If Heartstopper Was Your Jam, Here Are 10 LGBTQ+ Shows to Watch Next

Heartstopper Season 2 premiered on Netflix on 3 August, proving to be everything fans had hoped for and more. Creator Alice Oseman not only expanded the romantic narrative following Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson in the best possible way, but she also allowed other characters to shine with their own compelling love stories.

The only flaw of Season 2 seems to be that it felt too short. If you, like us, binged the entire season in one sitting and were left yearning for more queer teen romance, here are ten shows that can help you scratch that itch.

Atypical (2017-2021, 4 seasons)

Sam Gardner, brilliantly portrayed by Keir Gilchrist, is a suburban teenager on the autism spectrum who navigates school, work, and his sex life with the help of those around him.

One of the show's best storylines is the romance between Sam's younger sister, Casey Gardner (Brigette Lundy-Paine), and her classmate, Izzie Taylor (Fivel Stewart). The 'will they/won't they' suspense of this arc will surely keep you hooked.

Everything’s Gonna Be Okay (2020-2021, 2 seasons)

Created by and starring Josh Thomas, Everything's Gonna Be Okay is therapeutic, like talking to a close friend you can always confide in. It tells the story of Nicholas, a neurotic gay Australian who comes to the U.S. only to discover that his father is dying and that he now has to take care of his teenage half-sisters.

Despite the seemingly depressing premise, it is an uplifting show with an excellent representation of autistic and LGBTQ+ characters.

Generation (2021, 1 season)

Although cancelled after just one season, the 16-episode Generation is beloved by many viewers for its dry, hot, smoky aesthetic.

The show stars Nathanya Alexander, Chloe East, Chase Sui Wonders, and Justice Smith, among others, as a queer-centric group of high schoolers navigating life, love, and sexuality in the conservative community of Orange County, California.

Heartbreak High (2022-present, 1 season)

This Netflix coming-of-age show, a reboot of a popular 1994 Australian series, follows the lives of students and staff at a multicultural high school in Sydney. If you enjoy watching realistic teen shows with a diverse cast of characters dealing with tough issues, Heartbreak High is definitely your cup of tea. As a bonus, the show's gayness goes completely off the chart as it progresses.

High School (2022-present, 1 season)

Based on the story of 1990s Canadian indie pop duo Tegan and Sara Quin, Amazon Freevee's coming-of-age drama follows their journey of self-discovery, music careers, and growing up gay against the backdrop of the distinctive 1990s grunge and rave scene that many viewers are bound to enjoy.

Love, Victor (2020-2022, 3 seasons)

Although darker than Heartstopper, the Hulu teen show has a similar vibe of a well-crafted coming-out story. Set in the universe of the 2018 film Love, Simon, the story follows Victor Salaza (Michael Cimino), a new high school student grappling with his sexual orientation. Victor's journey is highly relatable, realistic, and gripping.

Never Have I Ever (2020-2023, 4 seasons)

While the Netflix show, created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, focuses on a heterosexual protagonist and her romantic relationships, it also features a poignant story about the identity crisis and coming-out journey of one Fabiola Torres (Lee Rodriguez), a main character of the show.

The show is a perfect teen drama that will make you laugh, cry, and feel alive throughout.

Sex Education (2019-present, 3 seasons)

No show explores teenage sexuality better than Netflix's Sex Education. Tough coming-of-age topics are presented in a light-hearted, comedic way that makes them easier to digest.

Sex Education features a variety of highly relatable and realistic LGBTQ+ relationships. After three seasons, queer characters like Ncuti Gatwa's Eric Effiong, Connor Swindells' Adam Groff, Patricia Allison's Ola Nyman, and Tanya Reynolds' Lily Iglehart feel like real friends and family.

Sort Of (2021-present, 2 seasons)

The Max sitcom stars creator Bilal Baig as a non-binary protagonist who balances their roles as a first-generation Pakistani-Canadian, an employee at an LGBTQ+ establishment, and a nanny.

The story follows the protagonist's personal but highly relatable journey of finding their place in the world, on which they discover that everyone else is doing the same thing.

Young Royals (2021-present, 2 seasons)

Netflix's Swedish gay teen drama tells the story of the fictional Prince of Sweden who falls in love with a classmate at his elite boarding school.

It's one of the best shows on this list, as it offers some unique gay representation in a world riddled with homophobia. Add to that great chemistry and make-out scenes between the main characters, and you're in for a truly outstanding experience.