The Best Current TV Shows with Gay Characters

Gay characters on TV shows have come a long way since the days of All in the Family when a character named Steve shocked the nation by becoming the first openly gay character on a sitcom. Since then, gay TV shows like Will and Grace and Glee have blazed trails for LGBTQ+ characters. Now, scores of shows feature gay characters, sometimes in leading roles and other times as members of the supporting cast. Which gay TV series currently on air are the best?

Unlike in the past, series like Batwoman, Wynonna Earp, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and plenty of others now feature gay and lesbian characters without focusing overtly on their sexuality. In the past, most gay characters' predominant trait was the fact that they were gay. Now, we have LGBTQ+ TV shows with gay characters who are defined by their other traits as well, and they just happen to be gay.

Many people relate the growing presence and positive portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community in television to the gradually changing ideals of America. Many television writers have attempted to tackle the issue of gay rights and in doing so, they have helped to change the national narrative.

Thanks to that, we now have gay shows featuring gay characters who are everything from superheroes to prisoners to stay at home dads. Check out this list of gay and lesbian TV shows and vote up the series you think are the best current TV shows with gay characters.