A Year of Defiant Storytelling on the Small Screen
As we wrap up 2025, it's clear that despite industry headwinds and debates around corporate diversity, queer storytelling on television didn't just survive; it thrived. This year delivered a spectacular array of shows that pushed boundaries, offered fresh perspectives, and gave us characters we'll be talking about well into 2026. From returning champions reaching new creative peaks to bold new series that became instant obsessions, here’s our look back at the queer television that defined the year.
The Reigning Champions
Some of our favourite shows returned and proved they still have what it takes to dominate the conversation.
- Hacks (Season 4, HBO Max): The deliciously toxic, co-dependent relationship between legendary comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and her bisexual writer Ava (Hannah Einbinder) reached a new level of messy brilliance. Now working together on Deborah's late-night show, their dynamic was more hilarious and incisive than ever, cementing Hacks as a masterclass in comedy and queer character development.
- The Last of Us (Season 2, HBO Max): Shifting its focus to Ellie's (Bella Ramsey) journey of revenge, the second season put her relationship with new girlfriend Dina (Isabela Merced) front and center. Their romance provided a powerful, tender emotional core amidst the brutal post-apocalyptic landscape, further enriching the world of this acclaimed series.
- Yellowjackets (Season 4, Netflix): The show that keeps on giving us toxic lesbians and cannibalistic chaos did not disappoint. The penultimate season got even gayer, exploring Shauna's teen storyline and adding the iconic Hillary Swank to the adult cast. Fans are still buzzing about every bloody, twisted moment.
The New Class: Fresh Voices & Bold Debuts
2025 was also the year of the breakout hit, with several new shows capturing the queer zeitgeist.
- Heated Rivalry (HBO Max): Who knew ice hockey could be this steamy? Based on Rachel Reid's popular novels, this sports romance became the year's must-see drama. Following the secret relationship between two rival pro players, Shane and Ilya, the show delivered both incredible chemistry and a sharp look at the pressures of homophobia in professional sports.
- Overcompensating (Prime Video): Internet sensation Benito Skinner successfully transitioned to television with this semi-autobiographical gem. Playing a closeted college freshman navigating hookups, friendships, and pop music, Skinner delivered a series that was both laugh-out-loud funny and painfully relatable for anyone who remembers the chaos of finding yourself.
- Boots (Netflix): Based on the memoir The Pink Marine, this powerful drama transported us to the early 1990s. Miles Heizer gave a compelling performance as a closeted teen who joins the Marines, grappling with his identity in the hyper-masculine world of boot camp under the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' era. A moving and timely story of resilience.
Genre-Bending and Unforgettable Stories
Queer characters weren't confined to one type of story this year, appearing in everything from sci-fi to reality TV.
- Pluribus (Apple TV+): From the creator of Breaking Bad, this sci-fi drama starred the incredible Rhea Seehorn as Carol, a jaded lesbian author who becomes one of humanity's last hopes after an alien virus creates a hivemind. Carol is the reluctant, complaining hero we never knew we needed.
- The Traitors (Season 4, Peacock): Hosted with theatrical flair by the one and only Alan Cumming, this reality competition remains a campy delight. The latest season was packed with queer fan-favourites like Bob the Drag Queen, making the backstabbing and betrayal in a Scottish castle all the more fabulous.
- Pee-wee as Himself (HBO Max): This moving two-part documentary offered a final, candid look at the life of comedy legend Paul Reubens. Filmed in his final years, Reubens opened up about his career, his private life, and his sexuality with a warmth and honesty that made for an essential and heartfelt tribute.
More to Binge!
The list of great shows doesn't stop there. We were also captivated by the spicy lesbian drama of The Hunting Wives (Netflix), the Gen Z antics of Adults (Hulu) and I Love LA (HBO Max), the twisty Mae Martin thriller Wayward (Netflix), and the heartwarming (and sadly cancelled) sitcom Mid-Century Modern (Hulu) about a group of older gay friends. What a year for our screens!
