When feelings of loneliness appear, a show that you can relate to can break through the feeling of being isolated. Sometimes things portrayed on screen can even feel so real, too real that they leave you wondering if you ever had a single original experience. Personally, rather than resulting in feeling ordinary, these moment make me feel deeply seen, especially when it relates to queer experience. Isn’t it amazing when creators can pierce through the shell of loneliness and help you feel comfortable with feeling vulnerable? Whatever weird mood you find yourself in, my hope is that at least one of these five shows speaks to you.
For more queer shows head over here or for more of that warm and fuzzy feeling head over to 5 Animated TV Series for Magic, Love and Adventure or 5 TV Shows About Youth & Carving Your Own Path Away From the Male Gaze.
5. Schitt’s Creek
A classic riches-to-rags story of the most hilarious and unique family you could ask for, which has forgotten how to be one. At first I didn’t quite “get it” but once you do, you will wish for the next episode to never be the last. Characters are built as beautifully as they are hilarious and the family together forms an iconic ensemble. A masterclass.
IMDB Synopsis: When rich video-store magnate Johnny Rose and his family suddenly find themselves broke, they are forced to leave their pampered lives to regroup in Schitt’s Creek. 8.7/10
Creators: Dan Levy, Eugene Levy
4. Our Flag Means Death
A hilarious series where ships come true. When you first start this show you might think: OH THIS IS BRITISH and indeed it is, with the humour that comes with it. This show definitely made waves for its awesome crew and soon you will also get on board. Never fails to surprise you, A+ for nonbinary rep.
IMDB Synopsis: The year is 1717. Wealthy landowner Stede Bonnet has a midlife crisis and decides to blow up his cushy life to become a pirate. It does not go well. Based on a true story. 7.8/10
Creator: David Jenkins
3. Gentleman Jack
A welcome break from modernity, Gentleman Jack provides hours of escapism into the fascinating life of the very real Anne Lister, thanks to encrypted journals she left behind. A window into the many queer stories that have been erased by time. Careful too many spoilers in trailer.
IMDB Synopsis: A dramatization of the life of lesbian trailblazer, voracious learner, and cryptic diarist Anne Lister. 8.2/10
Creator: Sally Wainwright
2. Killing Eve
This slow-burn enemies to lovers romance will most likely consume you like it did many others (if you want more of this type of show, may I recommend 6 TV Series With a Hint of Darkness, a Pinch of Humour and a Dash of Anger).
Imdb: After a series of events, the lives of a security operative and an assassin become inextricably linked. 8.2/10
Creator: Phoebe Waller-Bridge
1. Feel Good
Few things compare to starting a show and instantly seeing yourself in the protagonist. Starting with a whirlwind romance that soon start to get a little too intense. The show addresses themes of addiction, codependency and trauma. While it can get quite hard to watch, it is also very funny. I wont try to outdo Drew´s review(s):
In a review of Feel Good by Autostraddle, writer Drew Gregory picks out three quotes that each pinpoint a moment that made me feel that exact way: “The only reason you’d chase people who aren’t attracted to your entire gender is because you hate yourself”; “I’m going to be left watching The L Word and googling ‘Am I gay?’ while you barnacle yourself to the next straight girl you meet” and “I’m not a boy. I’m not even a girl. I’m like a failed version of both.” My endless gratitude goes towards Autostraddle and their daily dose of queer content, no matter how surrounded I may be by straight folk (Drew also co-hosts the Is This a Date podcast which I would also highly recommend.)
Imdb: The series follows recovering addict and comedian Mae, who is trying to control the addictive behaviors and intense romanticism that permeate every facet of her/their life. 7.5/10
Creator: Mae Martin
Special mentions: Mine, a thriller all in twists and tension, set in a museum-like location with drop-dead gorgeous costume design with LGBT+ representation which is still rare in Korean Dramas. Also Heartbreak High which brings us a rainbow of coming-of age portraits but make sure you check trigger warnings.