Best LGBTQ+ shows of 2026 so far – from Tip Toe to Half Man

LGBTQ+ shows were once few and far between on TV. Representation has thankfully come a long way since then, expanding the number of queer stories (and even our definition of such) on screen.

Just halfway through 2026, there are already too many LGBTQ+ shows to easily narrow down in a list celebrating what’s been released so far. That can only be a good thing, unless you’re the person tasked with narrowing down said list.

Apologies to the wonderful stories that didn’t make the cut this time, and apologies to some of the shows on this list too which will inevitably get bumped off by new entries later in the year.

But for now, let’s appreciate all the incredible LGBTQ+ shows we’ve watched and rewatched throughout 2026 so far.

Tip Toe

After It’s a Sin celebrated the resilience of queer people during the AIDS crisis, Russell T Davies brings us back to the present where things are far from alright still. A minor feud between Alan Cumming’s bar owner and his neighbour (David Morrissey) soon escalates into a horrific act of violence that speaks to the real-world horrors we face at a time when things should be getting better, not worse. A landmark, must-see show.

Tip Toe is available to watch on Channel 4.

Big Mistakes

Rather than just coast off the success of Schitt’s Creek, Dan Levy teamed up with Rachel Sennott to create and star in a new Netflix series named Big Mistakes that’s far from the family sitcom you might expect. Levy plays a gay pastor who gets caught up in the dangerous yet somewhat ludicrous world of organised crime with only his sister to rely on. Look out for Laurie Metcalf in a scene-stealing role.

Big Mistakes is available to watch on Netflix.

Heated Rivalry

Released earlier this year in the UK, Heated Rivalry follows two ice hockey players named Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), who put aside their rivalry and puck their way to the top. Come for the heated bedroom antics that got everyone talking. Stay for the connection that ensues, one that’s almost as beautiful as the show’s two breakout stars. And if you’ve already seen it? Why not come to the cottage again?

Heated Rivalry is available to watch on NOW and Sky TV.

Read more:

• Tip Toe left me asking a troubling question about Britain today
• Beyond the UK and US: 10 must-watch non-English LGBTQ+ shows – from Élite to The Summer Hikaru Died

Smoggie Queens season 2

Smoggie Queens is by far the smoggiest show you’ll ever see on TV (complimentary). As multifaceted as drag itself, Phil Dunning’s absurdly brilliant drag sitcom is a love letter to Middlesborough, a heartfelt ode to chosen family, and the funniest thing you’ll see this year. You’ll want to be best friends with the whole cast by the end of episode one. Yes, even Drag Race’s Michelle Visage who returns this season for another ridiculous cameo.

Smoggie Queens is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Soul Mate

Written and directed by Shunki Hashizume, Soul Mate follows the connection forged between a Korean boxer and a Japanese ice hockey player that spans 10 years across three cities. Whether they’re in Berlin, Seoul or Tokyo, Johan Hwang (Ok Taec-yeon) and Ryu Narutaki (Hayato Isomura) are always yearning for each other when they’re not together. Just note the emphasis here is very much on the soul mate vibes with little reference to romantic love until near the end.

Soul Mate is available to watch on Netflix.

Hacks season 5

Combining dramatic heft with ridiculously sharp comedic writing, Hacks tells the story of Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), a legendary stand-up comedian whose career is reinvigorated with the help of a young comedy writer named Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder). Smart has won the lead actress Emmy four seasons in a row for this, her magnum opus, and she might just do it again following the final season, which was somehow just as good as the four seasons that preceded it.

Hacks is available to watch on NOW and Sky TV.

The Comeback season 3

If there was any justice in the world, Friends alum Lisa Kudrow would be most famous for her leading role in the HBO sitcom The Comeback, which she co-created with Sex and the City’s Michael Patrick King. Each season has always been ahead of the curve, and this final one was no different, pushing Valerie Cherish into yet another new realm of TV, twenty years after her debut. To quote Kudrow’s greatest creation, you do need to see that show (if you haven’t already).

The Comeback is available to watch on NOW, HBO MAX and Sky TV.

XO, Kitty season 3

To all the fans who loved XO, Kitty seasons 1 and 2, this third outing might be the messiest yet (complimentary). Anna Cathcart reprises the titular role as her “Will they, won’t they” with Min-ho Moon (Sang Heon Lee) continues to bring all the drama-ma-ma-ma in a rare teen show that celebrates multiple queer characters of colour. Come for the adorable goofy vibes and stay for the seoul of it all.

XO, Kitty is available to watch on Netflix.

Sammy’s Children’s Day

As BL (Boys Love) storytelling continues to sweep the globe, one of the best shows to come out of this in 2026 was Sammy’s Children’s Day. Back in ’80s Hong Kong, the story introduces us to a triad deputy leader named Xia Liuyi (He Yanchao) who ends up falling for He Chusan (He Changxi), a student who dreams of studying to escape the chaos of life in the Kowloon Walled City. It’s as addictive as BL shows can get.

Sammy’s Children’s Day is available to watch 0n GagaOOLala and Rakuten Viki.

Half Man

Following the success of Baby Reindeer, Richard Gadd returns with another story of broken people whose connection is way too intense for normal society to handle. This time around, two “brothers from another lover” are reunited at a wedding before we go back in time and find out just how Ruben (Gadd) and Niall (Jamie Bell) started their twisted obsession with each another. Not an easy watch by any means.

Half Man is available to watch on BBC.

Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.