What to Watch

7 Queer Storylines That Had Us Screaming, Crying and Rewinding 

by Amber Dowling

Pride is here, and what better way to celebrate than with queer TV characters who inspire us? One of the most powerful parts of watching a great series is becoming invested in those who reflect and represent us. That’s the power of television, and it’s why we love new STACKTV streaming recommendations.

If you’re looking for queer characters to hang out with this month, keep scrolling for some of our favourite storylines.

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Ashley’s coming-of-age, Bel-Air

In Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Ashley was a little sister who thought Will was cool and liked to show off her vocal pipes. In this reimagining, the Bel-Air writers did so much more with the character, played by Akira Akbar. That was especially true as Ashley explored her identity and a secret crush that didn’t fit into any specific boxes. The best part though, was how that moment broadened Ashley’s relationship with Hilary (Coco Jones) and bonded the sisters for life.

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Blaire and Sarah’s breakup, ted

One of the most devastating moments of ted season 2 was when Sarah (Marissa Shankar) dumped Blaire (Giorgia Whigham) and Blaire got wasted and made out with Ted (voiced by Seth MacFarlane). It was the perfect blend of sadness and cringe-worthy awkwardness, which is why we watch ted to begin with. But, it also led to some great moments between Blaire and Matty (Scott Grimes), who wanted his couch back to watch sports and not romcoms.

@stacktv Historians will say they were gals being pals, a #wlw canon event 🙂‍↕️ Stream #TED season one now on STACKTV. #PrideMonth2025 ♬ original sound – STACKTV

Kat and Susanna’s star-crossed situation, The Way Home

Outlander’s Jaime and Claire aren’t the only TV lovers whose situation was complicated by time-travel. In The Way Home, Kat (Chyler Leigh) travelled back to 1814 and met Susanna (Watson Rose), leading to massive chemistry and speculation. Because of family connections other constraints, an actual romantic relationship never formed. It was forbidden historical romance at its best and the arc was relatable to anyone who has ever caught feelings for someone you just can’t have.

Lord John Grey’s unrequited love, Outlander

Speaking of Outlander, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Lord John Grey (David Berry), one of Jamie’s (Sam Heughan) friends who had always been in love with him. Because of historical times and Jamie’s love for Claire (Caitríona Balfe), that queer romance could never be. But Grey stood by Jamie’s side and displayed true love time and time again, whether he was raising Jamie’s son or marrying Claire to protect her in a crisis.

Higgintoot’s posthumous journey, Ghosts

One series that broke those historical forbidden romance tropes with hilarity is Ghosts, especially when it came to Captain Isaac Higgintoot (Brandon Scott Jones). As a closeted Revolutionary War officer he was unable to explore his sexuality while alive. But over time as a ghost, he was able to finally embrace himself in a heartfelt storyline involving his redcoat rival, Nigel Chessem (John Hartman).

Dana’s absent wife, The ‘Burbs

It’s pretty clear that most of the characters in The ‘Burbs have too much time on their hands, but no one seems to have more than Dana (Paula Pell). That’s because her wife was away on a secret mission throughout the entire first season, adding even more mystery to the show. But, between the long, unanswered voicemails and Dana’s slightly erratic behaviour, we can’t help but wonder if her wife was actually away, or if she left. That made us feel for the character but also want answers about what’s going on as we head into season 2.

Teddy’s musical moment, Elsbeth

For years, we heard about the son of Elsbeth (Carrie Preston) and his relationship choices. So when Teddy (Ben Levi Ross) finally appeared onscreen, we felt like we already knew him. As he and Elsbeth grew their relationship, his personal life often got tangled up in her professional one. But the best moment came when Teddy serenated his boyfriend, Roy (Hayward Leach) with “That’s All” at a cabaret bar to propose in the season 3 finale. Given that Ross is a huge Broadway star, it’s a moment that will live rent-free in our heads for a very long time.