Annimated show round up
The next time you want a break from doomscrolling, check out these five cartoons aimed at an adult audience, each featuring strong queer representation.
Hazbin Hotel
Charlie Morningstar, the princess of Hell, embarks on a quest to redeem her citizens by opening a hotel for sinners who want to be redeemed. Alongside her girlfriend Vaggie, a porn star named Angel Dust, a mysterious demon named Alastor and other memorable characters, this musical comedy created by Vivienne Medrano shows how the “wicked” citizens of Hell work together to fight for their future. With Heaven portrayed as a tyrannical, heteronormative paradise, the story of Hell’s rebellion can be read as an allegory for the fight for queer rights.
Available on: Amazon Prime
Seasons: 1 (ongoing)
Helluva Boss
Another creation by Vivienne Medrano, and the zanier, more violent cousin to “Hazbin Hotel,” “Helluva Boss” follows the exploits of the Immediate Murder Professionals (I.M.P.), Hell’s resident assassination squad. Amid the bloodshed and chaos are heartfelt and relatable storylines about a gay dad and his adoptive teenage daughter, estranged friends, divorced parents and multiple queer relationships. Come for the unhinged murder, stay for the slow-burn romance between an aristocratic owl demon and his pansexual assassin boyfriend.
Available on: YouTube
Seasons: 2 (ongoing)
Dead End: Paranormal Park
Barney, a transgender teenage boy, and his friend Norma are the newest employees at Phoenix Park, a theme park built by fictional celebrity Jolene Phoenix. The two quickly find themselves pulled into paranormal shenanigans, including a demon-possessed talking pug, ghosts and fallen angels — all while navigating the everyday challenges of teenage life. Barney struggles with his grandmother’s refusal to accept his transition, while Norma tries to balance her autistic identity and social anxiety with her love for Jolene. Based on the “DeadEndia” graphic novels by Hamish Steele, this feel-good comedy horror cartoon is a story of friendship, acceptance and self-discovery.
Available on: Netflix
Seasons: 2 (finished)
Arcane
This high-production animated series goes beyond its “League of Legends” video game source material to deliver a rich, emotionally charged story that will tug your heartstrings. As tensions rise between the privileged city of Piltover and the oppressed undercity of Zaum following the invention of powerful new technology, sisters Vi and Powder navigate their changing world through storylines packed with political intrigue, betrayal and hope. The stunning animation and original soundtrack complement high-quality writing, including a canonical queer romance that had fans swooning.
Available on: Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV
Seasons: 2 (ongoing)
Star Trek: Lower Decks
No prior Star Trek knowledge is required to enjoy “Lower Decks,” a show for anyone who’s worked a menial job where the only upside is your friendships with co-workers. With plenty of nods to longtime Trekkies, this fastpaced comedy reimagines the Star Trek universe through the eyes of the ensigns working on the lower decks of the spaceship. The ensemble cast includes chaotic bisexual Beckett Mariner — who is truly irrepressible — pirateturned-medic D’Vana Tendi, part-cyborg Sam Rutherford and hapless nerd Brad Boimler — all just trying to survive their shift, make it to after-work drinks and avoid being sucked into a space-time anomaly.
Available on: Amazon Prime, Paramount+, Apple TV
Seasons: 5 (finished)
Loghan Paylor (they/them) is a queer, trans author with a day job as a professional geek. Their first novel, The Cure for Drowning, is available everywhere books are sold.
