Welcome to your weekend streaming recommendations, a.k.a. the Weekend Watch, a handy guide to the queerest film and TV content that’s just a click away!
This year was an embarrassment of riches when it came to queer TV. The groundbreaking Fellow Travelers managed to be both sexy and deeply sad, Heartstopper returned for more earnest British gay joy, and even less successful series like Glamorous gave us Zane Phillips in a Speedo.
This week’s picks are some shows you may not have heard of this year, but are notable for their queer inclusivity and compelling content. We promise: you haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen Mischa Barton try to do a soap opera.
Read on for 2023 LGBTQ+ series you may have missed to stream this weekend:
Neighbours
After a run from 1985-2022, the beloved Aussie soap opera Neighbours came to an end, with original stars Guy Pearce, Margot Robbie, and Kyle Minogue—RIGHT?—returning for a grand finale. But earlier this year, Amazon Freevee revived the series and immediately restored it to its former queer glory. Set in the fictional neighborhood of Erinsborough, Neighbours follows the lives of several families who live on Ramsay Street. The show is effortlessly gay, with the latest family being a lesbian couple and their teen boys. Other LGBTQ+ characters include Mackenzie (Georgie Stone), a trans young woman positioned as the show’s romantic lead; hottie couple David and Aaron (Takaya Honda and Matt Wilson), who are back in town after being implicated in a crime; and several other queer supporting characters. The show only recently returned, so you can start from the 2023 premiere. Oh, and don’t mind the oddly misplaced Mischa Barton as the show’s (awkward) guest star.
Now streaming on Amazon Freevee.
Bodies
This mind-bending, time-defying mystery from Netflix is based on Si Spencer’s DC Vertigo graphic novel. When a body turns up in London in four different years—1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053—the detectives involved realize something strange is going on. As this labyrinthine mystery unfolds, the detective in 1890, Alfred Hillinghead (Kyle Soller) teams up with reporter Henry Ashe (George Parker), and the two find themselves unexpectedly falling in love with each other. Bodies is a dark, brooding mystery with twists around every corner, but the romance between Alfred and Henry is more than enough reason to watch.
Now streaming on Netflix.
Grease: Rise Of The Pink Ladies
There’s always been something queer about Grease—from the idea of being different from your friends, to the hormonal, often confused teens—and this one-season wonder fully embraces the fact that yes, the 1950s had gays. In this musical origin story about the Pink Ladies’ formation, viewers meet the original girl gang, including Cynthia (Ari Notartomaso), a tomboy who wants to join the T-Birds. Cynthia goes on a personal journey over the course of the season that includes a star-crossed romance with another girl.
Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies was unceremoniously pulled from Paramount+ after its cancellation, but can be purchased digitally on Amazon, Apple TV and Vudu.
This fun, dark teen drama tells the story of Maddie (Peyton List), a girl who finds herself trapped in the afterlife—her high school! Maddie soon learns she was murdered, and sets out to solve who did it, even if her spirit can’t leave school grounds. Her guide and friend throughout her journey is Charley (Nick Pugliese), a gay teen whose death has a darkly comic punchline that is also quite tragic. As the season progresses, Maddie learns to cope with her situation, while discovering more about the mysterious details surrounding her death.
Now streaming on Paramount+.
The Kicker…
Everyone loves a hidden gem. In this SNL sketch, Kenan Thompson introduces a lost soap opera, Supportive Women, which is the first soap ever to have no conflict.
Stay in-the-know with Queerty’s midweek pop culture catch-up.
Don't forget to share:
Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...
We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?
The gay detective in BODIES is so hot, and scenes where he’s in bed with the reporter I had to back up and watch about 3 times. Plus, it’s a fascinating story. On the movie front; nothing is as gay or as titlilating as SALTBURN, and the last three minutes of the film with naked dancing and full frontal…..and that movie has dreamy Jacob Elordi.
Thanks for the tip! I had somehow completely missed hearing about Saltburn but I see that it will be coming to Prime a couple of days before Christmas. I’ll definitely check it out.
Yeah Bodies was terrific. Grease is The Word is utter PC crap that has nothing to do with the original musical, movie or stage show and especially has nothing to do with the actual 1950’s or 50’s music or culture. You need to watch Fellow Travelers for a look at the 50’s.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
dbmcvey
Bodies is really excellent! I was surprised how good!
Major
I second that. I really enjoyed the series.
inbama
First time dbmcvey is right about anything.
james7
The gay detective in BODIES is so hot, and scenes where he’s in bed with the reporter I had to back up and watch about 3 times. Plus, it’s a fascinating story. On the movie front; nothing is as gay or as titlilating as SALTBURN, and the last three minutes of the film with naked dancing and full frontal…..and that movie has dreamy Jacob Elordi.
linedrive
Thanks for the tip! I had somehow completely missed hearing about Saltburn but I see that it will be coming to Prime a couple of days before Christmas. I’ll definitely check it out.
SFMike
Yeah Bodies was terrific. Grease is The Word is utter PC crap that has nothing to do with the original musical, movie or stage show and especially has nothing to do with the actual 1950’s or 50’s music or culture. You need to watch Fellow Travelers for a look at the 50’s.