GLAAD’s latest “Where We Are on TV” report reveals a mixed outlook for LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry. In the 2024–2025 television season, the total number of LGBTQ+ characters across scripted broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms rose to 489—up from 468 the prior year, reflecting a 4% increase. However, the report flags a significant concern: 41% of those characters will not return, primarily due to cancellations, limited series runs, or planned character exits.
Streaming platforms continue to lead the growth in inclusion, adding 45 characters year-over-year for a total of 177 LGBTQ+ characters on major services. These include Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Apple TV+, Peacock, and Paramount+. In contrast, both broadcast and cable have seen reductions, continuing a multi-year downward trend. For instance, the number of LGBTQ+ regular characters on broadcast primetime shows fell by 15%, and cable dropped by 7%, according to the report.
One key highlight from this year’s findings is the demographic diversity of representation. More than half—51%—of all LGBTQ+ characters are people of color, suggesting that intersectionality is gaining more ground in scripted storytelling. Additionally, the study noted a rise in transgender characters across platforms, though these roles remain underrepresented in proportion to their real-world population share.
Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD’s President and CEO, emphasized the urgency of action. “There is a real need for urgent improvement today across all platforms, with this newest study finding a significant portion of the LGBTQ+ characters counted will not return,” she said. Ellis further pointed out that while visibility is increasing in raw numbers, sustainability is lacking: “Audiences connect with stories over time. High turnover rates in LGBTQ+ characters prevent those stories from deepening and truly reflecting the lives of our communities.”
GLAAD also expressed concern over the prevalence of limited or one-season formats, which frequently feature LGBTQ+ characters but do not offer long-term development or continuity. The organization is calling on industry leaders to prioritize not only inclusion but also retention and investment in long-term narratives that reflect the lived realities of LGBTQ+ people.
From a business perspective, the report underscores the strategic role of inclusive content in platform differentiation and subscriber engagement, especially among younger audiences. But high churn rates among LGBTQ+ characters suggest platforms may be missing the opportunity to build deeper, more loyal viewer relationships. GLAAD’s findings indicate that inclusion alone is not enough—lasting representation matters, both for cultural impact and brand value.
As streaming services continue to scale globally and face mounting competition, inclusive content that reflects and respects the diversity of audiences will be critical. Yet without sustained investment in character arcs and long-term storytelling, even high-profile efforts risk becoming performative. With 2025 set to be another pivotal year in the evolution of streaming strategies, the entertainment industry’s commitment to meaningful LGBTQ+ representation remains under the spotlight.