Study Finds 4% Increase in LGBTQ+ Characters on Primetime TV
A new report from LGBTQ+ advocacy organization GLAAD highlights a 4% rise in LGBTQ+ characters on primetime television, marking a modest recovery after two years of decline. The 20th edition of GLAAD’s Where We Are on TV counted 489 LGBTQ+ characters across scripted primetime on broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms during the 2024–2025 season.
This increase of 21 characters from the previous year was driven by popular shows such as ABC’s Abbott Elementary, HBO’s The Last of Us, Netflix’s Heartstopper, and Yellowjackets. These series have been praised for inclusive storytelling and diverse casts, contributing to a wider cultural shift in LGBTQ+ representation on screen.
Challenges Ahead for LGBTQ+ Visibility
Despite the positive trend, GLAAD cautions that future visibility for LGBTQ+ characters remains uncertain. More than 200 of the characters identified in this year’s study will not return next season due to show cancellations, limited series formats, or character departures.
This particularly affects transgender representation; only four trans characters are confirmed to appear in renewed series.
"Shows such as ABC’s Abbott Elementary, HBO’s The Last of Us, Netflix’s Heartstopper, and Yellowjackets were credited with helping to boost representation."
"Over 200 of the characters counted in this year’s study will not return next season due to series cancellations, limited-run formats, or character exits."
Summary
This study signals progress in LGBTQ+ representation on TV but highlights ongoing challenges as many characters, especially trans ones, face uncertain futures due to cancellations and limited renewals.
Would you like the summary to be more formal or conversational?