It’s February, the month of love. There’s no better time to celebrate the on-screen romances that we find ourselves coming back to time and time again. Year round, there’s nothing I love more than a queer romance. So check out this list of four iconic queer couples and maybe find your new favorite TV show!
Schitt’s Creek: David and Patrick
You probably knew this one was coming. David and Patrick are just too iconic. They’re cute, they’re funny, and their relationship helps both of them grow as people. David’s entire arc in Schitt’s Creek takes him from a fussy, rude rich boy to a (slightly more) grounded, kindhearted friend and partner, and Patrick is a big part of that journey.
Plus, that scene at the open mic when Patrick plays Simply The Best… I will never get over that. Tears were shed. Here, I’ll include it here in case you’re in the mood to cry too.
Our Flag Means Death: Ed and Stede
While OFMD was tragically canceled before we could see the full queer romance story of Blackbeard and The Gentleman Pirate, the two seasons that aired are chock full of moments that prove that these swashbuckling idiots (affectionate) are obsessed with each other. What’s even better is that this adorable, often dysfunctional (and murderous??) couple is surrounded by other queer couples; there are so many on the show that could have made this list. Our Flag Means Death is streaming on Max and is well worth a watch.
Steven Universe: Ruby and Sapphire
Who would have thought that one of my favorite sapphic romances of all time would be on an animated kid’s show? I mean, maybe it makes sense, because the first time I watched Steven Universe, all I could think about is how much I wish I’d had queer representation like this on the shows I watched growing up.
It would be impossible to describe what makes this relationship so great without getting into, well, basically the entire lore of the gems in Steven Universe, so I’ll just say this: if you haven’t seen the show, don’t write it off as a kids show and give it a shot. The first season has a slow start, but once you’re really in it, you might just fall in love!
Brooklyn 99: Captain Raymond Holt and Kevin
Another classic queer romance, but it’s a classic for a reason. One thing that, in my humble opinion, sets Brooklyn 99 apart from every other sitcom slash copaganda show is the relationships. Throughout the series, you see so many goofy, lovable characters grow and become more well rounded people through their relationships, both romantic and platonic.
Captain Holt is an openly gay, Black captain in the NYPD. Kevin is his academic husband who hates cops due to the way they’ve historically treated the man he loves. Their relationship isn’t perfect, but they care for each other deeply; Kevin finds Raymond’s jokes, which are nearly imperceptible to the average human, deeply funny. Raymond–an intellectual himself–is in awe of Kevin’s mind. They share a deep love for their corgi, Cheddar.
Here’s a clip of their iconic rain kiss from season 8.
Shrill: Fran and Em
In my opinion, Shrill was criminally underrated when it was coming out, but the good news is that all three seasons are available to stream on Hulu. This incredible comedy shows messy, imperfect characters making messy, imperfect decisions, and yes, that includes queer characters. While Annie is the protagonist of the story, her roommate slash best friend, Fran, is a queer woman who has a romance with a nonbinary person that I think about every day. I’m not going to say that any of the characters on this show have a happy ending, exactly, (I’d say it’s complicated, like all good storytelling!) but this sapphic relationship is a genuine, loving one that pushes Fran to grow in exciting ways.
What’s your favorite queer romance?
These four couples are just a small sample of the queer romances we love to see on screen. What’s your favorite? Tell us in the comments, or, if you’re a filmmaker who loves to gush about your favorite stories, join us on Indie Empire to talk to likeminded folks about your favorite television or movie couple!
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