November 21, 2022
Queer Films and Shows to Watch on Hulu Right Now
Timothy Rawles READ TIME: 5 MIN.
Now that the holiday season is getting underway and some people are ready to nest on their couches until the weather heats up, it might be a good time to catch up on Hulu's great list of LGBTQ+ offerings. There are plenty of great LGBTQ+ shows and movies, both new and old – in every genre – to watch on the streamer. From sitcoms to an Aussie outback action adventure to an LGBTQ+ historical docuseries, and a lesbian Hallmark Christmas rom-com, the weather outside might be frightful, but the entertainment inside is so delightful.
"Sordid Lives" (2000)
With the recent passing of the incomparable Leslie Jordan, this comedy-drama is a perfect example of what made him such an entertainment legend. The cult classic directed by Del Shores examines the lives of a Texas clan dealing with a death in the family. Shores has managed to cast a roster of legends for this quirky film, including the late Olivia Newton-John with Delta Burke, Bonnie Bedelia, and Beau Bridges. Adapted from his stage play of the same name, "Sordid Lives" is a rip-roaring good time with plenty of zinging one-liners, dramatic cultural insight, and incredible stand-out performances.
Cherry Pop (2017)
Do you ever wonder what goes on backstage at a drag show? "Cherry Pop" answers that question and then some. With some of today's greatest drag stars including Caldwell Tidicue (Bob the Drag Queen), Detox, and Latrice Royal, this backstage farce is a juicy good time.
"Midnight Kiss" (2019)
This slasher was a part of Hulu's "Into the Dark" series. It follows a group of friends who want to ring in the new year at a club with a game of "who will get a kiss at the stroke of midnight?" Behind the drama of jilted lovers, jealousy, and secrets, a killer is on the loose and the motivation becomes less about hooking up and more about survival.
"Stage Mother" (2020)
Jacki Weaver should have been nominated for an award in this film as Maybelline Metcalf, a conservative Southern Baptist who, after the death of her son, inherits his drag bar. While dealing with his death is sometimes too much for her to bear, the inner workings of his club present its own challenges. The stellar cast includes Lucy Liu and Adrian Grenier. This tear-jerker is filled with epiphanies and inspiration. Bring tissues.
"Under the Christmas Tree" (2021)
The search for the perfect Christmas tree may lead to love for Alma and Charlie in this lighthearted Hallmark romantic comedy from 2021. Starring Tattiawna Jones and Elise Bauman, "Under the Christmas Tree" was the network's first holiday movie to feature a lesbian love story, and although the plot is strictly milquetoast, it's a comfy rom-com treat done well. Ricki Lake makes a cameo as the friend who encourages Alma to take a risk on love.
"All About E" (2015)
This suspenseful action-adventure movie stars Mandahla Rose as Elmira Malouf, or "E" as she prefers to be called. Billed as a road trip, a comedy, and a love story, "All About E" is a fast-paced Australian offering with great performances and beautiful cinematography. On the run from mobsters after finding a bag of cash, E and her GBF Matt seek the help of her ex-girlfriend Trish in the outback in order to thwart the ensuing thugs. This underrated and mostly unseen gem is a great watch for those inside weather days.
"Reboot" (2022)
Television producer Steven Levitan has given us some great sitcoms over the past three decades including "Frasier," "Just Shoot Me" and the recent classic "Modern Family." In "Reboot," his latest offering, he has put together a great cast including Paul Reiser, Judy Greer, and the surprisingly good Johnny Knoxville. This cast of characters all come together to reboot a sitcom from their past. Led by co-showrunner Hannah (Rachel Bloom), who is also a lesbian, hilarity ensues as the writer's room turns into a hotbed of verbal jabs, bad pitches, and celebrity egos.
"The Real O'Neals" (2016 - 2017)
This show wasn't on the air very long, perhaps, because the world was not ready for a mainstream teenage LGBTQ+ sitcom. Based on an idea by activist Dan Savage, "The Real O'Neals" follows a Catholic Chicago family in the throes of what they deem to be a crisis. Every member is going through something life-changing including their middle child Kenny (Noah Galvin) who has just come out. Sadly, this show only lasted one season but deserves to be discovered by those who may have missed it.
"Please Like Me" (2013 - 2016)
Coming out is never easy, and Josh Thomas can relate to that. This Australian comedy import stars Thomas as Josh, a questioning teenager who is finding it hard to deal with his own sexuality. Based on his own life, Thomas has created a very smart and funny series that explores all the awkwardness, fickleness, and rewards that come with accepting who you are and finding love. Spanning four great seasons, "Please Like Me" is a bingeable gem.
"The Bravest Knight" (2019)
Based on Daniel Errico's children's book "The Bravest Knight Who Ever Lived," this animated kid's series does something Disney might never do: include an out main character. Cedric (voiced by T.R. Knight) was once a pumpkin farmer but is now married to prince Andrew. They have a precocious adopted daughter named Nia (Storm Reid). Cedric recounts his adventures as the "greatest knight" to Nia, but she always seems several steps ahead of the lesson. This is a great kid's show about acceptance and courage.
"The Bisexual" (2018)
This comedic United Kingdom import is hailed by critics. Desiree Akhavan created this series, and she also stars in it as Leila, a woman who has just come out of a 10-year relationship with the older Sadie (Maxine Peake). She struggles to come to terms with her bisexuality and how to tell her friends for fear they will not understand. This comedy-drama gets high marks for its acting and writing. Never renewed, the first season has only six episodes.
"Pride" (2021)
50 years of LGBTQ+ plight are explored in this six-part docuseries. Each decade is directed by an LGBTQ+ filmmaker as they touch upon what the queer community had to face in every generation leading up to today. From homosexuality being illegal in America in the 1950s, to the violent uprising of queer voices in the '60s, to the transformation of the community in the 2000s, this docuseries is an important history lesson on what came before us and what is left on the horizon.
