GLAAD Report: Nearly Half of LGBTQ+ TV Characters Canceled, Setting “Dangerous Precedent”

GLAAD has released the 20th anniversary edition of its Where We Are on TV report, and the findings show a concerning picture for LGBTQ+ representation on television.

According to the report, the number of LGBTQ+ characters across all platforms rose slightly from 468 in 2024 to 489 in 2025.

However, the growth is overshadowed by major losses. More than 200 characters, roughly 41%, will not return due to series cancellations, show endings, or limited-run formats. Another 96 characters, about 20%, are on shows that have not yet been renewed, leaving their futures uncertain.

The report highlights a significant decline in trans-inclusive characters. Shows like 9-1-1: Lone Star, Kaos, and Clean Slate have ended, and while the total number of trans-inclusive characters increased slightly from 24 to 33, only four appear on renewed series.

“Television is a powerful medium, because these characters grow and evolve over the years, alongside the audience,” the report states.

“When so many series are only being greenlit for short runs and the seasons themselves are getting shorter, the potential larger impact of these characters disappears. Less than half of the LGBTQ characters counted appear on renewed series, and with their loss comes a loss of possibility for impact that continues for years with an audience, creating social change.”

This comes in a year when many Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives have been reduced at major studios.

Popular shows that featured LGBTQ+ representation, such as HBO Max’s And Just Like That…, Prime Video’s Harlem, Hulu’s Mid-Century Modern, and Netflix’s Heartstopper, have either ended or are approaching their finales. GLAAD notes that these types of series are crucial for showing the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and providing authentic representation.

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