13 Shows We Can't Believe Don't Have LGBT Characters

There was so much buzz and excitement around Netflix’s GLOW, a fictionalized series about the real-life ‘80s phenomenon the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, and while the show is wildly entertaining, pristinely acted, and features women’s friendships at its core, the elephant in the wrestling ring was that out of more than a dozen women, none of the characters were queer (that we know of). 

In its most recent report on the status of LGBT representation on television, including on broadcast, prime-time cable, and streaming, GLAAD noted that 25 queer female characters were killed off in 2016, a disturbing trend that speaks to the need for shows seemingly evolved shows like GLOW to take the wheel when it comes to queer representation. 

But GLOW's not the only series that stands out in 2017 for its lack of queer characters. From network staples like Law and Order: SVU on NBC and The Big Bang Theory on CBS to high-concept series like Stranger Things and Homeland, there are noticeable voids in representation on shows that should know better. 

Here are 13 shows we can’t believe don’t have LGBT lead or recurring characters.