Top Queer TV Shows of 2024 in Review

December 29, 2024
ALEXANDER

Top Queer TV Shows of 2024 in Review

Where the hell did 2024 go? In the wink of an eye, we are heading into the new year. It has been a fascinating time for queer TV, we really got some major representation in mainstream programming this year. Will that continue under the new political administration? Who knows? But the queer voice has always outlasted political oppression and we will find a way. Here's a look at some of the movers and shakers of queer TV from this past year.

Baby Reindeer

Baby Reindeer, without big names attached, became a viral hit instantly. Based on the true life and one-man play by star Richard Gadd, it dives into the world of sexuality, self-identity, and stalking. Simply put, a bartender shows kindness to a unique patron who goes on to turn his life upside down when she won't leave him alone. Along the way, he comes to terms with his sexual past. It explores the world of bisexuality and trans love. One of the main characters, Teri, is played by trans actress Nava Mau who received an Emmy nomination for her portrayal. The show is an emotional roller coaster, to say the least.

The Boyfriend

Japan's reality show, The Boyfriend, brought gay Asian dating into the spotlight. With same-sex marriage still being illegal in that country, it showcased the lives of nine gay men looking for love. Queer TV in Japan is extremely limited, and the show focused on the romantic aspect of their dating, rather than the body thirst traps and illicit activity that occurs on other dating shows. It warmed our hearts.

Heartstopper

Heartstopper returned for season 3 this year, showing us how two love birds, Charlie and Nick, navigate school, self-identity, and a relationship. This show is such a gem. It is sweet and loving. In the direction that queer TV seems to be going, their sexuality is explored with grace, there is no trauma here, they identity as bi and gay and that's just part of their personality. There is plenty of other representation - from asexual to trans - in their circle of friends, this is a must-show for all ages. Hopefully, this is truly capturing the heart of our younger, queer generation.

Agatha All Along

It has been a big year for actor Joe Locke. Not only is he starring in Heartstopper, but he took a starring role in Marvel's highly anticipated Agatha All Along on Disney+. It seems Marvel is more comfortable exploring the queer quotient of their characters and the show is very tongue in cheek, pleasing their LGBTQ viewers in a delicious way. Joe's character is gay, and we find out that Agatha has her own queer realtionship (with none other than Aubrey Plaza). It is fun, it is campy, it is GAY! The good thing for us, you don't have to be a Marvel fan to sink your teeth into this queer TV.

Hacks

Hack is a fan and critic favorite. This season was its best yet, featuring the incomparable Jean Smart as a stand up comic who is coming into her own later in life. There is plenty of queer representation here and, like many other shows this year, shows relationships in the LGBTQ community as part of life, without pomp and circumstance. Jean's character even struggles with becoming "woke" in a funny comparison to the sentiment that many of the older generation feel towards queer buzz words and identities.

Mary & George

We can't believe this queer TV jewel didn't get more attention! It stars the deliciously evil Julianne Moore and hottie Nicholas Galitzine as the real life mother and son duo who infiltrated King James VI's court by way of gay love. There's lust, there are sexy gay scenes, there are sassy one-liners, and it is all wrapped up in a gorgeously shot package. It was such a great show, why wasn't it more popular! Check out our coverage of the hot, gay stuff!

Interview with the Vampire

If queer vampires are your thing, Interview with the Vampire certainly fulfills our fantasies. Candidly, season 2 was not as sexually driven as the first season, so we saw a lot less hot vampire butt and gay sex. But, the season was great and concentrated more on the emotion and romance of vampire man love. It really was a good ride.

For the Love of DILFs

Ok, here us out. Queer TV can just be fun reality TV and that's ok. For the Love of DILFS is that little show that could. Hosted by Stormy Daniels, it is a fun dating show that features men of an older age with twunks. Although, on the surface, it seems like a bawdy dive into gay stereotypes, it actually showcases interngenerational relationship building and learning. It has a lot of heart, even if it doesn't have a big budget.

Dragula

Another little show that has blossomed into popular queer TV is Dragula. Now in its sixth season, it is giving the world an alternative to the stagnating Drag Race franchise. It is the drag competition for all of us strange queers out there. Emo, goth, ravers, oddballs, we are all celebrated on this show and we love it!