Queen Sugar (2016-present)
Ava Duvernay’s Southern family drama airs on Oprah’s network and has received attention for Duvernay’s decision to employ only female directors, including Julie Dash and Cheryl Dunye. The series follows three adult siblings, including Nova (an always great Rutina Wesley), as they navigate life after inheriting their father’s farm in Louisiana. The series never shies away from controversy, but it portrays Nova’s sexuality–she dates both men and women–in a refreshingly low-key way. A later guest role featured a trans actor playing a trans man, something which even many of the most socially conscious shows fail to do.
Where to watch: Hulu.
Schitt’s Creek (2015-present)
A classic riches-to-rags comedy and a bit of a Christopher Guest film cast reunion (Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy star), Schitt’s Creek is one of those shows that’s flown far under most peoples’ radar (it airs on a channel called Pop, formerly T.V. Guide Network) but deserves to be Netflix binged immediately. Privileged adult son David (Dan Levy) identifies as pansexual and memorably explains it using wine metaphors: “I do drink red wine. But I also drink white wine. And I’ve been known to sample the occasional rosé. And a couple summers back I tried a merlot that used to be a Chardonnay, which got a bit complicated. I like the wine and not the label. Does that make sense?”
Where to watch: Netflix.
Shadowhunters (2016-present)
News of this Freeform series’ cancellation earlier this month was met with outrage and activism from fans of the popular Mortal Instruments young adult book series and this three-season adaptation. A fan petition to revive the show garnered over 100,000 signatures, and fans also made $9000 worth of donations to The Trevor Project in support of the show’s positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters. Still, the series looks set to end in early 2019, so enjoy the flirty, supernatural love between demon hunter Alec (Matthew Daddario) and warlock Magnus (Harry Shum Jr.) while you can.
Where to watch: Hulu.
She’s Gotta Have It (2017-present)
Spike Lee rebooted his own film for this Netflix original series last year, and this time around Nola’s bedroom antics aren’t limited to male partners. Calling herself “sex-positive, polyamorous [and] pansexual,” Nola’s (DeWanda Wise) attempts at free love and independence have so far involved three men (Jamie, Mars, and Greer) and one woman (Opal). Characters in the show dismiss Nola’s bisexuality as a side effect of her generally messy lifestyle, but these moments feel more like purposely written character flaws than failings of the show itself. Despite largely positive reviews, She’s Gotta Have It didn’t receive as much attention as most Spike Lee joints do, perhaps due to its awkward release date during early Oscar season. Here’s hoping for a second season that gives Nola’s and Opal’s identities more room to grow.
Where to watch: Netflix.
Star Trek: Discovery (2017-present)
People have been waiting for a gay couple in Star Trek for decades (Spock and Kirk were one of the first well-documented slash ships), and with Star Trek: Discovery, they finally got one. If you’ve been fed up by gay representation since Tara Maclay took a stray bullet to the chest, you should know before heading into the series that the show doesn’t quite avoid the “bury your gays” trope, but also doesn’t fully play into it either. The sci-fi series has been praised for its inclusivity and creativity, but when a beloved gay couple (played by Anthony Rapp and Wilson Cruz, who have both previously played other iconic gay characters) was torn apart by a shocking twist earlier this year, fans weren’t having it. The then-showrunners quickly stated that this time-and-space conquering love story was not over, and viewers are still eagerly awaiting the promised resurrection.
Where to watch: CBS All Access.
Steven Universe (2013-present)
It’s a cute, musical, all-ages cartoon about a boy and a bunch of ladies (some of whom are gay) saving the world with the power of gems and friendship. What more could you ask for?
Where to watch: Hulu.
Will & Grace (1998-2006, 2017-present)
Have you heard about the ‘90s sitcom reboot airing on network TV this year that hasn’t been a tremendous, crashing-and-burning letdown? Although the original show’s portrayal of gay characters had its flaws (it perpetuated some stereotypes even as it shattered others), Will & Grace was also many viewers’ first-ever exposure to positive portrayals of gay people. The show’s revival is the same as ever in all the ways it needs to be, but its first season also never fully worked through some characters’ issues of arrested development. Still, Will & Grace is quality comfort food, and it’s no surprise that the show has already been renewed for a second and third season.
Where to watch: Hulu or the NBC website.
