Olly Alexander from Years & Years with the cast of It's A Sin
Inclusion for the LGBTQI+ community has come on in leaps and bounds since the olden days and things get better with each coming season. As 2021 gets going, we take a gander at what’s out now, out already and is coming soon that shows just how far we’ve come in entertainment.
It’s A Sin (Channel 4) – The new Russell T. Davis (Doctor Who, Queer As Folk) has been embraced by audiences and critics alike which 5-star reviews declaring it a masterpiece of queer TV making. Set in the eighties at the start of the AIDS epidemic, the 5 parter stars Years & Years’ Olly Alexander.
Stage Mother (Netflix) – Not quite as fun as it sounds. An aging drag queen dies of an overdose and his estranged mother inherits the bar. Legend Jacki Weaver stars with newfound gay icon Lucy Liu.
RuPaul’s Drag Race (UK & US) – Both shows are surprisingly different considering they are the same format. Look to the US version (season 13) for polish and poise on Netflix and the UK one (season 2) on BBC iPlayer for crass comedy and kookiness.
Schitt’s Creek (Netflix) – With awards coming from every orifice, if you’ve not seen this inclusive comedy masterpiece then you need to get on it now. Slow at first before it opens up into a thing of genius.
Why Women Kill (various providers) – Producer/writer Marc Cherry equals his Desperate Housewives peak with this time skipping anthology about murder most hilarious. Over a whole series, Lucy Liu becomes a gay icon before our very eyes, not to be missed.
Lucy Liu killing it on Why Women Kill
Dragula (Amazon Prime/Shutter) – The dark and creepy version of Drag Race is a very different beast. Inspired by horror and alternative drag performances, the competition show takes things to the extreme and is hosted by drag legends The Boulet Brothers.
Umbrella Academy (Netflix) – Another graphic novel adaptation and already commissioned for a third series. Starring Elliot Page, the sci-fi series will include his transition into the storyline.
AJ & the Queen (Netflix) – Short-lived but definitely cult-worthy, the single season RuPaul vehicle has a lot of heart and famous drag queens bouncing off the walls, literally. Funny and touching, take it with the pinch of salt it deserves.
Stardust (Box Office) – Attempting to do for David Bowie what the movie Bohemian Rhapsody did for Queen or Rocketman did for Elton John. The Bowie estate haven’t allowed his music to be used to the jury’s definitely out on this one.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Netflix) – Award winning cop comedy has some great representation, notably in the chief of police who has a natty turn at a zinger without being a stereotype.
Adam Samberg checks out his rug
Crashing (Netflix) – The first sitcom written by and starring Fleabag’s Phoebe Waller-Bridge, do you really need any more info?
Great Pottery Throw Down (BBC) – Move over Sewing Bee, there’s a new crafty show in town. With more gay competitors than you can shake candlestick at, tasks like making a cheese fondue bowl prove this is a camp TV classic to follow.
Dear White People (Netflix) – Brilliantly cast and supremely watchable series based on the 2014 film of the same name, actor DeRon Hortono’s character excellently negotiates his struggles with his sexuality and being a black man in the gay community.
Eastsiders (Netflix) - This drama ran from 2012 to 2019 following a gay couple in Silver Lake, LA. featuring WIllam from RuPaul’s Drag Race and the awesome Constance Wu (Crazy Rich Asians).
Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar (Box Office) – If you’re a fan of Bridesmaids then this is one to look out for. It’s the next film by the writing team Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo who both star this time. Out in Feb (hopefully).
The Old Guard (Netflix) – Surprise huge hot for Netflix starring über-ally Charlize Theron based on the graphic novel of the same name. the Old Guard are immortals and the inclusion of an ancient warrior gay couple is touching and noteworthy.
We're here for the Old Guard and this hot killer couple
Bo-Jack Horseman (Netflix) – Despite the fact it stars the voices of Will Arnette and Amy Sedaris who are legends in their own right. One of the main characters comes out as asexual which is a rarity on TV.
His Dark Materials (BBC/HBO) – Fleabag's ‘hot vicar’, gay actor Andrew Scott took a lead role in the BBC’s parallel universe epic adaptation of Phillip Pullman’s beloved novels. Watch out for series 3 featuring a gay couple to just happen to be angels. Celestial TV.
Star Trek: Discovery (Netflix) – You don’t have to be a Trekkie to enjoy this blast of top drawer sci-fi. Featuring the first non-binary and trans couple on TV, Star Trek leads the way in inclusivity as always with aplomb.
Superstore (ITV, Netflix) – Come for Ugly Betty star America Ferrera, stay for near-the-knuckle comedy that catches you unawares by one minute being light and fluffy and the next dark AF.
Hollyoaks (Channel 4) - Yes you did read that right. Hollyoaks has become a haven for gay characters and storylines. It’s great representation on a prime-time UK show but then it is Channel 4.