This article was published on May 3rd, 2021

We may be living in a lockdown worldwide, but thanks to television providing a lifeline to the masses, we have been distracted from the dangers and trauma related to the global pandemic. There have been several new and returning shows that have are either center LGBTQ+ people or are queer-friendly. Luckily, in 2021, there are more shows to look forward to that highlight queer life and HomoCulture has curated a list of some of the most anticipated new and returning shows for the spring and summer season. 

Worn Stories

The new docuseries premiering on Netflix this spring is based on Emily Spivack’s book of the same name and across eight episodes, viewers will see a diverse group of people given the chance to share their stories about the clothes that hold sentimental value to them. The stories range from the hopeful to the harrowing, but no matter where the series veers, each story is singular, raw, and heartfelt. 

Dolly Parton: A MusiCares Tribute

There are few entertainers on the grand scale of Dolly Parton, and as a humanitarian, few have been as gracious as she during the global pandemic. This tribute is a show of gratitude for the singer, who donated $1 million to vaccine efforts at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. The new Netflix special includes special performances by gay icons like Katy Perry, Kacey Musgraves, and her goddaughter Miley Cyrus. Expect this star-studded special to hit all the right notes and be a gay old time!

The Wedding Coach  

Netflix is banking on viewers wanting to add another marriage-themed show to their collection of must-see streaming and with The Wedding Coach, comedian and former bride Jamie Lee is the host that assists couples in getting through those crucial last special days until they say, ‘I do’.

Viewers already know that no wedding goes off without a hitch, and in his show, there are some over-the-top ceremonies that must be seen to be believed, and a rotating list of special guest coaches that will keep intrigue at an all time high. Queer comedians Fortune Feimster, Matteo Lane, and Punkie Johnson have been tapped to add their wackiness to the mix. 

Dark City Beneath the Beat

With Background as the background in this story, a young man takes viewers on a wild ride in a documentary that is wrapped up in a musical with jam-packed choreographed numbers and an ode to the city’s club music. Directed by TT The Artist, Dark City Beneath the Beat is a love letter to Baltimore and was a smash hit upon its debut at SXSW last year. Praised as infectious and vibrant, this is a film that is made for the LGBTQ+ community. 

American Horror Story

After sitting on the sidelines for 2020 due to COVID-19 complications, Ryan Murphy and his usual gang of actors are back in full force, this time with a few offerings that will appease and whet most appetites. This season, viewers can expect aliens to be explored in-depth, which as confirmed by Emmy winner and longtime Murphy collaborator Sarah Paulson.

To add even more bang for the buck, Murphy is also premiering American Horror Stories, which will spend one hour each week diving down the rabbit hole of the show’s horror myths, legends, and gore lore. Expect the usual faces plus a few new ones, another staple of Murphy’s. The premier date is expected to be announced soon!

Pose

In their swan song season, Pose will bow out after only three seasons, but Murphy promises to make it a season to remember. Created by Steven Canals alongside Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, Pose will undergo dramatic changes for its final season in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on set. With the ball scenes integral to the show’s tone, Murphy and crew are currently navigating the situation, with an expected premiere date set for later this spring or summer. 

Sex Education

After tackling some rather sensitive topics in its first two season, Sex Education returns for season three with a few tricks up its sleeves as well as new cast members, including Jemima Kirk, who has been cast as a character called Hope, and Dua Saleh as Cal, a non-binary student that clashes with Hope. The premiere date has yet to be announced but expect a late spring arrival. 

What are you watching?

These are just a few of the shows set to make a splash this spring and summer on television and streaming services. Which shows are you looking forward to later this year? Let HomoCulture know in the comments section below!