Ushering in a New Age of Queer Television
As queerbaiting fades from view, authentic queer representation in television is proudly taking the stage. The queerbaiting trio, SuperWhoLock (comprised of Supernatural, Doctor Who, and Sherlock), has been replaced by a genuinely queer trio of shows known as ShadowDeathOmens—What We Do In The Shadows, Our Flag Means Death, and Good Omens.
What We Do in the Shadows is a comedic mockumentary following the lives of vampire roommates Nandor, Laszlo, Collin, Nadja, and Guillermo, Nandor’s familiar. Nadja’s nonchalant remark, “I mean, who isn’t gay?” sets the tone for the show, embracing a spectrum of sexualities without resorting to stereotypes. Queer portrayals enrich the narrative in the series while not defining the characters. Not only is the series entertaining, but it also thoughtfully acknowledges the queer origins of traditional vampire tales.
Our Flag Means Death navigates through bizarre, goofy, and profoundly emotional moments, masterfully. Following Captain Stede Bonnet and his dysfunctional pirate crew aboard the Revenge, viewers are treated to a narrative as much about piracy as a love story between Stede and the infamous Blackbeard. This unexpected romance adds nuanced depth to the series, embedding a queer narrative within the framework of a pirate saga. With various queer relationships and char
acters, this series celebrates queerness against the unlikely backdrop of a pirate ship.
My personal favorite, Good Omens tells the tale of an angel, Aziraphale, and a demon, Crowley, joining forces to prevent Armageddon, simultaneously discovering a growing love for each other over the span of 6,000 years. Over the course of two seasons, this show deals with a myriad of themes — from negotiating divine wrath to playing Cupid for a lesbian couple— offering viewers an immersive, comedic, and occasionally heartbreaking experience. This series with forbidden love, gender-fluid celestial beings, and heart-wrenching moments will linger with you long after the credits roll.
With the confirmed return of What We Do in the Shadows for a sixth season, Our Flag Means Death for a second season on October 6th, and Neil Gaiman’s assurance of more Good Omens, the future of queer representation on television is not only promising but also brimming with potential and diverse stories waiting to be told.
