If you’re anything like my girlfriend and me, you’re always on the lookout for wholesome gay shows where no one dies. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a to-watch list of TV shows ranging from single episodes to entire series that will warm your gay little heart in the midst of even the coldest of upstate winters. So grab some gal pals and get ready binge-watch until you forget about all your other responsibilities.
1. Parks and Recreation– S2: E1 “Pawnee Zoo”
In this classic Parks and Rec episode, Leslie Knope unknowingly performs a gay marriage ceremony for two male penguins—and the results are hilarious. Filmed before the landmark Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges that made gay marriage legal in all fifty states, this episode is a testament to how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go in combating homophobia.
Watch it here
2. Master of None– S2: E8 “Thanksgiving”
Since this episode is part of Aziz Ansari’s Netflix Original Series, I seriously considered scrapping it from the list due to my complete condemnation of his recent behavior (tw: sexual assault). However, I ultimately decided to include it because I feel that Lena Waithe (who wrote the episode) shouldn’t have her career and message ruined due to her past association with Ansari. That being said, this episode is beyond important and can be watched independently from the rest of the series. It follows Waithe’s character, Denise, through decades of Thanksgiving dinners as she comes-of-age and comes out. Both heartbreaking and heartwarming, I can’t promise you won’t cry. And Waithe actually made Emmy history by becoming the first black woman to win an award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for this episode!
Watch it here
3. Black Mirror– S3: E4 “San Junipero”
Oh my gosh, if you’re gay and haven’t watched this episode, what are you even doing? This episode is about two wlw named Yorkie and Kelly as they explore a relationship together with a typical Black Mirror twist. It’s got sick 80s music, innocent romance, and best of all, a happy ending! I would 100% recommend watching this with your next Her date.
Watch it here
4. One Day at a Time
One Day at a Time more like One GAY at a Time am I right ladies? Okay but seriously, this show is the cutest sitcom that revolves around the life and struggles of a Cuban-American family just trying to navigate the world together with love and a lot of laughter. About half way through the first season the gears begin to turn when fifteen year old Elena comes out to her family. The topic is tactfully and realistically handled but retains the show’s levity and fun.
Watch it here
5. H20: Just Add Water
Okay so this show isn’t canonically gay, but for some reason wlw everywhere attribute it to their gay awakening. Not to mention, isn’t it always fun to watch a very straight show and create your own gay subtext?
Watch it here
6. Portlandia (Specifically the “Women and Women First” sketches)
Portland is nothing if not gay. All of Portlandia is hilarious, but the “Women and Women First” sketches are beyond hysterical because who doesn’t love making fun of second-wave white feminists? Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen (in drag) play feminist bookstore co-owners and expose the ridiculous notions of reductive feminism in a satirical manner. And they’re like, definitely lesbians. Oh, and Carrie Brownstein is bisexual in real life!
Watch it here
7. The Great British Baking Show
So…The Great British Baking Show isn’t gay at all but it’s wholesome and my girlfriend and I like it so therefore, it’s gay. Basically the premise of the show is that a bunch of ametuer British bakers get together and spend idyllic weekends frantically baking in a giant tent in attempt to win absolutely nothing. The result is so wholesome it will almost make you forget the centuries of British imperialism. Also, we like to pretend the hosts Mel and Sue are a couple.
Watch it here
Follow Her Campus @ Geneseo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.