3 best gay shows on Netflix to watch (and 2 to skip)

Over the years, we’ve seen tons of great queer content be released on Netflix. More specifically, we have seen the release of many new gay shows on Netflix that have captured our interest. But of course, not every show released is worth watching. Just like there are good shows, there are duds.

We know how annoying it can be to start a show only to stop watching it after the first five minutes because it just wasn’t enjoyable. That’s why we want to help you out. We scoured through Netflix’s queer section to find only the best gay shows to put in a must-watch list. We even took it a step further and included two gay shows we recommend that you skip over.

Check out our list below!

Heartstopper

Watch! How could we not put this heartwarming teen series on our must-watch list? It’s an uplifting show that follows the lives and evolving relationship between teen boys Charlie Spring and Nicholas Nelson (Joe Locke and Kit Connor). Viewers watch as they navigate the ups and downs of young love while coming to terms with their sexualities.

It’s a show that authentically portrays the experiences that many gay teens have in real life. Many viewers can relate and connect with the challenges, insecurities, and joys that Charlie and Nick face and have in the series. It’s also a show that conveys an important message about acceptance and promotes inclusivity. Overall, Heartstopper is pure joy, and it’s a show many gay adults wish they had when they were growing up.

Young Royals

Watch! Another one of the best gay shows on Netflix would have to be Young Royals. It’s a show revolving around a young prince who not only has to deal with the pressures of royalty but also the challenges of adolescence and discovering one’s sexuality.

ÉLITE (L to R) MANU RÍOS as PATRICK, ANDRÉ LAMOGLIA as IVÁN in episode 01 of ÉLITE. Cr. MATÍAS URIS/NETFLIX © 2022

Elite

Skip! While Elite does include many LGBTQ+ characters, they’re portrayed in a stereotypical way. They have little to no development and are always hypersexualized. Also, where’s the plot? There’s too much s*x and not enough mystery in this show. While the first three seasons were great, the show has become more and more like a soft p*rn as it goes on. I’m truly surprised that this show is still going on.

Watch! What I absolutely love about Glamorous is that it celebrates queerness. It conveys positive messages about acceptance, embracing one’s identity, and being true to oneself. We need more shows like this. It’s a light-hearted series that’s enjoyable to watch overall.

The show follows a young gender non-conforming queer man named Marco Mejia, whose life completely changes when he lands a dream job working for a legendary makeup mogul. Once he’s hired, he begins a journey of self-discovery while also working to change the fashion industry.

Miss Benny leads the cast as Marco Mejia, while Kim Cattrall plays the role of Marco’s new boss, makeup mogul Madolyn Addison.

Q-Force

Skip! How did this show even make it past the writing stage? It’s just awful… I remember when I first heard about it, I really wanted to see it because it was a show finally centering around mostly LGBTQ+ animated characters. But it ended up being a complete letdown. The characters rely on gay stereotypes that aren’t funny at all, and many of the jokes are corny. Honestly, I’m not surprised at all that it was canceled after only one season.

Stay tuned to Netflix Life for more Netflix show recommendations!