What’s New in Queer TV #1: Back to the Frontier, Too Much, Amy Bradley is Missing & Delirium
Gay dads try living as 1800s pioneers | Obnoxious queer coworkers | A lesbian disappeared from a cruise ship years ago, and we only find out now she was gay | A gay son cast out by his family simply for being who he is
Welcome to the weekly post where I discuss new additions to my 2025 queer streaming guide.
Aurelie Chazal
Disclaimer: All the shows listed below came out about one month ago because I've noticed that's how long it usually takes me to be able to confidently verify whether a show has queer representation. I'm not able to watch everything, but I'll only include shows that have proven queer characters as verified online through reputable sources.
Back to the Frontier • Season 1
Queer-o-meter: 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
One of the three couples participating in the show is a same sex couple of two dads with their 10-year-old twin sons. There were a lot of criticisms from Christian fundamentalists when the cast was announced, but the show creator strongly defended his casting decision with this perfectly shady post: "Talk, ask qustns, listen.. maybe even learn. Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge 1st, understand later/never"
My thoughts on it: I haven't watched this one because frankly, I have no interest in the 1800s way of life. That being said, I'm intrigued by this gay couple's interest in the pioneer lifestyle.
Too Much • Season 1
Queer-o-meter: 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
Most of the main character's colleagues are gay. Boss (that's the guy's name, not his title) is a gay guy with pink hair, and the other colleague is a black woman whom Boss mentions "wants to lick the boss' assistant".
My thoughts on it: I've been very slowly making my way through the show (currently at episode 3). The queer colleagues are very obnoxious for now, like cartoons of what a straight person thinks big city gay folks might be like. I hope it improved, but based on what I've read online, it doesn't seem so... The show in general is a bit of a drag. It lacks any kind of subtlety and the main character has a very disturbing obsession with her ex's new girlfriend.
Amy Bradley Is Missing • Season 1
Queer-o-meter: 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
The series reveals that Amy was gay and interviews two of her ex-girlfriends. It also addresses the fact that her parents were not exactly supportive when she came out shortly before going on the cruise. I found it interesting because I had listened to an hour-long podcast about the case that did not once mention her sexual orientation. It seems like an important detail considering that she was supposedly last seen dancing with a guy on the boat.
My thoughts on it: I liked the docuseries in general. It gave a bit too much screen time to crazy people who pretend to have seen Amy after her disappearance, but it was interesting. I'm just so glad that they explicitly addressed her sexual orientation. It's such a huge part of her life, it's crazy it's been so brushed off in past accounts of the story.
Delirium • Season 1
Queer-o-meter: 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
There is a son in the family, named Carlos (nickname Bichi), who has been exiled because he's gay. He appears only in flashbacks but is portrayed as kind and supportive to his sister.
My thoughts on it: I haven't watched the show as I'm not a huge fan of this type of psychological drama, but everything I found about Bichi's character has been positive. He just plays a very small part in the bigger plot, so I wouldn't recommend watching just for him. I'm a bit on the fence about the general vibe of the show. It focuses on mental illness, but it seems to sensationalize it almost.
