Say it ain’t so! We are only two weeks into 2023, and already some of our favorite LGBTQ+ shows have been canceled before they really began. There is still a lot of LGBTQ+ media to be excited about in the upcoming months. But for now, let us mourn the loss of these shows.
Five LGBTQ+ Shows NOT Returning in 2023
1899
The German period mystery series followed a group of European emigrants traveling from Southampton, UK, on a steamship named Kerberos to start new lives in New York City, US. According to Variety, the series cracked Netflix’s top 10 charts at the number two slot in its first week, behind only The Crown. The series’ creators had plans for two more seasons, but Netflix canceled the project after its first season.
“We would have loved to finish this incredible journey with a second and third season as we did with Dark,” said co-creator Baran bo Odar. “But sometimes things don’t turn out the way you planned. That’s life.”
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Snowpiercer
We may never know the fate of these characters. The series ran for three seasons on TNT and even filmed for a fourth and final season. According to Deadline, the last season will not be premiering on TNT.
“This was a difficult decision, but our admiration for the talented writers, actors and crew who brought Snowpiercer’s extraordinary post-apocalyptic world to life remains strong,” said a spokesperson. “We have been working collaboratively with the producers since last year to help the series find a new home where fans can continue to enjoy the compelling story and exceptional visual experience. We look forward to working with them on future projects.”
The post-apocalyptic series follows a train that carries survivors after the world turns into a frozen wasteland.
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Dead End: Paranormal Park
Another Netflix project that will not see another season. The animated series is led by trans teen Barney Guttman, his queer friend Norma Khan, and his talking dog Pugsley. Together, the odd group battles demons at a haunted theme park. Creator Hamish Steele responded to the news on Twitter and said he was hopeful for a third season.
“We have scripts and designs and outlines ready to go,” Steele wrote. “It was always the plan to give these characters the proper ending they deserve. But sadly, the powers that be don’t want any more. Honestly, we were lucky to make it through everything happening in the last few years.”
Season one and two are streaming on Netflix.
Uncoupled
Netflix canceled the gay comedy starring Neil Patrick Harris after just one season. Season one followed Michael Lawson (Harris), a successful real estate agent in New York City who must navigate being single in his 40s after his longtime partner unexpectedly leaves him. Though the series followed a queer couple, Harris said he liked how relatable his character was for anyone who has felt “the rug get pulled out from under them.”
“And then to also have it be in the construct of Darren Star and Jeffrey Richman, so it feels welcome and comfortable and funny,” he told Gayety. “To take a break-up show and make it be funny, where you still care about the characters, I hadn’t seen that before.”
Unfortunately, Uncoupled will not be returning to Netflix.
Fear the Walking Dead
After seven successful seasons, AMC has pulled the plug on the Walking Dead spinoff. The series – set in Los Angeles, California – follows two families who must band together to survive the undead apocalypse.
The series introduced its first LGBTQ+ character Victor Strand (played by out actor Coleman Domingo) in season two. The inclusive show will return in 2023 for a twelfth and final season.
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Three LGBTQ+ Shows Returning in 2023
To leave on a positive note, here are three series we are looking forward to heading into 2023.
Heartstopper Season Two
The wonderfully queer teen rom-com series will return to Netflix later this year. The show is an adaptation of Alice Oseman’s graphic novels and tells the story of a schoolboy named Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) who falls for his classmate, rugby star Nick Nelson (Kit Connor).
Yellowjackets Season Two
The psychological horror series follows a team of wildly talented high school girls’ soccer players who survive a plane crash deep in the remote northern wilderness. As the teens fight to survive, the series flashes forward to present time as their adult selves struggle to come to terms with their time in the woods.
Yellowjackets will return in March on Showtime.
Loki Season Two
Tom Hiddleston is back as the pansexual Norse God in the Marvel television series Loki. While the plot of season two is still under wraps, a teaser posted by Disney hints that Mobius and Loki will reunite as a team again! Loki will premiere on Disney+.
