Slowly but surely, TV is doing a better job at depicting the full scope of the varied queer experience. Things started out small when it comes to LGBT+ shows, with series like Will & Grace and Glee revealing slices of queer identity. Now sitcoms, dramas, and everything in between have expanded that showcase, dedicating themselves to getting representation right.
But just like the best LGBTQ+ movies, we didn’t get there overnight, and there’s still more work to be done. However, these 30 LGBTQ+ shows (among others) did more than just move the dial forward when it comes to queer representation in Hollywood. They broke down the doors and created opportunities for change on-screen and off.
In honor of Pride Month, let’s take a look at just how far we’ve come from our past to our present. Of course, not every modern series with positive LGBTQ+ representation is highlighted on this list, which just goes to show how much progress has been made.
The Corner Bar (1972-1973)
Courtesy Everett Collection
The Corner Bar was a blip-on-the-radar sitcom that aired on ABC from June 1972 to September 1973, but it contains an extremely important character in the history of queer TV shows: Peter Panama, a set designer played brilliantly by Vincent Schiavelli. Peter is widely considered to be the first recurring gay character to ever appear on television; he was so entertaining, though, he should’ve been a series regular.
L.A. Law (1986-1994)
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