After the cancellation of The Wilds by Amazon Prime and First Kill by Netflix, it has become increasingly obvious how few female-led shows with LGBTQ+ representation last. In the last few years, networks keep canceling these types of TV shows after only one or two seasons.
Since they have such a positive impact on their audience, the presence of female and LGBTQ+ characters on TV can't be underestimated. Fans of these shows are understandably upset because other series often last at least five seasons and more. Hopefully, these TV shows have already set the ground for more representation and soon the audience will get a show that lasts as much as the story needs.
Everything Sucks
Everything Sucks is a teenage drama show set in the 90s that centered on the lives of the A/V club and Drama club students. The teenagers dealt with their sexuality and mental health and generally growing up, and it was one of the most relatable shows out there.
The show portrayed Kate's coming to terms with her sexuality and the development of her relationship with Emaline. A lot of lesbian viewers connected with Kate's story and found it truly relatable. However, in spite of this, it was cut short after only one season. Even though viewers got to see Kate and Emaline together, they will sadly never know how their relationship developed.
The Wilds
After The Wilds first season's success, Prime Video renewed the series for a second one. However, when in the second season they introduced a new set of characters, it seemed the show didn't receive as many viewers as the network expected, and they canceled it. The Wilds' cancellation was received with disappointed reactions from the fans.
The show not only portrays many LGBTQ+ characters but also people from different ethnicities. On top of that, Prime Video left a lot of unanswered questions since the show ended on a cliffhanger. Even though the fans tried to save the show via Twitter, it doesn't seem that they will get another season of this series.
One Day At A Time
One of the best sitcoms from the last decade, this show follows the ups and downs of a Cuban family living in the United States. Not only does the show contain an amazing portrayal of Latin culture and the hardships of immigration, but also one of the main characters, Elena, comes out as a lesbian. This show illustrated the difficulties of Elena negotiating her sexual identity and her feminist views of the world with her grandmother's Cuban traditions.
When Netflix decided to cancel the show after only three seasons, the fandom immediately showed their discontent through Twitter. Even though the show was bought by Pop and received one more season, four seasons wasn't nearly enough for such an amazing TV show.
First Kill
Even though First Kill acquired a significant following after it premiered, with more than 97 million hours of watching during the time it lasted in the Top 10, Netflix didn't give the show a second season. It was canceled the same week as The Wilds, so the fans couldn't be more outraged at this development.
The show follows a vampire and a vampire hunter, who in spite of their strong differences in beliefs, develop a forbidden romance. Not only did the show portray a lesbian relationship, but also, one of the main characters was a Black woman, a rare representation of queer Black characters that impacted very positively the viewers. It's truly sad that this show only lasted one season, mostly because the series ends with the lead couple broken up.
Batwoman
In 2019 Batwoman joined the Arrowverse with a lesbian superhero, Kate Kane, played by openly LGBTQ+ actor Ruby Rose. When Ruby Rose leaves the show, Javicia Leslie steps up to take Batwoman's mantle as character Ryan Wilder. Not only is Ryan also a lesbian, but on top of that, she's a Black woman.
Even though the show had a very positive impact on its audience by portraying a Black LGBTQ+ superhero, CW decided to cancel it after its third season, and sadly, it became the shortest Arrowverse show just after Black Lightning, which also featured a lot of queer POC characters.
I Am Not Okay With This
Based on Charles Forsman's graphic novel of the same name, I Am Not Okay With This follows Sydney Novak, a teenage girl with a troubled family and school life who is trying to figure out her sexuality while trying to control her recently discovered telekinetic powers, which are triggered by her intense feelings.
The show was received amazingly well with critics, and it holds an 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Netflix immediately renewed it for a second season, but later on, Netflix decided to cancel it because of the COVID pandemic. At least in this case the fans still can know how the story develops through the graphic novel.
Gentleman Jack
An epic period drama inspired by the diaries of the landowner and queer icon Anne Lister, Gentleman Jack was one of the best TV shows with an LGBTQ+ lead. Not only does it develop the story of one of the most underrated characters in history, but it also portrays one of the best lesbian romances on TV.
However, in spite of how well-made this series was, HBO Max decided to not renew it for a third season since, according to the network, they're one of the shows with lower rates (via Deadline). In spite of this, the show had a great reception, with a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Stumptown
A TV show based on a comic book series, Stumptown follows Dex Parios, played by Cobie Smulders, a military veteran who works as a private detective. Dex has to deal with her PTSD and losing the love of her life in Afghanistan, at the same time she needs to take care of her brother Ansel.
Even though this show was going to be renewed, unfortunately, ABC had to cancel it because of the COVID pandemic. It was a shame since it had a big following and Dex is one of the best bisexual characters represented on television.
Wynonna Earp
Based on a comic book series by Beau Smith, Wynonna Earp is a supernatural western TV show that revolves around the town of Purgatory and the Earp family. The show was canceled after its fourth season, but at least they gave the fans the closure they deserve.
However, the show had one of the most beloved lesbian couples on TV, Waverly Earp and Nicole Haught. Although fans had the opportunity to see their relationship develop and even watch them getting married, they still mourn having to say goodbye to this great show.
Teenage Bounty Hunters
Fraternal twins, Sterling and Blair, have to start working as bounty hunters to pay for their father's truck, which they crashed. The teens have to balance their new work with their Christian school life as well as navigate social tensions and romances. A show with plenty of funny moments, Teenage Bounty Hunters is also a representation of teenage life difficulties, especially for LGBTQ+ teenagers who go to Christian schools.
As good as the show was, Netflix decided to cancel it after only one season. In spite of being a teenage drama, the show holds a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 96% audience score and spent almost two weeks in Netflix's top 10. However, it wasn't good enough for Netflix to renew it.