LGBTQ+ TV Shows Returning in 2023
January 5, 2023LGBTQ+ representation in television seems to expand with every passing year, with more diverse identities being portrayed and previously untold stories being given the spotlight they deserve. 2023 appears to be no exception, with a selection of exciting new queer media already in the works. Here is a list of 8 LGBTQ+ TV shows returning to our screens in 2023.
Heartstopper (Season 2)
One of Netflix’s most successful series of 2021, romantic drama Heartstopper won over the hearts of millions of viewers across the globe. Following the blossoming romance between school students Charlie and Nick, as well as the lives of their diverse friend group, this series provided much-needed confident portrayals of bisexual and transgender characters in a family drama.
Directly following on from the end of the first series, season two is expected to detail the events of Alice Oseman’s renowned graphic novel sequel. Dealing with important topics discussed within the LGBTQ+ community, including body image and judgmental family members, this series is building up to be an incredibly important staple in LGBTQ+ representation. Featuring up-and-coming LGBTQ+ stars Kit Connor, Yasmin Finney and Joe Locke.
Euphoria (Season 3)
Television’s most electrifying teen drama makes its comeback later this year for a third season. After the immense success and popularity of the show, with large viewing figures and immense engagement on social media throughout 2022, expectations for the upcoming series are sky high.
With trans and non-binary representation at the forefront of the show, Zendaya once again leads the diverse cast in tackling topics such as drug-use, sexuality and the negative impact of social media. Fans of Skins should give this drama-filled series a watch before the third series lands on HBO later in 2023.
Doctor Who (60th Anniversary)
Queer as Folk writer Russell T Davies once again takes the reigns of much-loved BBC show Doctor Who later this year. On top of bringing back fan favorites David Tennant and Catherine Tate, Davies is making sure the Whoniverse remains as diverse as ever with the inclusion of rising star Yasmin Finney, and Sex Education lead Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor.
Doctor Who is no stranger to diverse LGBTQ+ representation, with characters like Bill Potts, Captain Jack Harkness, and most recently Yasmin Khan playing prominent roles in the series. However, with Davies’ catalogue featuring increasingly unabashed queer storytelling, with his latest series being the empowering LGBTQ+ drama It’s a Sin, it’s entirely possible that the era of Doctor Who he intends to map out may be its most diverse and most queer yet. Keep an eye out for it this November.
Eurovision Song Contest (2023)
After the success of runner-up Sam Ryder’s performance in 2022, the United Kingdom has been selected to host Eurovision this Spring. With Liverpool as the host city, the singing competition is expected to be as camp and exuberant as ever.
Eurovision has had an LGBTQ+ following for many decades now, due to its inherently unabashed and accepting nature. Performances are welcomed no matter how extravagant or strange, and many from the community have found solace in the competitions’ open-minded spirit. Watch out for further announcements, such as guest appearances and entries, as the contest draws closer.
Big Boys (Season 2)
Jack Rooke’s brutally honest depiction of his own university experience was a heartwarming addition to the list of dramas in 2022. With a second series confirmed for later this year, we’re sure to continue following the awkwardly wholesome lives of Jack and his housemate Danny.
What started off as a story about a closeted student (played expertly by Derry Girls’ Dylan Llewellyn) and his journey into finding his place in the community, Big Boys slowly started dealing with other serious topics such as mental health and drug-use. With genuine, heartfelt messages of hope and optimism at the heart of it, this series is incredibly relatable to those who grew up in the 00s/early 2010s.
Young Royals (Season 3)
Critically acclaimed Swedish drama Young Royals returned for its second series recently, and it didn’t take long for a third and final series to be confirmed. Wilhelm and Simon’s secret relationship is still at the forefront of the show, though given events in the last season, things may be taking a turn in their final series.
With characters from across the LGBTQ+ community, and stories detailing the troubles of coming out, expectations placed on teens and young adults, and the impact of class status on queer youth, this series is not afraid to highlight key issues faced by many today. Main actors Edvin Ryding and Omar Rudberg only seem to improve with each outing, cementing themselves as prominent young stars.
The Handmaids Tale (Season 6)
"Nolite Te Bastardes Carborundorum.” Hulu’s incredible series The Handmaids Tale returns for a sixth and final season in 2023. Offering a terrifying glimpse into an alternate reality where fertility is at an all-time low, causing America to be taken over by a far-right religious totalitarian government called Gilead, the series follows lead character June Osbourne in her attempts to rescue her daughter Hannah.
June’s closest friend Moira Strand plays a prominent role in the show, depicting the treatment of LGBTQ+ people in this reality. Though the content is often grim to witness, the performances are incredible and feel truly authentic. Catch the final season later this year to see how June and Moira’s journey comes to a close.
Sex Education (Season 4)
Ncuti Gatwa’s second appearance on this list sees his return as fan favorite character Eric Effiong in the hit Netflix series Sex Education. With an immeasurably diverse list of characters, all portraying different lifestyles and identities, this show acts as both a gripping drama and a genuinely educational piece of television.
Introducing Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy to the cast in its latest series, Sex Education manages to bridge the gap between comedy and drama with finesse. With many loose ends to tie up after the events of Series 3, this season is sure to provide the excitement and hilarity that made the previous seasons so loved.
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