The top 14 LGBTQ+ TV shows of 2025, listed in order

Despite setbacks like show cancellations and companies stepping back from DEI initiatives, 2025 proved to be an outstanding year for queer television. LGBTQ+ creators are exploring new storytelling techniques, and fresh narratives have emerged in shows like Wayward, Overcompensating, and Boots. Meanwhile, fan favorites like The Traitors, Hacks, and The Last of Us returned with stellar new seasons. Here are the 14 best TV series of 2025, according to Outs editorial team.

14. Yellowjackets

Season 3 of Yellowjackets premiered on February 14 via Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. The series continues to captivate audiences with its blend of dark humor, suspense, and intense drama. The storylines of teen and adult characters intertwine with deadly consequences, while LGBTQ+ narratives, including Shauna's teenage arc and Hillary Swank portraying adult Melissa, make the season even more engaging. Streaming on Netflix.

13. Wayward

Wayward, a limited series created by and starring Mae Martin, debuted on September 25 on Netflix. Set in a small Vermont town in 2003, it follows Alex Dempsey (Martin) and her wife Laura (Sarah Gadon) as they uncover dark secrets connected to Lauras childhood summer camp. Teen girls Leila (Alyvia Alyn Lind) and Abbie (Sydney Topliffe) join the investigation, making for a suspenseful, twisty story. Streaming on Netflix.

12. I Love LA

HBOs #ILoveLA premiered November 2 on HBO Max. Rachel Sennott stars as Maia, a talent manager navigating her influencer friend Tallulahs (Odessa Azion) career. The show explores the dreams and struggles of a young, codependent friend group in Los Angeles, delivering relatable humor and sharp social commentary. Streaming on HBO Max.

11. The Hunting Wives

This Netflix limited series follows Sophie ONeil (Brittany Snow) as she moves from Massachusetts to Texas and meets Margo Banks (Malin kerman), the leader of a wealthy wives circle. Full of intense romantic tension and drama, it became one of the years most talked-about sapphic series. Streaming on Netflix.

10. Adults

Adults debuted on Disney+ on May 29, following a group of twenty-somethings living together in New York City. Starring Owen Thiele, Jack Innanen, Amita Rao, Lucy Freyer, and Malik Elassal, the show mixes over-the-top humor with relatable young-adult experiences, including friends-to-lovers storylines. Streaming on Hulu.

9. Mid-Century Modern

This heartfelt sitcom featured Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and Nathan Lee Graham as friends navigating life together in Palm Springs after the loss of a fourth friend. Despite critical acclaim and its strong LGBTQ+ representation, the show lasted just one season. Streaming on Hulu.

8. The Last of Us

The second season of HBOs adaptation focused on Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and her girlfriend Dina (Isabela Merced) as they traverse a post-apocalyptic Seattle. It further developed LGBTQ+ narratives while maintaining the intensity and emotional depth that fans love. Streaming on HBO Max.

7. Heated Rivalry

Canadian gay sports romance Heated Rivalry premiered on Crave and later streamed on HBO Max in the U.S. The series follows closeted hockey players Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) balancing secret love with professional pressures, highlighting both romance and social commentary. Streaming on HBO Max.

6. The Traitors

Season 3 of The Traitors US streamed on Peacock from January 9. Alan Cumming hosts this reality competition set in a Scottish castle, where celebrities and public figures manipulate, deceive, and strategize for the ultimate prize. Streaming on Peacock.

5. Boots

Based on Greg Cope Whites memoir The Pink Marine, Boots aired on Netflix, telling the story of closeted teen Cameron Cope (Miles Heizer) joining the Marines in the 1990s. The show balances humor and emotional depth, depicting the struggles of being queer in a military environment. Streaming on Netflix.

4. Pee-wee as Himself

This two-part HBO documentary explores the life of Paul Reubens in his final years. It provides insight into his fame, personal life, and sexuality, celebrating the legacy of the beloved comedian. Streaming on HBO Max.

3. Pluribus

Vince Gilligans latest series follows lesbian author Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn) navigating a world nearly taken over by an alien hivemind. The show mixes survival, humor, and LGBTQ+ representation, showcasing a reluctant heroine facing extraordinary circumstances. Streaming on Apple TV+.

2. Overcompensating

Benito Skinners semi-autobiographical comedy debuted on Prime Video, highlighting a closeted college freshman dealing with love, sex, and pop culture. Supporting cast members Wally Baram, Mary Beth Barone, Adam DiMarco, Owen Thiele, and Holmes add to the shows energy and humor. Streaming on Prime Video.

1. Hacks

HBO Maxs Hacks reached new heights in season 4, following Deborah and Ava as they navigate professional rivalry and personal tension while running a late-night show. The series remains sharp, hilarious, and refreshingly bold, cementing its status as a must-watch. Streaming on HBO Max.

Author: Caleb Jennings