From groundbreaking moments that paved the way to recent scenes that made our hearts flutter, here’s a look at some of the most unforgettable gay kisses on television.
Get ready for a journey through TV history that might make you laugh, cry, and definitely feel things.
1. Young Love Breaks Barriers – “Dawson’s Creek” (2000)
There are some disagreements on US TV’s first-ever gay kiss (between men) – but this one, from Season 3, Episode 23, was certainly one of the first – and series writer at the time, Greg Berlanti, was a driving force behind it.
Berlanti, who later became one of television’s most powerful producers, had to fight hard with the network to make this moment happen.
He even threatened to quit the show if the kiss was cut, telling The Hollywood Reporter years later: “I had to threaten to quit basically because they wouldn’t let us do it.” The battle was personal for Berlanti, who had recently come out himself.
The kiss between Jack McPhee (Kerr Smith) and Ethan (Adam Kaufman) marked a watershed moment – the first romantic gay kiss between teenagers on network television.
Smith brought depth and vulnerability to the role, helping countless young viewers (including yours truly) see themselves represented on screen.
2. Making British History – “EastEnders” (1987)
Colin Russell and Guido Smith’s kiss on the BBC’s “EastEnders” made history as the first gay kiss on a British soap.
The brief peck on the forehead between actors Michael Cashman and Nicholas Donovan in 1987 might seem tame now, but it caused a media frenzy and led to tabloid headlines screaming “EastBenders!”
The show later featured the first mouth-to-mouth gay kiss on British television in 1989.
Cashman, who later became a Member of the European Parliament and was made a Lord, helped pave the way for LGBTQ+ representation in British media.
3. A Dance to Remember – “Queer as Folk” (2001)
Brian and Justin’s prom dance and kiss on the Season 1 finale remains one of the most powerful – and heartbreaking – moments in LGBTQ+ television history.
The scene, set to Cyndi Lauper’s Save the Last Dance for Me, starts as the ultimate romantic gesture – Brian showing up at Justin’s prom, their perfect dance, that heart-stopping kiss – until it becomes every queer person’s nightmare.
One minute we’re watching pure joy on the dance floor, the next we’re witnessing the brutal reality of homophobic violence. Two decades later, this scene still hits like a punch to the gut.
4.Love For Eternity – “Six Feet Under” (2005)
The genius of Six Feet Under was how it dealt with death, so it’s fitting that Keith and David’s most memorable kiss came in the legendary series finale.
In a breathtaking flash-forward sequence, we see their commitment ceremony in the future – a beautiful moment of joy before the show reveals their eventual deaths decades later.
Michael C. Hall and Mathew St. Patrick’s portrayal of this complex couple helped change how television depicted gay relationships, showing all the messy, wonderful reality of two men building a life together.
5. Breaking Stereotypes – “The Wire” (2004)
Omar Little, played brilliantly by Michael K. Williams, wasn’t your typical gay character.
A shotgun-toting Robin Hood figure who robbed drug dealers, Omar’s tender moments with boyfriend Brandon showed that tough guys could be gay too.
Their kiss challenged stereotypes about masculinity and sexuality, particularly within the Black community – which is fitting for a show as critically acclaimed as The Wire.
6. Daytime Drama Makes History – “As The World Turns” (2007)
Luke and Noah’s first kiss was more than just a romantic moment – it was the first gay male kiss in American daytime soap opera history.
The couple, portrayed by Van Hansis and Jake Silbermann, became known as “Nuke” by fans and helped bring LGBTQ+ storytelling to a whole new audience – especially when considering that soap operas in the US usually have a more conservative audience.
7. Simply the Best – “Schitt’s Creek” (2020)
David and Patrick’s wedding kiss in the series finale, Happy Ending, became an instant classic of LGBTQ+ television.
The scene, officiated by David’s mother Moira in an unforgettable outfit (no spoilers, but Catherine O’Hara has never been more Moira), captures everything that made this show special.
Dan Levy (who co-created the series with his father Eugene Levy) and Noah Reid brought David and Patrick to life with such chemistry and charm that their love story became one of TV’s most beloved romances.
Throughout six seasons, they did something revolutionary: they built a world where their relationship wasn’t marked by prejudice or pain – just pure romance, humor, and acceptance.
The episode swept the 2020 Emmy Awards, and this scene shows exactly why.
8. Diving Into Love – “Elite” (2018)
Omar and Ander’s pool kiss in Netflix’s Spanish teen drama Elite (Season 1, Episode 4) is pure romance – and, of course, it doesn’t hurt that the actors are smokin’ hot.
Beautifully shot and emotionally charged, it shows two young men giving in to their feelings despite cultural and religious barriers.
The scene proves that some of the best LGBTQ+ representation is coming from international television.
9. Love in the Apocalypse – “The Last of Us” (2023)
Bill and Frank’s episode Long Long Time turned a brief game subplot into one of television’s most moving love stories. I don’t usually cry during post-apocalyptic monster shows – but I certainly did on this episode.
Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett’s performances captured a tender, decades-spanning romance that showed how love can flourish even in the darkest times.
Their kiss represented not just romance – but a lifetime of devotion, in a world that slowly crumbled around them (which is how some of use feel in real life).
10. Pirates in Love – “Our Flag Means Death” (2022)
Who knew 18th-century pirates could be so romantic? Rhys Darby’s Stede Bonnet and Taika Waititi’s Blackbeard share a kiss that subverts both period drama and pirate genre expectations.
Their romance proves that love stories can bloom in the most unexpected places (and most unexpected TV shows).
11. The Rain Kiss – “Heartstopper” (2022)
Charlie and Nick’s kiss in the rain became instantly iconic the moment it aired.
The Netflix adaptation of Alice Oseman’s graphic novel captured all the butterfly-inducing magic of young love, with Joe Locke and Kit Connor perfectly embodying the nervous excitement of first love.
Set against falling rain and twinkling lights, their kiss at the end of Episode 3 had viewers worldwide holding their breath in anticipation.
For today’s young LGBTQ+ viewers, seeing these characters navigate their feelings so beautifully and openly feels natural – as it should. But for many of us who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, watching Charlie and Nick’s story unfold brings a bittersweet twinge.
Where was this show when we were teenagers? Imagine having these characters to relate to during those confusing high school years, seeing that first love could be this pure and celebratory rather than something to hide.
Yet perhaps that’s exactly what makes Heartstopper so special – it’s the show we needed then, finally here now, reminding us that while we can’t change the past, we can celebrate how far we’ve come.
Every time Nick and Charlie kiss in the rain, it’s not just their hearts stopping – it’s all of ours.