So, it’s been a hard time for many people during the pandemic and it will continue to be for a little longer, which sucks. For many in the UK, as lockdown eases, this might bring some anxiety and stress as we have to do things we haven’t done in a while.
Luckily, we are living in the age of the internet, and although we here at Nonchalant cannot literally be there to support you. We are bringing you support in the form of a list of cosy and comforting queer series for you to watch if you need a time out from any hard stuff.
So, without further ado, and in no particular order, here are the top 5 most comforting LGBTQ+ series I have scoured the internet to find.
The L Word Generation Q
Okay, number one. Surprise, surprise. It’s The L Word Generation Q. I’ve included it here in this list as this show is comforting and familiar but also a modern update from the original series, The L Word.
The L Word Generation Q (made in 2019) follows a group of young LGBTQ+ folks who experience the theatrics, struggles, and highs and lows of LA life. It honours The L Word with its dramatics and old cast members whilst being a good update to fit which current queer American culture. For example, Leo Shung as Micah Lee, a trans man character and the inclusion of more women characters of colour, like Quiara (played by Lex Scott Davis), Angie (played by Jordan Hull) and Felicity (played by Rosanny Zayas).
All in All, I have included this show on the list as it envelopes everything I find comforting in a TV show. A nod to my younger queer self, an easy yet hooking watch, and humor. I binge-watched the whole season in 24 hours. Also, if you don’t finish the show not having a crush on Sarah (played by Jacqueline Toboni) I’d be very surprised!
2. Anne+
Second on my list is Anne+, a Dutch series recommended to me by my friend.
Anne+ (made in 2018) follows the mid-twenties main protagonist, Anne, along with her string of love affairs. Anne+ is comforting because it’s relatable. Mixed in throughout Anne’s relationships is a story rooted in self-discovery. Anne tries to understand her place at work, in her family unit, and in the world. As a person in a similar stage of life, I related so hard to some of the things Anne faces. The show includes not just queer women, but many other queer characters. And lastly, it was lovely to spend some time in Amsterdam!
3. Take My Wife
For fans of comedians, Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher, this one’s for you!
Take My Wife (made in 2016) is an American sitcom-style show roughly based on Cameron and Rhea’s life. At the time of making the show, they were a real-life married couple, so the chemistry between the two is A+. The show follows the two stand-up comedians through their work and home life and is hilarious. The show is not just about thier relationship. It also makes a point of highlighting the struggles of being queer and non-male comics. What’s more, is Cameron and Rhea made a point to include women, LGBTQ+ people, and people of colour on and off-camera. Its independently made feel and sweet moments between Cameron and Rhea are what made me include this one on the list!
4. Banana
Next up is Banana. Banana is a British TV show from 2015 and a spinoff series of the show Cucumber. I decided to include Banana on my list because of its diverse stories and characters. It’s lovely to watch a group of young queer characters experience different things as each episode is a stand-alone story. So easily are queer characters subject to the same sort of storylines, and this show strives to break that. My favourite episode is Episode 6. It follows the story of Kay (played by T’Nia Miller) and Amy (played by Charlie Covell) who go on a first date. It’s 30 minutes of enjoyable, relatable, and heart-warming feelings.
Banana made the list as its British backdrop and production made me feel proud of the LGBTQ+ community I am a part of. Its short, fun and humorous episodes also make it a good show to just put on when you want something easy and light. I have returned to this show many times when I needed a pick-me-up!
5. One Mississippi
If you love Tig Notaro as much as I do, then you’ll love One Mississippi. It tells the story of Tig’s life through a sitcom-style TV show, and you’ve got two whole seasons of it. The show follows Tig as she returns to her hometown of Mississippi after being told about her mother’s accident. The core of this show is connection. Tig reconnects with her brother and step-father and life in Mississippi whilst also connecting to people through her radio show and dating life.
You may wonder why this show is on the list if it covers heavier topics. Well, this show is comforting as Tig Notaro covers these topics with dry humour. Tig’s character embraces her turbulent life whilst also noticing the good and funny parts. This show to me is also comforting as Tig Notaro was a part of my discovery of queer culture and media and ugh, the love story between Tig and her real-life partner Stephanie Allyn in this story just warms my heart.
I hope you enjoy this list of top 5 most comforting LGBTQ+ shows! And if you need more TV shows to watch, you can check out our article, Lesbian TV Shows to Stream Now.
Hope you enjoy!
Team Nonchalant x
Last Updated on 13th November 2023 by Nonchalant Magazine
Harry is a filmmaker, writer and creative living in Essex. They are either watching a film, filming a sunset or working on a creative project. At the moment, it’s loom weaving! Combine any of these with coffee and a cosy jumper and Harry is happy!
