If you’re nervous about "mature content" but want your teen to see positive queer stories, start here. These shows focus on the "butterflies in your stomach" stage of dating.

This is the gold standard. It’s based on the Heartstopper graphic novels by Alice Oseman. It is aggressively wholesome. It follows Charlie and Nick as they navigate a high school crush that turns into something more. It deals with coming out and bullying, but it does so with a level of gentleness that is rare in teen TV. It’s the kind of show that makes you wish your own high school experience was this supportive.

A spin-off of the movie Love, Simon, this series follows Victor, a teen at a new school who is struggling with his sexual orientation while balancing expectations from his religious, Colombian-American family. It’s a bit more "soapy" than Heartstopper, but it’s great for discussing how culture and family dynamics play into identity.

Don't sleep on animation. This show features a bisexual lead and a beautifully handled queer romance, all wrapped in a fantasy world of magic and demons. It’s perfect for the younger teen or tween who isn't ready for "high school drama" but wants a great story. It’s also a great example of how animation is leading the way in representation.

These shows are excellent, but they don't pull punches. They feature "mature" themes—sex, drugs, and messy interpersonal conflict. They are best watched with a parent or at least discussed afterward.

The title is literal. This show is basically a hilarious, heartfelt, and very graphic health class. While the sexual content is high, the "educational" value is surprisingly legit. It covers everything from consent and boundaries to gender identity (the character Eric is a standout) and sexual health. It’s one of the best shows on TV, but it is definitely for the older, more mature teen.

Think The Crown meets Gossip Girl but Swedish and much more grounded. It follows Prince Wilhelm as he heads to a boarding school and falls for a fellow student, Simon. It’s moody, dramatic, and deals heavily with the conflict between "duty" and "self." It’s a great pick for teens who like a bit more angst in their binge-watching.

This one is a bit of a chaotic ride. It’s very "Gen Z"—lots of fast-paced dialogue, social media references, and a very fluid approach to identity. It’s honest about the fact that modern teens often feel like they have to perform their identities online. It was canceled after one season, but it’s still a fascinating (if sometimes messy) look at modern queer youth.

Not every show with an LGBTQ+ character is a "good" show for your teen. Some use these characters as window dressing for toxic behavior.

Let’s be clear: Euphoria is an HBO show for adults that happened to become a sensation among teens. While it features a prominent trans character (Jules), the show is a relentless parade of trauma, drug abuse, and graphic nudity. For most teens, this is less "representation" and more "stress-inducing spectacle." If your kid is watching this, you need to have a very serious conversation about the difference between TV drama and real life.

You might feel nostalgic for the New Directions, but rewatching Glee in 2026 is... a choice. While it was groundbreaking at the time, many of its portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters (and especially its "jokes" about race and disability) haven't aged well. It’s more of a "history of TV" lesson than a relatable guide for modern kids.

When deciding what’s right for your house, consider the "Vibe Check" rather than just the age rating.

Check out our guide on navigating TV ratings and maturity levels

You don't need to give a lecture. In fact, if you start a conversation with "I noticed this show has a gay character, how does that make you feel?" your teen will likely roll their eyes so hard they’ll see their own brain.

Instead, try these low-pressure entries:

The goal isn't to get a "correct" answer; it's to show your teen that you are a safe person to talk to about these topics. If they see you being non-judgmental about a character on a screen, they’ll believe you’ll be non-judgmental about the people in their real life.

Queer representation in teen media isn't a "trend"—it’s a reflection of the world your teen is already living in. Whether they are watching Heartstopper for the cozy vibes or Sex Education for the blunt honesty, these stories provide a framework for understanding identity, empathy, and community.

Your job isn't to be a censor; it's to be a curator and a sounding board. Pick a show, grab some popcorn, and maybe—just maybe—don't comment on how "different things were in my day."