In Spring 2022, Netflix released one of its most popular teen shows yet - Heartstopper. Based on creator Alice Oseman's popular coming-of-age comic series, Heartstopper was lauded for its lighthearted tone, relatable characters and situations, and representation of the LGBTQ+ community.
Heartstopper's overwhelming success, both commercially and critically, led Netflix to greenlight two more seasons. These seasons are currently in pre-production and won't premiere until 2023 at the earliest. While fans wait for Nick and Charlie's love story to continue, they can catch up with similarly engaging LGBTQ+ series on streaming.
9 Our Flag Means Death Recounts The Love Story Between Two Famous Pirates
In early 2022, HBO Max premiered Our Flag Means Death, a romantic period comedy starring Rhys Darby and Taika Waititi as the legendary pirates Stede Bonnet and Blackbeard. After meeting by chance, the two characters begin an unlikely friendship that slowly turns into something more.
Our Flag Means Death consists of ten episodes and has been greatly praised for its subtle comedy and its representation of the LGBTQ+ community. Aside from the main romance between Bonnet and Blackbeard, the series also includes a non-binary character and two other meaningful LGBTQ+ relationships.
8 Special Tells The Semi-Autobiographical Day-To-Day Life Of Ryan
Created by American activist Ryan O'Connell, Special follows Ryan, a gay man with cerebral palsy, as he navigates relationships and work. Special stars O'Connell as the main character, Jessica Hecht as his mother, and Punam Patel as his best friend, Kim.
Special premiered on Netflix in 2019 and ran for two seasons of eight episodes. It was praised for its autobiographical nature, touching writing, and exceptional acting. During the 2019 Primetime Emmys, Special was nominated for four awards, including Outstanding Short Form Comedy.
7 Never Have I Ever Focuses On An Indian-American High Schooler And Her Daily Struggles
Never Have I Ever focuses on fifteen-year-old Devi, an Indian-American high schooler who must deal with the sudden death of her father and the consequences of this trauma. The coming-of-age story is based on creator Mindy Kaling's own adolescence and is regarded as a breakthrough for South Asian representation in America.
Never Have I Ever balances comedy and general teenage experiences with discussions of mental health, gender, and sexual identity. Newcomer Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, who made her acting debut in the show, was also lauded for her relatable and charming portrayal of the main character.
6 2gether Follows Two Students As They Go From Fake-Dating To Falling In Love
2gether recounts the romance between two university students who, while fake-dating, begin falling for each other. The thirteen-episode series is based on the novel of the same name and stars Chinese-Thai actor Metawin Opas-iamkajorn as Tine, a cheerful Law student, and Bright as Sarawat, a handsome but quiet guitar player.
A breakout hit since its premiere in 2020, 2gether launched its two leads into immediate stardom and popularized the BL live-action genre across Asia. It won three fan-voted LINE TV awards, including Series of the Year, and received a five-episode sequel called Still 2gether.
5 Sex Education Follows The Lives Of British Students And Their Troubles With Intimacy
One of Netflix's most-watched comedy dramas of the last few years, Sex Education stars Asa Butterfield as Otis, the son of a sexual therapist. Otis uses his knowledge to help his classmates with their intimacy problems. The cast also includes Gillian Anderson, upcoming Doctor Who actor Ncuti Gatwa, and newcomer Emma Mackey.
A critical and commercial success, Sex Education has received fourteen BAFTA nominations for its outstanding acting, heartfelt writing, and production design. It premiered on Netflix in 2019 and consists of three eight-episode seasons with a fourth one on the way.
4 Semantic Error Centers On The Romance Between Two Opposite University Students
Based on the Korean webtoon of the same name, Semantic Error centers on the relationship between two polar opposite university students who grow closer while working on a project together. Semantic Error stars former-KNK member Park Seoham as the outgoing Jaeyoung, and DKZ vocalist Jae Chan as the inflexible Sangwoo.
Semantic Error premiered online in early 2022 and instantly became one of South Korea's most popular BL dramas. Its only season consists of eight episodes of about twenty-five minutes each, making it an easy and quick watch for fans of the BL genre.
3 Love, Victor Focuses On A New Character As He Adjusts To His New School
Following the success of Love, Simon, Hulu greenlit a spin-off series called Love, Victor that's set in the same universe. Love, Victor follows a new character as he adjusts to his new school and falls in love. Michael Cimino plays the main character, Victor Salazar, and This Is Us actress Rachel Hilson plays his best friend, Mia.
Love, Victor began airing in mid-2020 to mostly positive reviews, being lauded for its representation of LGBTQ+ communities and Latino culture, and for its feel-good atmosphere. Love, Victor was also nominated twice for the Outstanding Comedy Series award at the GLAAD Media Awards.
2 Skam Follows A Group Of Teenagers At A Prestigious School In Oslo
Skam follows a group of teenagers at the prestigious Nissen School. Each season spotlights a different character and their struggles with sexuality, mental health, and relationships. Skam premiered in 2015 to an unforeseen international success, which made it one of Norway's most talked-about shows of all time.
Praised for its raw and honest discussions of otherwise taboo topics, Skam rapidly gained a dedicated fandom online that expanded well beyond its country of origin. It ran for four seasons and won multiple Gullruten Awards in Norway for its writing, acting, and directing.
1 Young Royals Centers On The School Romance Between A Prince And His Classmate
Yet another Netflix hit, Young Royals tells the complicated love story between a young Swedish prince and his schoolmate at a renowned boarding school. It stars Edvin Ryding as Prince Wilhelm of Sweden and Venezuelan-Swedish singer Omar Rudberg as Simon, a member of the school's choir and Wilhelm's love interest.
Young Royals' first season premiered in mid-2021 to critical acclaim, garnering enough interest for a second season to be announced soon after. Young Royals was praised for its cinematography, its casting of age-appropriate actors, and its realistic depiction of addiction, teenage romance, and mental illness.