Queerly Beloved: The TV Revolution That's Making Hearts Flutter and Stereotypes Shatter

In the ever-evolving world of television, gay and gay-friendly TV shows have emerged, blossoming into a diverse and delightful bouquet. Let's dive into the commonalities and differences of the most popular ones, exploring characters, themes, narrative arcs, and plots.

Heartstoppers

The heartwarming British web series tells the tale of two high school boys, Charlie and Nick (gay actors Kit Connor and Joe Locke), as they explore their budding relationship. "You can't tell anyone," Charlie says, highlighting the fear and vulnerability often experienced in young love.

Elite

The Spanish thriller portrays a group of wealthy, privileged teens attending a prestigious school, and the complex relationships that unfold. Omar and Ander's love story, fraught with societal pressures and family expectations, is a standout.

Gameboys

The Filipino series showcases a love story between two gamers, Cairo and Gavreel, who meet online. "I'm not ready for this kind of relationship," Cairo says, echoing the challenges faced by many in the LGBTQ+ community.

Young Royals

The Swedish drama follows Prince Wilhelm as he navigates his sexuality and newfound love with Simon. Both shows share themes of self-discovery and the complexities of relationships, both online and in-person.

Grace & Frankie

The American comedy-drama centers on two women who form an unexpected friendship when their husbands reveal they're gay and in love with each other. "I guess this is the end of the line," says Robert, prompting a journey of self-discovery for all involved.

Special

The semi-autobiographical show follows Ryan, a gay man with cerebral palsy, as he navigates life, love, and independence. Both series showcase the power of friendship and the importance of embracing one's true self.

The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself

The French historical drama tells the story of Philippe, the openly gay brother of King Louis XIV, and his lover, Chevalier. "No one can touch me," Philippe says, demonstrating his defiance in the face of societal norms.

Bonding

The dark American comedy follows a dominatrix and her gay best friend as they navigate the world of BDSM. Both series explore themes of desire, power, and the courage to be true to oneself.

The Politician

The American satirical comedy-drama follows the ambitious Payton Hobart as he strives to become President of the United States. As Payton navigates his personal relationships, including his complicated love life, the series highlights the complexities of ambition, identity, and sexuality.

Commonalities & Differences

CHARACTERS

IHeartstoppers and Young Royals both feature young protagonists navigating the intricacies of high school and self-discovery. Elite and Gameboys bring us diverse ensemble casts, exploring relationships through various perspectives.

Grace & Frankie and Special offer the unique bond between unlikely friends, while The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself and Bonding delve into complex and powerful relationships. The Politician's characters are ambitious and focused on the pursuit of power.

Common character traits in these shows include courage, resilience, vulnerability, and self-discovery. They often face challenges related to their sexuality or relationships, showcasing the diversity of the LGBTQ+ experience. While each show features unique characters, they all share a sense of authenticity and relatability that resonates with audiences.

PLOT

The plotlines in these shows range from tender explorations of young love to suspenseful, dramatic portrayals of privileged teenagers. Heartstoppers tells the story of two high school boys, Charlie and Nick, as they explore their budding relationship.

Elite, on the other hand, focuses on a group of wealthy, privileged teens attending a prestigious school and the complex relationships that unfold. Gameboys captures the development of an online relationship between two gamers, Cairo and Gavreel. Young Royals follows a prince grappling with his sexuality.

Grace & Frankie's plot revolves around two women who form an unexpected friendship when their husbands reveal they're gay and in love with each other.

Special charts Ryan's journey towards independence as he navigates life, love, and living with cerebral palsy.

The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself delves into historical drama, telling the story of Philippe, the openly gay brother of King Louis XIV, and his lover, Chevalier.

Bonding explores the world of BDSM through the eyes of a dominatrix and her gay best friend. The Politician, with its satirical tone, focuses on the pursuit of power and ambition.

These shows differ in terms of plot, but all showcase the challenges and triumphs faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a predominantly heteronormative society.

NARRATIVE ARC

Heartstoppers and Young Royals present tender coming-of-age stories, as the protagonists navigate the complexities of young love and self-discovery.

Elite's narrative arc is suspenseful, involving a complex web of relationships among privileged teenagers.

Gameboys and Special use humor and heart to address the challenges of online relationships and living with a disability, respectively.

The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself and Bonding tackle themes of power dynamics and desire, exploring the courage required to be true to oneself.

The Politician satirizes ambition and the pursuit of power, offering a critical look at the world of politics.

THEMES

Common themes shared among these shows include self-discovery, love, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a predominantly heteronormative society. Each series offers a unique exploration of these themes, shedding light on different aspects of the LGBTQ+ experience.

In Heartstoppers, Elite, Gameboys, and Young Royals, themes of young love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships are central to the storylines.

Grace & Frankie and Special showcase the power of friendship and the importance of embracing one's true self.

The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself and Bonding explore themes of desire, power, and courage. The Politician highlights the complexities of ambition, identity, and sexuality.

CRISES

Each show presents its characters with crises that challenge their relationships, identities, and beliefs. In Heartstoppers, Charlie and Nick must confront the fear and vulnerability associated with young love and coming out.

Elite's characters face high-stakes situations, including murder, deceit, and betrayal, while navigating their complex relationships. Gameboys' Cairo and Gavreel must address the challenges of online relationships and the vulnerability required to connect with someone they have never met in person.

Young Royals' Prince Wilhelm faces the weight of royal expectations and the pressure to conceal his sexuality. Grace & Frankie's titular characters must come to terms with their husbands' sexuality and their own newfound friendship. In Special, Ryan grapples with living with cerebral palsy and his quest for independence.

The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself's Philippe defies societal norms and his royal position to pursue his love for Chevalier. Bonding's characters confront their desires and insecurities as they navigate the world of BDSM. The Politician's Payton Hobart faces numerous obstacles in his relentless pursuit of power.

RESOLUTIONS

Resolutions vary across these shows, often highlighting the characters' growth and self-discovery. In Heartstoppers, Charlie and Nick learn to embrace their love and navigate the challenges of being a young LGBTQ+ couple.

Elite's characters must confront their actions and face the consequences, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships.

Gameboys' Cairo and Gavreel find a way to bridge the gap between their online and offline lives, fostering a genuine connection.

Young Royals' Prince Wilhelm learns to balance his royal duties with his love for Simon, ultimately choosing authenticity over societal expectations. Grace & Frankie's friendship strengthens as they support each other through life's challenges and learn to redefine their lives.

Special's Ryan finds independence and self-acceptance as he embraces his identity and forges meaningful connections with others.

The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself's Philippe defies expectations, proving that love can triumph even in the most challenging circumstances. Bonding's characters learn to embrace their desires and vulnerabilities, finding strength in their shared experiences.

The Politician's Payton Hobart realizes the true cost of ambition and must reevaluate his priorities and relationships.

Each of these series provides a unique portrayal of LGBTQ+ experiences, showcasing the diversity, challenges, and triumphs faced by individuals in a predominantly heteronormative society. Through their authentic and relatable characters, engaging storylines, and poignant themes, these shows continue to resonate with audiences and contribute to a broader understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.