Best LGBT Shows This Summer

Written by Naliah-Alexandra Bryan

It’s been a BIG summer for all things queer!

Euphoria 

Breakout star Zendaya Coleman really shines through in this visceral TV drama. I've witnessed her shake off her “Disney child star” persona as she delivers her most standout performance with rich authenticity. This drama is centered around Zendaya’s character, 17-year-old Rue Bennett, who narrates and divulges the harrowing trials and tribulations that she and her peers undergo within the confines of their tiny suburban California beach town. Euphoria serves as a window into the boundless complexities that Generation-Z faces today, along with showcasing an  effortless-rule-breaking spin on the typical queer teen love story. 

Stream Season One now on HBO. 

Schitt’s Creek

After binging Schitt’s Creek on Netflix for the 10th time this summer, I think it’s time to share the love. Schitt’s Creek has all the qualities of the perfect summertime show: it’s light, funny, and easy to binge. The sitcom follows a wealthy family that suddenly finds themselves completely bankrupt, and their only remaining asset is a small town called Schitt’s Creek. What sets this show apart is how tactfully and effortlessly it displays intersectionality and a range of LGBTQIA+ characters. Between Catherine O'Hara's impeccable comedic timing and the hodgepodge of oddball characters, this show is absolutely delightful. 

Stream Seasons 1-4 now on Netflix.  

Tales of the City

It’s a great time for LGBT stories, and Tales of the City proves just that, as it trended for two weeks straight on Netflix.  In this 10-episode sequel miniseries, Mary Ann Singleton, played by Laura Linney, returns to 28 Barbary Lane, for the 90th birthday of her former landlady, Anna Madrigal. Twenty-three years have passed since the last time she was in San Francisco, and this series is chock full of gutsiness rooted in the underlying story, which is framed around the original series’ premise amidst the initial counterculture movement of the 60s. What’s beautiful about this show is how well they depict their LGBT characters, straight or queer: none of their stories stem from a place of contrition, which is refreshing to see. Just like in the original, underneath all the complex plot twists and tragedies, the sequel reverberates with the sweet sincerity of hopefulness. 

Stream all 10 episodes on Netflix.