LGBTQ television has never been more international, and apparently our readers know it. We recently shared some of the queer shows we thought deserved a spot on your watchlist, but dear readers, you had plenty to say about what we missed. From Manila to Madrid and San Francisco to the supernatural streets of New Orleans, our readers’ recommendations proved that great queer storytelling can come from just about anywhere.
So, consider this your reader-approved viewing guide. Grab the snacks, settle in, and prepare to fall for some characters you may wish you could text at 2 a.m.
Gameboys
Premise: If you haven’t experienced the Filipino digital romance Gameboys, this is your sign. The series follows popular livestream gamer Cairo Lazaro, whose online world gets unexpectedly complicated after he loses a gaming match to Gavreel Alarcon.
Gavreel’s competitive streak quickly gives way to romantic interest, and the two begin getting closer through video calls and messages. Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 lockdown, the series turns screens and social distancing into an unexpectedly intimate love story.
Cast: Kokoy de Santos, Elijah Canlas
Where to watch: Netflix in the Philippines and YouTube
Brilliant Minds
Premise: Zachary Quinto takes center stage as an unconventional neurologist in this medical drama inspired by the life and work of legendary neurologist and writer Dr. Oliver Sacks. The series draws inspiration from Sacks’ book Awakenings, which previously became the acclaimed 1990 film starring Robin Williams. Here, Quinto’s character approaches medicine differently, partly because he experiences face blindness himself. Alongside a team of young doctors, he tackles complicated neurological cases while dealing with the messy relationships that come with life inside a hospital.
Cast: Zachary Quinto, Teddy Sears
Where to watch: Peacock or NBC
READ: These Gay Romance TV Shows Belong on Every Watchlist
Interview with the Vampire / The Vampire Lestat
Premise: Blood, beautiful men, and extremely complicated relationships? Yes, please. AMC’s adaptation of Anne Rice’s vampire novels follows Louis de Pointe du Lac as he recounts his extraordinary life to journalist Daniel Molloy. At the center is his intense, seductive and often toxic relationship with Lestat, the vampire who transformed him. The story blends gothic horror with romance, obsession, identity and enough emotional chaos to keep queer viewers coming back for more.
Cast: Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid, Eric Bogosian
Where to watch: Seasons 1 and 2 are available on Netflix in various regions. Season 3, The Vampire Lestat, is airing through AMC platforms like AMC and AMC+, with Netflix availability varying by territory.
READ: Best VPN for Netflix in 2026 That Actually Works
Smiley
Premise: One wrong voice message can apparently change your entire dating life. After a romantic disappointment, Álex accidentally sends an angry message to Bruno, a complete stranger. Instead of simply deleting it and moving on, the two meet, setting up a relationship that becomes much more meaningful than either expected. The Spanish romantic comedy brings plenty of dating mishaps, emotional complications and chemistry to the table.
Cast: Miki Esparbé, Carlos Cuevas, Pepón Nieto
Where to watch: Netflix
Looking
Premise: Before every queer character had a streaming series of their own, HBO gave us Looking. Set in San Francisco, the comedy-drama follows three gay friends as they juggle romance, sex, careers, friendship and the occasionally spectacular messiness of adulthood. Jonathan Groff, Frankie J. Alvarez and Murray Bartlett bring very different personalities to a story that feels intimate, funny and unmistakably rooted in queer life.
Cast: Jonathan Groff, Frankie J. Alvarez, Murray Bartlett
Where to watch: Availability varies by region.
Your turn, couch potatoes
Our readers clearly have excellent taste, but we suspect this list is only the beginning. Whether you want romance, drama, comedy, medical mysteries, or vampires with complicated feelings, there is an LGBTQ story out there waiting to become your next obsession.
And judging by these recommendations, our readers aren’t afraid to dig beyond the usual suspects. So to our dear readers, please keep those suggestions coming. Your next favorite show might be hiding halfway around the world.