Just finished Heartstopper Season 3 and you’re already missing Charlie and Nick? Don’t worry – we’ve got your back.
We’ve rounded up 9 shows that’ll scratch that queer content itch and then some. From steamy royal affairs in Sweden to swashbuckling gay pirates (yes, really), we’ve got a rainbow of options to keep you glued to your screen.
So grab your snacks, get comfy, and let’s pick your next gay (and handsome) binge-worthy obsession.
1. Love, Victor
Set in the same universe as Love, Simon (the 2018 romantic comedy film starring the oh-so-hot Nick Robinson), this series follows Victor Salazar, a Latino teen navigating his sexuality in a new high school.
It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, family drama, and first love that’ll have you rooting for Victor from episode one. Nick Robinson, from the film, has some narration duties in the early seasons.
Cast: Michael Cimino, Rachel Hilson, Anthony Turpel
Behind the Scenes: Originally slated for Disney+, it moved to Hulu in the US due to its more mature themes.
Why it’s worth your time: Love, Victor offers a more diverse perspective on coming out, dealing with cultural expectations and family dynamics in a way that feels both authentic and hopeful. Plus, the will-they-won’t-they tension will keep you on the edge of your seat, if that’s your thing.
Where to watch: Disney+
2. Young Royals
This Swedish drama follows Prince Wilhelm as he navigates life at an elite boarding school and falls for a fellow student, Simon.
It’s a delicious mix of royal drama and tender romance that’ll have you binging faster than you can say “crown jewels.”
Cast: Edvin Ryding, Omar Rudberg, Malte Gårdinger
Fun Fact: The show became an unexpected international hit, prompting Netflix to renew it for a second season quickly (and a third season soon followed).
Why you’ll love it: Young Royals tackles class differences, the weight of duty, and the courage it takes to be true to yourself. The chemistry between Wilhelm and Simon is electric, and the supporting cast adds depth to this royal tale.
Where to watch: Netflix
3. Queer as Folk (US/UK version)
First, a word of warning – if you’re looking for sweet, feel-good, saccharine high school love à la Heartstopper – this isn’t it.
This groundbreaking series follows a group of gay friends living their best (and sometimes messiest) lives – and it doesn’t shy away from all the explicit (sometimes very explicit) details.
The original UK version is a bit more edgy and explicit (yes, even for 1999, when it came out), while the US version gets a bit more tame over time – but gives you more to sink your teeth into, as it lasted for five seasons.
Either way, both the UK and US versions really broke new ground in their portrayal of gay life.
Cast: (US) Gale Harold, Hal Sparks, Randy Harrison; (UK) Aidan Gillen, Craig Kelly, and a young Charlie Hunnam
Historical Impact: The US version was one of the first hour-long dramas on American television to portray gay men and women as main characters.
Why it’s a classic: Queer as Folk was revolutionary for its time, offering an unapologetic look at gay culture. It tackles everything from coming out and HIV (in the US version) to relationships and parenthood. While some aspects may feel dated now, its influence on LGBTQ+ representation in media can’t be overstated.
Where to watch: US Version – Paramount+ / UK Version: Amazon’s Prime Video
4. Schitt’s Creek
When the wealthy Rose family loses everything, they’re forced to rebuild their lives in a small town they once bought as a joke.
While not exclusively LGBTQ+, Schitt’s Creek gives us one of the most beloved gay couples on TV: David Rose and Patrick Brewer. Their journey from business partners to lovers will surely captivate you with its authenticity and charm.
Cast: Dan Levy, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Annie Murphy
Claim to Fame: The show swept the 2020 Emmy Awards, winning all seven major comedy categories.
Why it’s a must-watch: David and Patrick’s relationship is a masterclass in healthy, supportive love. The show’s humor is sharp, but it’s the heart that’ll keep you coming back. Plus, Catherine O’Hara’s Moira Rose is a gay icon in the making.
Where to watch: Amazon’s Freevee
5. Please Like Me
This Australian gem follows Josh, a twenty-something realizing he’s gay while dealing with family drama, mental health issues, and the general chaos of young adulthood.
It’s awkward, it’s honest, it’s surprisingly hilarious, and let’s face it: Australian accents are sexy no matter what.
Cast: Josh Thomas, Thomas Ward, Debra Lawrance
Inside Scoop: Creator and star Josh Thomas based much of the show on his own life experiences.
Why it stands out: Please Like Me tackles heavy topics with a light touch, finding humor in life’s darkest moments. It’s refreshingly candid about mental health and sexuality, and Josh’s journey of self-discovery feels genuinely relatable.
Where to watch: Amazon’s Prime Video
6. Special
Based on Ryan O’Connell’s memoir, this short-form series follows a gay man with cerebral palsy as he branches out from his insular existence.
It’s a unique perspective that’s rarely seen on TV, told with humor and heart.
Cast: Ryan O’Connell, Jessica Hecht, Punam Patel
Behind the Scenes: O’Connell, who stars as a semi-fictionalized version of himself, had never acted before this show.
Why it’s special: It offers a fresh take on gay narratives, exploring intersectionality with wit and warmth. The short episodes pack a punch, tackling everything from internalized ableism to gay dating with unflinching honesty.
Where to watch: Netflix
7. Elite
Netflix’s Spanish teen thriller might be a bit more dramatic than Heartstopper (and certainly offers more, ehm, skin), but it’s got plenty of LGBTQ+ storylines to keep you hooked.
Set in an exclusive private school, Elite follows three working-class students as they navigate a world of wealth, scandal, and murder.
Cast: Itzan Escamilla, Miguel Bernardeau, Arón Piper (among many other hot Spanish men)
Notable Achievement: The show has been praised for its diverse representation, including LGBTQ+ characters from various backgrounds.
Why it’s addictive: Elite doesn’t shy away from steamy scenes or complex storylines. The gay relationships are given just as much depth and screen time as the straight ones. Plus, the murder mystery aspect adds an extra layer of intrigue to the teen drama.
Where to watch: Netflix
8. Our Flag Means Death
A pirate show in a list of gay TV shows? Is that a mistake? No!
This hilarious comedy, loosely based on the life of 18th-century pirate Stede Bonnet, starts as a regular pirate comedy – but then features a delightful queer romance. It’s the gay pirate rom-com you never knew you needed.
Cast: Rhys Darby, Taika Waititi, Con O’Neill
Interesting Tidbit: The show’s creator, David Jenkins, pitched it as “a gay pirate show” and was surprised when HBO Max immediately bought it.
Why it’s a treasure: Our Flag Means Death combines humor, heart, and swashbuckling adventure in a way that feels fresh and exciting.
The slow-burn romance between Stede and Blackbeard is both hilarious and touching. Plus, the show’s approach to gender and sexuality is refreshingly fluid and matter-of-fact.
Sadly, there were only two seasons – but they do tell a somewhat complete story.
Where to watch: Max
9. Glee
Last but not least, we couldn’t leave out the granddaddy of all queer teen shows – and the one that had us all believing high school was one big musical number.
Glee follows a high school show choir as they navigate competitions, relationships, and growing up, with a young and very talented cast.
Cast: Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Chris Colfer, Darren Criss (among many others)
Fun Fact: The show’s cover of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ has sold over a million copies, becoming the most successful song from the series.
Why it’s still worth watching: While admittedly over-the-top at times, Glee features some of the most iconic gay characters in TV history.
Kurt Hummel’s journey from closeted teen to confident young man was groundbreaking for its time. The show tackles issues like coming out, bullying, and acceptance with a mix of humor and genuine emotion.
Plus, the musical numbers are still absolute bangers.
Where to watch: Disney+ / Amazon’s Prime Video