Number of LGBTQ Characters on TV and Streaming Set for Dramatic Drop-Off

Almost half of the LGBTQ characters featured on US television and streaming platforms over the past year are expected to disappear from screens as their shows are cancelled, come to an end, or their characters are killed off.

This alarming trend is highlighted in LGBTQ media advocacy group GLAAD’s 20th annual Where We Are on TV study, which tracks LGBTQ representation in primetime scripted broadcast and cable series, as well as scripted streaming originals.

LGBTQ Representation Rises Slightly

GLAAD recorded 489 LGBTQ regular or recurring characters across shows broadcast or streamed between 1 June 2024 and 31 May 2025.
This figure represents a 4% increase—21 more characters—compared to the 468 counted in the previous year.

While this growth appears encouraging, the organisation warns that the gains may be short-lived.

Nearly Half of LGBTQ Characters Won’t Return

Of the 489 LGBTQ characters counted, 201 (41%) will not return next season due to series cancellations, limited series formats, character deaths, or storylines that see them exit the show.

GLAAD reports a consistent decline in LGBTQ representation on traditional broadcast and cable television, even as streaming services continue to dominate both the volume of LGBTQ-inclusive content and the broader conversation about representation.

Why Representation Matters

The visibility of LGBTQ characters has significant real-world implications. According to GLAAD, nearly a third of non-LGBTQ Americans say that LGBTQ-inclusive media has positively shifted their perceptions of the community.

“Today, we are at a critical juncture, with hateful rhetoric running unchecked from politicians and news media and given a falsely amplified platform, even as the majority of this country overwhelmingly supports the LGBTQ community,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO and President of GLAAD.

“With so many diverse, entertaining, and impactful series being cancelled at an alarming rate, it is imperative that networks and streamers do not back down,” she added.

Ellis also noted that LGBTQ buying power in the US is estimated at $1.4 trillion and continues to rise, with 23 percent of Gen Z adults identifying as LGBTQ—a proportion reflected in similar trends globally.

“Inclusive stories resonate with audiences and drive business success,” she said. “This influential audience has contributed to the financial and critical success of shows like Hacks, Abbott Elementary, Yellowjackets, Stranger Things, The Last of Us and more, which have connected with audiences interested in quality storytelling and unique perspectives.”

A Critical Moment for Inclusion

Despite modest year-on-year growth, the mass disappearance of LGBTQ characters next season highlights the fragility of representation.

As harmful rhetoric grows louder and media consolidation continues, GLAAD warns that networks and streamers must actively protect inclusive storytelling rather than treat it as expendable. The continued presence of authentic LGBTQ characters is crucial—not only for entertainment but for changing hearts, minds, and cultural attitudes.