic novel Heartstopper has become a lauded show celebrated for its LBGTQ+ diversity.
The show follows two students, introverted Charlie (Joe Locke) and rugby lad Nick (Kit Connor), as their friendship forges into a romance.
Softly portraying young queer love, Heartstopper is an easy, enjoyable and very sweet watch.
Young Royals
Many compare Heartstopper and Young Royals, but the latter is definitely an edgier portrayal of a gay high school romance.
Set in an elite Swedish boarding school, Young Royals charts the turbulent infatuation of Crown Prince Wilhelm (Edvin Ryding) and non-boarding student, Simon (Omar Rudberg).
As matters of the crown and the heart pull Wilhelm in different directions, he’s left to decide on his own what sort of life he wants to lead.
The Ultimatum: Queer Love
We love a queer spin on an existing format and The Ultimatum: Queer Love is just that.The reality series/experiment takes several couples, one half of which is ready for marriage, the other isn’t.
The couples are mixed together and form new temporary ‘marriages’ before reuniting with their original partners to see if their love is forever or not. It gets as messy as it sounds and then some!
First Kill
Another victim of the streamer’s LGBTQ+ show cancellation, First Kill may have only had one season but it certainly deserved more.
Teenagers Juliette (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Calliope (Imani Lewis) are attracted to each other but there’s just one thing preventing their burgeoning romance: one is a vampire and the other is a vampire hunter.
Based on series creator V.E. Schwab’s short story, First Kill is a romantic drama with real bite.
Schitt’s Creek
Schitt’s Creek follows the incredibly wealthy Rose family thrown into chaos as they are left broke with nowhere to go but the rundown motel they had purchased as a joke.
The sitcom created by son and father duo Dan Levy and Eugene Levy became a quick hit and lasted for 80 episodes across six seasons.
With a heartwarming gay/pansexual romance between Patrick and David, hilarious family dynamics, and a few musical numbers, Schitt’s Creek should be at the top of your watchlist.
The Umbrella Academy
The Umbrella Academy follows a dysfunctional, estranged family who each have supernatural powers reuniting after their father’s death and discovering secrets that they are unable to ignore.
Teaming up, they become a group tasked with protecting the world. The show has also been monumental as it’s seen the transition of star Elliot Page.
The show’s writers worked with Page to change their character’s gender identity when Page came out as trans and non binary.
Elité
Finishing our list of LGBTQ+ shows to stream on Netflix is this Spanish teen drama, which follows three working-class students who enrol in a private school and clash with the wealthy students who seem to live a different life to them.
Then, introduce murder and the whole game of the social hierarchy is changed.
Netflix has now confirmed that the forthcoming eighth season will be the last, so catch up now ahead of the finale which is sure to be explosively dramatic.
Big Boys
A heartfelt exploration of grief, friendship, and love this semi-autobiographical series from Jack Rooke has been a stand out since it first debuted on Channel 4.
With memorable performances from Dylan Llewellyn, Jon Pointing, Izuka Hoyle as well as the rest of the cast, this is one series that will have you laughing one minute and. trying the next.
Sense8
This series has developed a strong, hardcore fanbase and it’s not hard to see why. As well as offering a globe-spanning adventure of eight people tied to one another via an emotional and telepathic connection, it features some top-tier LGBTQ+ representation.
The series was cancelled shortly after season two debuted but thanks to the love of fans, a movie was made to wrap up the story giving us the ending we and the characters deserved.
The Boyfriend
What do you get when you mix a dating reality show with coffee? The answer is The Boyfriend.
This charming series sees nine single men live together and take turns operating a coffee truck. Will any of them find love? Well, you’ll have to watch to find out.
To find out more and to stream these titles head to Netflix.
