With the recent release of the third series of The L Word: Generation Q garnering mixed reviews, there is no denying that a show that celebrates many types of LGBTQ+ identity should always be showcased in the mainstream. Often raw, comedic, and brutal all in equal measure, queer television never shies away from the intense realities of life.

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In recent years, more shows have been released that highlight marginalized stories worth sharing on primetime or mainstream television. This is a very brief list of shows that capture the same inclusive and powerful vibe that The L Word: Generation Q hopes to inspire. Coming from very different showrunners and telling a wide variety of stories, these shows break ground in their own way.

8 Killing Eve

Sandra Oh in Killing Eve looking concerned

It is no secret that Killing Eve captivated the hearts and minds of its audiences for its four-season run, concluding heartbreakingly in the early part of 2022. A seductive spy versus spy story follows key characters Eve and Villanelle as they play a cat-and-mouse game chasing each other across the world to take each other down. Yet, the viewer comes to discover that the story is far more complex than that.

The show itself is unbelievably binge-worthy in part due to the queer chemistry between Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer. Their performances make their characters' relationship and the psychology behind them the central part of the show, as they are both enthralling and unmissable.

7 Feel Good

May and George from Feel Good in bed, George is asleep and May is staring at the ceiling.

A beautifully written and bittersweet queer love story, Mae Martin and Charlotte Ritchie headline this small dark comedy that handles the complications of identity, addiction, and mental health. Primarily following Mae, a non-binary comedian, the show tries to keep pace with them as they try to grab hold of their life and take control. Suddenly, they fall in love with the more conservative George, and all the issues that come with their love story are exacerbated by the society in which they exist.

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Although lasting for just two seasons, Feel Good has an incredible message at its heart. With a stellar cast having excellent chemistry, their dialogue is witty in every scene and makes room for both comedic and serious moments. It captures the early days of romance with deep feelings and understanding and tackles very real events head-on.

6 Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit

Jeanette stood in between her parents with a background of the ocean

Based on the incredibly raw novel by Jeanette Winterson, this BBC adaptation of Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit strikes a real core for its viewers. This three-part series first aired in 1990 and has only grown in acclaim as many come to appreciate its ability to transgress time. It revolves around a young woman, Jeanette, who comes to understand her sexuality while growing up in a deeply religious, cult-like household, the story examines the trials and trauma that stem from this.

Charlotte Coleman was flawless in her portrayal of a tortured teenage girl who explores the conflict between faith and freedom. Jeanette's journey remains a powerfully metaphorical and unsettling one that truly explores what it means for a person to accept their true self. The series is handled with grace and perhaps less sympathy than if it were made in the present day, but it is still an incredible watch.

5 Gentleman Jack

Anne Lister laughing with Ann Walker at the Walker residence

In the belly of the British Industrial Revolution, landowner Anne Lister (also known as Gentleman Jack) fights for her land, income, and most importantly, her growing interest in the affluent Ann Walker. With copious amounts of laughter and lust, Gentleman Jack examines the meaning of a British period drama by deconstructing the fourth wall and allowing a same-sex relationship to exist on a primetime show.

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Suranne Jones and Sophie Rundle's wonderful chemistry as partners is the starring element of the series and enthralls audiences in every scene with its warmth. Its busy plot travels in plenty of different directions to keep the eye busy with multiple stories about Anne Lister and those within her staff and her community, all encased in the beauty of the northern English landscape of Yorkshire. History fans will love this queer reinvention of a typical period drama story.

4 I Am Not Okay With This

Sydney from the show sat on a bench at school looking confused and a bit nervous

A dark comedy released on Netflix in 2020, this short and sweet story focuses on teenage Sydney as she seeks to navigate her sexuality and newly discovered superpowers. Based on a graphic novel, it is quick and punchy and has a unique aesthetic which is an exciting representation of a queer teen in a small town. While something dark is erupting within her, Sydney begins to fall in love with her best friend, Dina, and chaos ensues.

The show makes no secret of the fact that being a teenager and growing up has many challenges, not least with superpowers. Sophia Lillis' performance as Sydney is palpable as she conveys a teenager who is angry with the world and is unsure how to deal with it. I Am Not Okay With This is a hard look at reality, but also very engaging and fun with a fiery vision.

3 Tipping The Velvet

Kitty (left) and Nan (right) dressed as men for a performance

A blast from the past, Tipping the Velvet is a 2002 British television drama based on the debut novel of Sarah Waters. It follows protagonist Nan on a journey of self-discovery as she follows her love interest and male impersonator, Kitty, to the bustling streets of Victorian London and she must find ways to support herself in the city.

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Directed by Geoffrey Sax, the show was groundbreaking for its time regarding its boldness in not cutting any content deemed explicit by the media. Nan's storyline is overwhelming as she seeks to learn what she truly wants out of life on her way to stardom. Rachael Stirling shines in the leading role of Nan as she portrays abashed confidence with anxiety simultaneously and powerfully. Tipping the Velvet is a turbulent story about self-acceptance and the search for personal happiness and well worth a watch.

2 Pose

Main characters from Pose laughing and celebrating together

Pose is a simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking series following a group of young LGBTQ+ people trying to survive in 1980s/1990s New York. It emphasizes the rise of ballroom culture and queer subculture, the rise of a Trumpian era, and the importance of chosen family. The support and community that exists at the heart of this show are beautiful as audiences watch the main group of characters rallying together to ultimately support each other.

This show handles queer issues more inclusively and powerfully than most other shows with LGBTQ+ characters at the center. It explores what it means to be queer and black, as well as the realities of AIDS and the serious struggles that transgender people faced and still face today. Along with a killer soundtrack and an insight into the ball scene, this show will leave viewers emotional. Shows like Pose are forever important to watch.

1 The L Word (Original Series)

Bette and Tina from The L Word leaning against each other on their front porch and smiling at their friends

If fans have seen The L Word: Generation Q, it is well worth diving into the original show that made it all happen: The L Word. Situating a group of young, gay women living and loving in Los Angeles, the show broke many barriers with its discussions on gender and sexuality, along with its brazenness and fearlessness in speaking on previously taboo topics.

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All main characters are very well-developed and handle highly relatable issues that many at the time were uncomfortable about. With an intelligent and moving script and undeniable banter between a fun group of friends, The L Word is a powerful melodramatic show about the trials queer women faced in 2000s America. Despite being outdated and missing the mark with some social issues, it is worth watching to see what came before the reboot.

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