LGBTQ2S+ representation on television has slightly improved in the last year—but nearly half of the medium’s queer characters won’t be returning.
That’s according to the latest Where We Are on TV report from GLAAD, which documents and analyzes the number of queer characters on the small screen.
Between June 2024 and May 2025, GLAAD identified 489 LGBTQ2S+ regular or recurring characters across scripted broadcast, cable and streaming shows. But 41 percent of them have exited their shows—or were on series that were cancelled or ended.
On streaming, 120 queer characters won’t return because of series cancellations and endings, including Hulu’s Mid-Century Modern, Netflix’s Arcane, Prime Video’s Harlem and Peacock’s Laid.
Alarmingly, while GLAAD identified 33 trans characters on TV this year, only four of them were on shows that have officially been renewed.
According to the study, representation of LGBTQ2S+ characters of colour slightly increased, but some demographics, like Indigenous characters, saw alarming decreases. GLAAD also found that bisexual representation on TV has decreased for the third year in a row, and that there was only one LGBTQ2S+ character living with HIV depicted on scripted television.
These stats echo findings in Canadian media. A similar report from Xtra’s parent company Pink Triangle Press found that Two-Spirit, trans and gender-diverse characters are far underrepresented across film, TV and streaming.
Why you can trust Xtra
