The 30 Best Queer and Lesbian TV Shows in 2021

While I absolutely love exploring the world through queer travel, sometimes there’s nothing better than relaxing at home and binging a great tv show. But if you’re like me, your preference is for the tv shows you watch to include lesbian and queer characters. A bit of representation can go a long way, and it’s nice to see people who love like me on tv. To make your binging decisions easier, I put together this list of the best 30 tv shows with lesbian and queer characters that you can watch in 2021! There might just be a few more than you think :)

Ranking these shows would be an almost impossible task, so you get to read them in alphabetical order. 

Without further ado, here are the 30 best tv shows with queer and lesbian characters! Enjoy!

1) The 100

Oh, The 100. So many queers I know have a love/hate relationship with this show, because while it has great characters, it (spoiler) ultimately succumbs to the horrible ‘bury your gays’ trope.

This sci-fi show is set in the not-too-distant future when Earth has become uninhabitable after nuclear war and all of its known residents live in space. To test if the planet is safe for humans to return, 100 teenage delinquents are sent to the surface to see if they can survive. Clark, our female protagonist and leader of the 100, ultimately falls in love with Lexa, the leader of a tribe of humans who survived on Earth. I loved seeing two strong women leads in this show – and I loved it even more when they were together!

Stream it on Netflix. 

2) Amazing Race

The Amazing Race is my favorite reality show because I love the travel aspect of the show. It’s amazing to see all the different places the contestants get to visit! 

You can only imagine my delight when lesbian characters appear in the tv show! Season 12 and 16 feature teams of lesbian couples (Kate and Pat and Carol and Brandy, respectively). Season 14 and 18 feature sisters Kisha and Jen, with Kisha being the first (and sadly only) lesbian winner in the series.

Stream it on Amazon Prime Video. 

3) Away

Away is a sci-fi Netflix original starring Hilary Swank about a multinational astronaut mission to Mars. This show got poor reviews and was cancelled after one season, so go into it with that in mind. However, I couldn’t help but enjoy this bingeable series. 

The lesbian romance in this show emerges mid-season between Lu, a scientist aboard the ship, and Mei, a member of ground communications. The show explores how the characters deal with their self-discovery journey amidst the homophobia in their culture. Like I said, I enjoyed this show, especially with this part of the plot!

Stream it on Netflix.

4) Bachelor in Paradise 

Okay hear me out – I know this isn’t typically what you would call a lesbian tv show. However, season 6 features two queer characters, Demi and Kristian, who get engaged in the season finale in a first for the Bachelor franchise. Unfortunately, they ended their relationship the following month, but this didn’t make their time on Bachelor in Paradise any less fun to watch!

If you love to indulge in the occasional trashy reality tv show like me, this is a great series to watch to get a little more queer representation. 

Stream it on HBO Max. 

5) Batwoman

Batwoman is about Kate Kane – Bruce Wayne’s cousin – who takes up the mantle of Gotham’s superhero several years after Bruce disappears. I wanted to like this show, I really did, but unfortunately it is very poorly written. While it’s wonderful that it features the first lesbian woman in the DC Universe on network tv, I wish they would have created a better show. 

That being said, I suffered through much of the first season strictly for Ruby Rose and her lesbian relationships throughout the show. (And season two features Javicia Leslie as the first black Batwoman!) Kate and her ex, gun-for-hire Sophie, are the main romance throughout the show, although Kate has some flings with several other women as well.

Stream it through the CW or on HBO Max. 

6) Black Mirror

Black Mirror is an anthology sci-fi series about the dark side of technology. Each episode is unrelated to the others. Most of them are incredibly depressing, but one of the only uplifting ones, San Junipero, also centers around beautiful lesbian characters. 

San Junipero is part of season 3 of Black Mirror. Without giving too much away, characters Yorkie and Kelly fall for each other in a California beach town set in the ‘80s. This episode was so good that it had wide critical acclaim and even won an Emmy. Whenever I’m feeling down, this is one of the lesbian tv shows I watch to feel better.

Stream it on Netflix.

7) A Black Lady Sketch Show

A Black Lady Sketch Show is chock full of laughs AND queer representation! Think SNL, but black and better. 

With three queer writers, one queer central cast member, and endless smart comedy, this show was bound to be a hit. I particularly love the way the sketches depict black queer and lesbian culture – this is something woefully missing from many other tv shows. 

Stream it on HBO Max. 

8) The Boys

The Boys is the story of what would really happen if superheroes existed in the world. That is, they would work for a powerful and evil corporation and be invincible narcissists. I’ll be honest, at first I didn’t like this show, because it’s so intense (and also quite graphic). It turns out, I still had to know what happened next, and I easily binged this show in a few days.

Midway through season one, we learn that Queen Maeve, a Wonder Woman-esque character, is bisexual, but has had to hide her sexuality to maintain her superhero brand. While not the happiest of plotlines, I really connected with this layer of the show. I know many queer people (myself included) struggle with their image in corporate America.

Stream it on Amazon Prime Video. 

9) Buffy the Vampire Slayer

This groundbreaking show is about Buffy, a teenage girl who has superpowers in order to fight vampires and demons. It was unheard of in 1997 to have a blonde preppy girl be the lead action hero, and I loved the feminist themes of this series. 

Buffy’s best friend, Willow, discovers she is queer in season three. Her relationship with her girlfriend, Tara, is initially depicted through witchcraft analogies, but eventually the two characters are allowed to be physically affectionate on screen. Theirs was the first kiss between lesbian characters on network tv. 

I just watched this show for the first time, and while it starts out campy, after watching all seven seasons, it’s now one of my favorite shows of all time. Just be warned that this is another show that falls into the horrible ‘bury your gays’ trope.

Stream it on Hulu.

10) Derry Girls

Derry Girls is a British comedy about five teenagers in Northern Ireland in the 1990s. It features the dry, sometimes dark, fast paced humor that British comedy is known for, and I consistently laugh out loud when watching it. 

One of the five main characters is revealed to be a lesbian in a subplot in season one, episode six. Despite being set in a very Catholic Northern Ireland in the ‘90s, this character’s queerness is not problematic nor is it the punchline for any of the jokes in the show. The writers cleverly make the plot about this coming out funny without making fun of being gay. 

Stream it on Netflix. 

11) Dickinson

You’re probably familiar with the poet Emily Dickinson, but I can guarantee you’ve never seen her story be told like this. Dickinson is a quirky show that tells the story of Emily’s childhood. The show is set in historical Massachusetts, but uses modern music and language to connect with the audience. 

One of the main plot points of the show is Emily’s relationship with her best friend (and brother’s fiancee), Sue, whom many believe she was in love with. Many of her poems were written about Sue, and I love seeing their relationship play out. As far as lesbian tv shows go, this one is wonderfully unique and enjoyable to watch.

Stream it on Apple TV+. 

12) Feel Good

Feel Good is a semi-autobiographical comedy from Mae Martin. It follows her life in the UK as a fledgling comedian struggling with a past addiction and unhealthy new relationship. Ironically, it’s addicting – I binged the whole first series in one day.

The relationship between Mae and her girlfriend George is central to the entire plot of the series, but not in a way that is about their queerness. Instead, it’s just like any other relationship (although there is a subplot about George’s coming out that I got tired of pretty quickly). Regardless, I loved this new show and definitely laughed out loud every episode.

Stream it on Netflix. 

13) Gentleman Jack

Gentleman Jack is based on the true story of Anne Lister, an English woman from the 1800’s who has been called “the first modern lesbian” due to the numerous lesbian affairs she had throughout her life. These relationships were documented in her diaries, providing the perfect source material for this show.

While there are numerous lesbian period pieces (some could say too many), this tv show is worth the watch for its strong female lead and witty and smart storytelling.  

Stream it on HBO Max. 

14) Glee

Everyone knows what Glee is about, so I’m not going to rehash it here. And to be honest, I never liked this show, but it definitely deserves a spot on this list. The relationship between Santana and Brittany that evolves throughout the series was definitely formative to many baby gays (my ex-girlfriend included). 

The only episode I DO like is the Britney Spears themed episode in season two. There is some great sexual tension and I love the recreation of Me Against the Music. 

If you want to skip straight to Santana’s coming out and beyond, start with Season 3.

15) Grey’s Anatomy 

Medical drama Grey’s Anatomy has been on tv for what feels like forever, so it’s only fair that it’s had a large share of queer characters during its time on air! In fact, fan favorite Callie is the longest running queer character in tv history! This is so important for a mainstream show that began in 2004, when representation on our screens was slim. 

Besides Callie, six other queer women graced our screens throughout Grey’s seasons. If you’ve got it in you to slog through 18 seasons, you’ll get to spend time with them all. 

Stream it on Netflix. 

16) The Haunting of Bly Manor

The Haunting of Bly Manor is the second in The Haunting anthology series (the first of which is The Haunting of Hill House, which also features a minor lesbian romance!). It’s about an American nanny with a dark past who comes to a creepy British manor to care for two even creepier children. Pretty quickly, ghosts begin to appear, although the later half of the series was more psychologically scary than jumpy scary.

I normally am way too scared to watch anything close to the horror genre, but when I heard there was a lesbian relationship in this tv show, I knew I had to try it. The relationship between Dani and Jamie really begins to blossom by episode three. I really loved how it was treated like any other relationship (and in fact was probably the healthiest and strongest relationship in the show). I do have to warn you – there is a bit of a sad ending.

Stream it on Netflix.

17) Jessica Jones

Jessica Jones is an amazing tv show, but oh did it stress me out. This show deals with heavy PTSD and abuse, so if that’s a trigger for you, I’d skip this one.

Jessica is one of Marvel’s darker superheroes who uses her super strength and intelligence as a private detective. While a strong female lead is a big plus for me, another great bonus is the large representation of queer characters in this show! Throughout the series is lesbian lawyer Jeri, who has marital problems and a shaky alliance with Jessica. In season three, even more diversity is added via a gay police officer and a trans woman who is Jessica’s assistant.

Stream it on Netflix. 

18) Killing Eve

Killing Eve is one of my favorite lesbian tv shows ever. This deliciously dark dramedy features Sandra Oh as a MI6 agent Eve on the hunt for serial killer Villanelle.

Villanelle’s character is an out lesbian, and her cat and mouse game with Eve oozes with sexual tension that build throughout the seasons of the show. Plus, their adventures take them on a tour of beautiful European cities, and is pure fun to watch. 

Stream it on Hulu. 

19) The L Word

The L Word is the most classic lesbian tv show there is. I remember watching it for the first time one summer when I was living in San Francisco and tangled up in my first messy wlw relationship. Needless to say, it was a breath of fresh air to spend time with so many queer characters. 

That being said, looking back through a 2021 lens, this show definitely has some problematic aspects to it (whitewashing, horrible trans represenation, bisexual erasure, to name a few). However, when it first aired in 2004, it was hugely groundbreaking for lesbian representation in tv shows, making it definitely worth a watch. 

Stream it on Hulu or Showtime.

20) The L Word Generation Q

The L Word Generation Q is the 2020 reboot of The L Word. Some beloved original cast members are back as regulars, along with a whole new crop of young queer folks. 

This show attempts to right many of the wrongs of the original series, and does a great job with increased representation across race and sexualities. The characters quickly grew on me and watching new episodes of this show is now my favorite Friday night activity!

Stream it on Showtime. 

21) Master of None

Master of None is a hilariously dry comedy loosely based on creator Aziz Ansari’s life. The show follows his character Dev and his friends around New York City as they attempt to find themselves both professionally and personally. 

One of Dev’s friends, Denise, is a lesbian character portrayed by the wonderful Lena Waithe. While she is featured throughout the series, season three specifically focuses on Denise’s relationship with her wife. This season beautifully depicts Black queer love in all its ups and downs. It’s worth a watch for Lena Waithe’s performance alone.

Stream it on Netflix. 

22) Mindhunter

Mindhunter is based on the story of the origins of the FBI’s Behavioral Sciences Unit (think: Criminal Minds). While this moody show mostly focuses on the two main (male) agents, they work closely with Wendy, a psychology professor who turns out to be queer. 

Throughout the show, she has a few scenes with other lesbian characters, which was great – just keep your expectations realistic and don’t expect this to be the focus of the show. 

Stream it on Netflix. 

23) Orange is the New Black

Orange is the New Black is a popular dramedy based on the true story of Piper Chapman, a successful woman in her mid-thirties who finds herself in a women’s prison for a crime she committed in her youth. 

Piper and Alex, another inmate in the prison, have an on-again, off-again relationship. There are also several other queer characters in the show, making this groundbreaking, diverse show definitely worth a watch!

Stream it on Netflix. 

24) Orphan Black

Orphan Black is a sci-fi series about Sarah, a young British woman with a troubled past who discovers she is a clone. As the show unfolds, we meet more and more of the clones – all of whom are played by the fantastic Tatiana Maslany. The story can get complex at times, but Tatiana’s acting is a pure joy to watch.

The lesbian relationship in this show is between one of the clones, Cosima, and a French doctor named Delphine. One of Cosima’s most famous lines is “My sexuality is not the most interesting thing about me,” and the show really reflects that sentiment. I’m here for it, and this remains one of my favorite lesbian tv shows to date.

Purchase it on Amazon Prime Video or watch through a BBC America subscription. 

25) Pretty Little Liars

Pretty Little Liars is a teen drama about a group of friends who begin receiving mysterious messages by ‘A’, who threatens to reveal secrets about each character. 

Emily, one of the members of the friend group, is a lesbian who has several relationships with other characters throughout the tv show. 

While definitely not one of the highest quality tv shows out there, Pretty Little Liars’ mysterious plotline (and lesbian character representation) will quickly suck you in!

Stream it on HBO Max. 

26) Queer Eye

Queer Eye is one of those shows that just makes you feel good. This warm and fuzzy reboot feels more authentic that most reality tv shows. I love the interactions between the Fab 5 and how they treat each contestant with respect and an open heart, no matter how different they may be.

One of the best episodes of this tv show is undoubtedly ‘Black Girl Magic’ (season 3, episode 5). This episode features Jess, a young black lesbian who is struggling to come to terms with her identity. This episode will make you smile and sob and fall in love with Jess. It’s amazing.

Stream it on Netflix. 

27) Ratched

Ratched is the prequel to the story in One Flew Over a Cuckoo’s Nest, and centers on the early career of the villain Nurse Ratched. Played by the amazing Sarah Paulson, this show is just as creepy and thrilling as you’d imagine (I’m not ashamed to admit that I covered my eyes during the lobotomy scenes).

Throughout the season, Ratched develops feelings for another female character, Gwendolyn, in what develops into a subtle yet beautifully complex portrayal of a lesbian relationship in the 1940s. 

Stream it on Netflix. 

28) Sense8

Sense8 is a sci-fi show from the Wachowskis about eight people around the world who suddenly develop a telepathic connection to each other. While it’s a little slow to get started (and the plot gets quite complex), it remains one of my favorite tv shows of all time, especially since it’s full of lesbian and queer characters! Sense8 is probably one of the most diverse shows ever made, so it was a shame when Netflix ended it early. That being said, it’s still worth the watch for the two and a half seasons we did get.

There are queer relationships throughout the series, which is one of my favorite things about it! Each character is so unique and diverse, and their relationships are no different. One of the show’s central relationships, though, is between a trans woman, Nomi (played by Jamie Clayton), and a black woman, Nomanita. It’s a beautiful lesbian love story that holds together throughout the despite all the crazy things that happen to the characters. 

Stream it on Netflix. 

29) Supergirl

Another awesome superhero show with a female lead is Supergirl. While not queer herself, Supergirl’s adopted sister Alex is, and develops a wonderful relationship with detective Maggie. Fans credit this show with its realistic portrayal of a woman coming into her own sexuality later in life. It’s a refreshing take on a queer storyline. 

Stream it on Netflix. 

30) The Wilds

The Wilds is an easily bingeable series that is essentially Lost, but with teenage girls. And, just like in Lost, there’s a surprise twist (but don’t worry, I won’t spoil it for you). 

One of the characters, Toni, is a lesbian from a Native American tribe. Her subplot portrayed her sexuality without being about her sexuality. Bonus: sexual tensions rise on the island between Toni and one of the other characters. I can’t wait to see what happens when season two comes out!

Stream it on Amazon Prime Video.