Fall TV 2025: Queer Representation Takes Center Stage Across Major Networks

The fall 2025 TV season arrives with a slate of shows that foreground queer characters and storylines, reflecting ongoing efforts within the industry to improve representation and authenticity. As streaming platforms and traditional networks compete for audiences, queer visibility on screen has evolved from tokenism to multidimensional storytelling, with this season’s premieres and returns standing as testament to that progress .

Among the most anticipated returns is "Gen V" (Prime Video), the hit spinoff of "The Boys." Premiering its second season on September 17, "Gen V" continues to explore the lives of young superheroes at Godolkin University. The show is notable for its ensemble of queer characters, including bisexual students Marie Moreau and Emma Meyer, as well as Jordan Li, a gender-shifting hero whose storyline challenges gender norms and invites nuanced conversations about identity in the superhero genre .

Apple TV+ brings back "The Morning Show" for its fourth season on September 17, continuing the story of queer morning show host Bradley Jackson, whose journey as an openly queer woman navigating a high-pressure media environment resonates with viewers. While some cast changes have sparked conversation—most notably the exit of Julianna Margulies—season four introduces new faces and promises to build on its legacy of exploring sexuality, identity, and power in the workplace . Meanrtime, NBC brings us "Brilliant Minds" (NBC), which introduces a nonbinary neuroscientist as a central character.

Documentary storytelling also finds a place this season with HBO Max’s "Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television," executive produced by Issa Rae, highlighting the contributions of Black creators and featuring queer voices such as Lena Waithe. This two-part docuseries underscores the intersectional nature of representation and the importance of visibility for queer people of color .

Challenges remain. While the quantity of representation is growing, advocates stress the need for greater diversity within queer storylines, including more intersectional characters and stories that center disabled, BIPOC, and older queer individuals . In some cases, backlash and targeted campaigns have led to the cancellation or deplatforming of LGBTQ+ shows, particularly on mainstream networks. For instance, the queer-inclusive series *Love Life* was removed from HBO Max but later picked up by Netflix, reflecting both the vulnerability and resilience of queer media .

Showrunners and actors have voiced their commitment to authentic representation. In a recent interview, "Gen V" showrunner Michele Fazekas highlighted the importance of centering queer perspectives: “We know that representation is not just about numbers—it’s about telling stories that resonate with queer viewers and reflect their lived realities” .

Fans have responded positively, taking to social media to celebrate nuanced portrayals and call for more intersectional stories. Community organizers, such as those at @Community_Pride (Instagram), use the momentum from fall premieres to launch hashtag campaigns that encourage audiences to share what representation means to them, amplifying the call for inclusive storytelling .

Many of this season’s queer stories are not confined to the United States. International series like *Cactus Pears* and *Sauna* reflect the growing appetite for LGBTQ+ content worldwide, and streaming platforms are increasingly investing in global voices. These shows offer viewers a window into diverse LGBTQ+ experiences and underscore the universality of themes like love, acceptance, and resilience .