Feel-Good, Funny, Non-Holiday Shows & Movies With LGBTQ Characters(Because Sometimes You Just Need a Break From the Heavy Stuff) 🌈

Every once in a while, we all need a reset: something light, funny, comforting, and absolutely not about the holidays. Whether you're emotionally drained, avoiding family-themed content, or just craving queer joy without the mistletoe, this list has you covered.

Below are some of the best non-holiday, feel-good TV shows and movies featuring LGBTQ characters—perfect for low-spoons days, unwind-and-snack nights, or mental health breaks where you want to laugh, smile, and just breathe.

🍿 TV Shows That Feel Like a Warm, Queer Hug

1. Schitt’s Creek

A small-town comedy centered on family, compassion, and genuine queer joy.

• Why it’s perfect: David and Patrick’s relationship is wholesome, funny, and free from trauma tropes.

• Vibe: Cozy, silly, heartwarming.

2. Harley Quinn (Animated)

A chaotic, feminist, queer-as-hell animated series that’s way more wholesome than it looks.

• Why it’s perfect: Harley and Ivy’s romance is hilarious, supportive, and gloriously chaotic.

• Vibe: Adult cartoon energy + queer love + absurd comedy.

3. Our Flag Means Death

Gay pirates, awkward flirting, and found-family delight.

• Why it’s perfect: The show leans into queer romance without the angst.

• Vibe: Goofy, soft, romantic, chaotic.

4. Sex Education

Yes, it tackles real issues—but it’s also wildly funny and full of lovable weirdos.

• Why it’s perfect: The queer characters shine, from Eric’s fabulousness to Ola’s pan identity to Cal’s exploration of gender.

• Vibe: Bright, heartfelt comedy with bisexual lighting and British awkwardness.

5. The Other Two

A showbiz satire following siblings overshadowed by their suddenly famous teen brother.

• Why it’s perfect: Cary’s gay storyline is both hilarious and painfully relatable for anyone who’s ever struggled to “make it.”

• Vibe: Fast-paced humor + queer millennial chaos.

6. What We Do in the Shadows

A documentary-style comedy about vampires being deeply incompetent.

• Why it’s perfect: Nandor and Guillermo’s homoerotic tension is comedy gold. Plus, Nadja is camp incarnate.

• Vibe: Deadpan, absurd, queer-coded hilarity.

7. Dead End: Paranormal Park (Animated)

A sweet, queer animated show about a trans teen who works at a haunted theme park.

• Why it’s perfect: It’s incredibly cute, funny, and affirming.

• Vibe: Wholesome spookiness + queer friendship.

🎥 Movies That Bring the Queer Joy Without Holiday Chaos

1. But I’m a Cheerleader

A satirical teen comedy that’s campy, pink, and iconic.

• Why it’s perfect: Natasha Lyonne + Clea DuVall + a comedy about identity that ends in queer joy.

• Vibe: 90s camp + satire + baby-queer awakening.

2. Booksmart

A hilarious coming-of-age film starring two overachievers on a chaotic night out.

• Why it’s perfect: One of the leads, Amy, is queer and her storyline is genuinely sweet and cringe-funny.

• Vibe: Gen Z Superbad with more heart (and less misogyny).

3. The Birdcage

Classic camp about a gay couple pretending to be straight for very stressful reasons.

• Why it’s perfect: Robin Williams + Nathan Lane = perfect chaos.

• Vibe: Queer farce, witty banter, drag club fabulousness.

4. Nimona

A visually beautiful animated film about identity, queerness, and being loved for who you are.

• Why it’s perfect: LGBTQ creators, a gay central romance, and tons of humor.

• Vibe: Lighthearted adventure + heartfelt moments.

5. Imagine Me & You

A sapphic rom-com that is gentle, funny, and free of dark drama.

• Why it’s perfect: It’s exactly what you think it is—queer women falling in love in the most British way possible.

• Vibe: Soft romance + cheeky humor.

6. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Based on the musical, this film follows a queer teen with big dreams and an even bigger heart.

• Why it’s perfect: Drag, music, joy, and a mother-son relationship that will make you smile.

• Vibe: High-energy queer fun.

🍭 Why This List Matters (Yes, Even in a Blog About Humor)

For LGBTQ+ folks—and for anyone simply exhausted—joyful, funny, affirming media can be a form of self-care. Not everything we watch needs to involve:

• trauma

• coming-out struggles

• politics

• holiday stress

• family drama

• heavy emotional labor

Sometimes, what we really need is:

• queer characters who get to be silly

• worlds where being LGBTQ+ isn’t a plot twist

• comedy that feels comforting, not triggering

• stories where we can relax instead of brace ourselves

Representation can heal, especially when it comes wrapped in laughter.