The TV gods giveth and the TV gods taketh away.
First of all, the good news: It’s been an absolute history-making year in terms of LGBTQ+ representation on television. Back in February, GLAAD reported that the medium had a record high number of queer characters in series regular roles, and that number has certainly only grown since. It’s almost hard to keep up!
But therein lies the bad news, too: Despite a plethora of networks and streamers, all of these shows can’t just continue on in perpetuity. So, naturally, that means a good many of them get the chop sooner or later. And, is it just us, or did way too many of our favorites end this year?
Whether they’d been planning on their final seasons for some time now, or were abruptly canceled, we said goodbye to many great LGBTQ+ series in 2022. As the year comes to a close, let’s take a moment to remember all the shows we lost.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Read on for a trip down memory lane, and to learn where you can still stream (most of) these excellent shows.
Better Things
Comedian Pamela Adlon’s underrated family dramedy had a solid five-season run, but we’re still sad to see it go, especially because of its frank queer coming-of-age story that resisted labels. 5 seasons; streaming on Hulu.
Derry Girls
Nicola Coughlin’s lesbian character Clare was just one of many bright spots in this laugh-out-loud look at teen life in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, which came to an end after its long-awaited third season. 3 seasons; streaming on Netflix.
First Kill
Like a gay Romeo & Juliet with fangs, this teen fantasy series followed the blossoming romance between a young vampire (Sarah Catherine Hook) and a “hunter” (Imani Lewis), whose families are mortal enemies. 1 season; streaming on Netflix.
Related: Netflix pissed off the queers again—and its Twitter page has turned into a sh*tshow
Gentleman Jack
HBO’s handsome period drama told the story of Anne Lister (Suranne Jones), a businesswoman in the early 1800s who has come to be known as “the first modern lesbian.” 2 seasons; streaming on HBO Max.
Grace & Frankie
One of Netflix’s longest running original series came to an end this year. The show was the perfect comedic showcase for legends Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin and their timeless friendship. 7 seasons; streaming on Netflix.
Related: 5 reasons we’re head over heels in love with Lily Tomlin
His Dark Materials
An adaptation of Phillip Pullman’s acclaimed fantasy novels, His Dark Materials has made plenty of space for queer characters, and just wrapped up its final season in late December. 3 seasons; streaming on HBO Max.
Killing Eve
Not everyone was happy with its conclusion, but, for four seasons, this BBC America series was a sapphic thrill ride elevated by Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer’s crackling chemistry. 4 seasons; streaming on Hulu and via the AMC+ subscription service.
Legendary
The groundbreaking ballroom competition show was only getting better and better with each passing season, so it’s pretty heartbreaking that it was canned by HBO Max—hopefully it finds a second life elsewhere. Controversially, all 3 seasons were recently pulled from the HBO Max streaming library.
Related: The House of Juicy Couture slayed the ‘Legendary’ stage: here’s a recap of their best performances
Los Espookys
This Spanish-language horror-comedy had a voice all its own, with an irresistible and idiosyncratic chosen family at its core and more laughs-per-minute than any other show on TV. 2 seasons; streaming on HBO Max.
Related: Julio Torres & Ana Fabrega on how ‘Los Espookys’ matured in season two
Love, Victor
A spin-off of the landmark gay teen rom-com Love, Simon, this series stood out on its own merits with a lovable cast and even deeper explorations of coming out and coming of age. 3 seasons; streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
Paper Girls
Based off a popular comic book series, this time-traveling adventure series felt like it was just get started when Amazon made the unceremonious decision to nix its future plans. 1 season; streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Q-Force
This riotous animated spy spoof premiered on Netflix last year, but it wasn’t until this past Pride Month that we learned the team wouldn’t be coming back for a second mission. 1 season; streaming on Netflix.
Related: Gabe Liedman on bringing animated full-frontal to ‘Q-Force’
Queer As Folk
In the early 2000s, Queer As Folk (both British and American versions) was a formative viewing experience for many gays, and this ambitious update sought to tell a similar story through a modern, more LGBTQ+ inclusive lens. 1 season; streaming on Peacock.
Related: ‘Queer As Folk’ stars react to show being canceled after one season
Saved By The Bell
Another TV reboot, this Saved By The Bell surprised with its super-meta hook and a sharp sense of humor. Gone after just 2 seasons, at least it gave us an all-time great trans TV character in Josie Totah’s queen bee, Lexi Haddad-DeFabrizio. 2 seasons; streaming on Peacock.
The Baby-Sitters Club
An adaptation of the beloved YA book series, The Baby-Sitters Club boasted a charming young ensemble and delighted with its queer and trans-inclusive storytelling. 2 seasons; streaming on Netflix.
The Bastard Son And The Devil Himself
A bloody good (and bloody) fantasy series about a young witch who discovers his father is the world’s most dangerous sorcerer, and finds himself romantically torn between his two friends. 1 season; streaming on Netflix.
Related: Netflix’s gory, gay new fantasy series is the perfect Halloween weekend binge watch
The First Lady
Michelle Pfeiffer, Viola Davis, and Gillian Anderson headlined this prestige series which was met with mixed reviews. Arguably its best element was its exploration of Eleanor Roosevelt’s queer relationship. 1 season; streaming via Showtime subscription services.
The Wilds
Not to be confused with Yellowjackets, this thrilling survival drama was about a group of teenagers stranded on a deserted island and slowly realizing they may be part of some dark social experiment. 2 seasons; streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Tuca & Bertie
This surreal adult animated comedy was one of the most thoughtful examinations of millennial adulthood and female friendship out there, and it just so happened to be about a couple of birds. Season 1 is streaming on Netflix, Seasons 2 & 3 are streaming on HBO Max.
Warrior Nun
A bisexual romance was the beating heart of this epic action fantasy about a—you guessed it—warrior nun brought back from the dead and gifted with supernatural powers to fend of soul-hungry demons. 2 seasons; streaming on Netflix.
Work In Progress
Early in 2022, we were devastated to learn about the cancellation of this winning indie comedy about the life and loves of a Chicagoan named Abby, who self-identifies as a “fat, queer dyke.” 2 seasons; streaming via Showtime subscription services.
And, finally, we said goodbye to The CW as we know it
In one of the most baffling entertainment industry stories of the year, The CW underwent a major overhaul in order to appeal to an older skewing audience. That meant much of its current programming became a casualty, which—by the way—was mostly series with prominent LGBTQ+ characters and storylines. So pour one out for *deep breath* Batwoman, Charmed, Dynasty, In The Dark, Legacies, Legends Of Tomorrow, Naomi, Roswell New Mexico, Stargirl, Tom Swift, and 4400.
Technically, Riverdale, The Flash, and Nancy Drew survived the year, but they all be airing their final seasons in 2023. Most of the shows mentioned are either streaming via Netflix or HBO Max.
Related: Let’s hear it for ‘Tom Swift’s’ sexy star Tian Richards, TV’s first gay Black lead
nm4047
Cancellation after (or before end of) season 1 was a no brainer, just wasn’t worth the time. Equally, many of these shows weren’t cancelled, they concluded their storylines, such as Love, Victor, Grace & Frankie, His Dark Material.
LumpyPillows
Three really good shows that ran to conclusion. Agreed,
Neoprene
Re: QAF: “this ambitious update sought to tell a similar story through a modern, more LGBTQ+ inclusive lens”, the very reason it s#cked arse and was cancelled. Too funny.
Joshooeerr
Yup. I will usually watch most gay series to the end because I’m very interested in the development of gay TV and movie. I even made it through Looking, which was deeply unsatisfying. But the QAF reboot was so bad I ditched half way through episode 2.
LumpyPillows
I think it is funny that the most ardent supporters of all this TQIA stuff really have never had to deal with anyone in that group. They are, for the most part, excruciatingly tedious and annoying. Watch them in a show? I’d rather not.
GlobeTrotter
“and this ambitious update sought to tell a similar story through a modern, more LGBTQ+ inclusive lens”
The problem with a lot of these short-lived shows is that they were trying to “represent”, i.e. they were trying to sell viewers an ideology instead of simply telling a story. This rendered them boring and uninteresting. People watch TV shows for the story, for a good plot. There’s nothing interesting about just writing gay characters. They have to be interesting characters that just so happen to be gay. Anything else is just a waste of time.
bachy
I absolutely loved Gentleman Jack! If you haven’t seen this you’re missing out on something very provocative indeed! The story is based on the collected diaries of 19th century landowner and industrialist Anne Lister, documenting a lifetime of secretive, torrid, lesbian seductions.
I’m a big fan of Suranne Jones (see: Doctor Foster) and was blown away by her performance. It was fascinating watching a great actress interpret Lister’s very “masculine” persona in a manner that made you root for her success. If you’ve ever imagined a real woman watching a drag show and wondering, is that how you see us? – here’s your chance to experience the reverse.
If you enjoy British period dramas, you’ll love this look at a never-say-die bull dyke, kicking ass, taking names and living her best life against all the odds.
LumpyPillows
I will check it out!
Prax07
Grace & Frankie was the only thing listed I’ve watched, loved it, sad that it’s gone.
Ronbo
I thought that G&F had another season – did I miss them wrapping up everything?
Side note (no comments section on another story): What is “gay twitter”? Is it another site or just gay twits on twitter desperately seeking attention?
LumpyPillows
Derry Girls was great, but the story was over. In fact, I thought season 2 was the end. It’s a fun watch.
wiggie
many people expected QAF to be just like the British and American versions 20 years ago. Whereas this cast was way more diverse than the previous versions and dealt with the issues today’s young gays deal with.
jaimedance3
Face it Batwoman should have been canceled after the 1st season since Ruby Rose destroyed it with her terrible acting! I have never seen a terrible actress in my entire life. And face it the only reason why she got the part is because of her sexuality that was it! They should have went with some actress who could have actually acted and do the part justice! But let’s face it there are not any good actresses out there these days that could have done that! I mean the buzz was there that it was supposed to be a good show once they hired Ruby and after the 1st couple of episodes it went all downhill and only got worse!