12 Canceled LGBTQ+ Shows in 2022

A Loss for Representation and Inclusion

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We are approaching the end of this year with hope and faith that 2023 would be better. The “Wrapped up” thing has been circulating everywhere, so I decided to do one too.

Some series, aired in 2022, had already planned to come to an end and air their final seasons this year. Others came to a sudden end after not reaching the expectations of their network or streaming service.

Here are some of the canceled shows that we’ll be missing in 2023:

• Warrior Nun — Are you a fan of supernatural dramas with strong female leads? If so, you’ve got to check out Ava’s story on Netflix! She’s a young woman who uncovers a powerful ancient weapon and is chosen to fight evil with it. It’s unmissable! Unfortunately, Netflix has decided not to renew the show for a third season, meaning that fans will not get the chance to see where the storylines were headed. While the show received mixed reviews from critics, it was praised for its diverse cast and empowering portrayal of its female characters. If you’re a fan of “Warrior Nun,” be sure to catch up before it disappears from Netflix.
• Paper Girls — It’s a show everybody’s been talking about! Drawing its inspiration from a popular comic, the show earned positive recognition for its authentic portrayal of Jewish and LGBTQ+ characters. Sadly, it had a short run and was canceled after one season, but it still made its mark!
• First Kill — If you’re a sapphic vampire and romance fan, you won’t want to miss “First Kill”. This show follows Juliette, a teenage vampire who must make her first kill to join her powerful vampire family. Get ready for an action-packed tale full of thrills and drama — dive in now and experience the magic! Despite mixed reviews, the show was a hit. It watched over 30 million hours globally in its first three days on Netflix. It was especially popular among queer women. Unfortunately, two months after the first season premiered, the show got canceled. If you’re a fan, it’s worth giving “First Kill” a watch before it disappears from the streaming service.
• The Wilds — The show followed a group of teenage girls whose plane crashed on a deserted island, forcing them to survive without adults, technology, or help. But there’s a twist — the plane crash was part of a social experiment to see how the girls would react. Two of the girls developed feelings for each other during their time on the island. Nominated for Outstanding Drama Series at the GLAAD Media Awards, “The Wilds” was highly praised for its LGBTQ+ characters and storylines. Yet, three months after the release of the second season, Amazon Prime announced that the show will not be returning for a third season. In response, a fan started a Change.org petition that has gathered over 21,000 signatures.
• Gentlemen Jack — HBO and BBC have announced the cancellation of this show after only two seasons. Even though the series had planned to run for three seasons, it won’t be coming back despite rave reviews. The show based on the diaries of LGBTQ+ icon Anne Lister followed her and her romantic relationship with Ann Walker. There has been a talk about bringing the series back, but no decision has been made yet.
• Batwomen — This show had a rocky start, with lead actress Ruby Rose unexpectedly leaving after the first season. The show then introduced the new Batwoman, making history as the first black and bisexual version of the character. Despite positive reviews, it didn’t quite reach the same level of success as other Arrowverse shows which all ran for many seasons. In April 2022, The CW canceled the show after three seasons, causing backlash from viewers.
• Work in Progress — Are you looking for something that’ll make you laugh and cry, too? Then you should check out “Work in Progress”. It’s about a queer woman in her 40s and all the chaotic stuff she’s dealing with. Unfortunately, it has been decided to pull the plug on the show after only one season.
• Legacies — Looking for a show that combines supernatural thrills and LGBTQ representation? Look no further than “Legacies,” the awesome spinoff of “The Vampire Diaries” which showed off several queer characters. One of the main characters, Josie Saltzman, was the series’ first pansexual character. While Josie left the show, the fourth and final season introduced a new same-sex couple, Jed and Ben. “Legacies” was the third series in “The Vampire Diaries” universe and followed various supernatural beings at the Salvator School for the Young and Gifted, where they learned to control their abilities and fight against various forces of darkness. Unfortunately, the show got canceled alongside other CW favorites. The decision was met with disappointment from the show’s devoted viewers.
• Love, Victor — Are you a fan of LGBTQ+ teen romantic comedies? If so, you might enjoy “Love, Victor,” the spinoff series of the hit movie “Love, Simon.” The show was intended for Disney+, but it was later moved to Hulu due to its mature themes that might not be suitable for Disney+’s younger audience. In July 2021, Hulu renewed the show for a third and final season, which aired in 2022. But, in a surprising move, Disney+ announced that all three seasons of this show will be available on their streaming service after all. The show follows Victor Salazar, a new student at Creekwood High School who is on his journey of self-discovery. Fans of the show were sad by the news, with some expressing that the show deserved so much more, especially since it was starting to get popular.
• Queer as Folk — Despite being very anticipated and praised, Peacock has decided not to renew the show for a second season. The show followed a diverse group of friends whose lives changed after a tragedy at a nightclub. The show was celebrated for its authentic portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community and for featuring queer talent in front of and behind the camera, although the tragic storyline was met with mixed reactions. Three months after its premiere, Peacock canceled the series. We’re so grateful for the chance to honor our community and are so proud of this show.”
• The Baby-sitters Club — Did you check out the Netflix reboot of “The Baby-Sitters Club”? It had some awesome LGBTQ+ characters! Unfortunately, the show got canceled by Netflix after only two seasons. This means that certain storylines from the second season won’t be resolved, but the decision has already been made. The show, which was based on the beloved book series, didn’t quite gain enough popularity to continue for many seasons. If you’re a fan, be sure to catch up on the first two seasons before they disappear from the streaming service.
• DC’s Legends of Tomorrow — Despite running for seven long seasons, “Legends of Tomorrow” has become another casualty in the CW’s Arrowverse. The news came in April 2022, much to the disappointment of LGBTQ+ fans who enjoyed the show, particularly the character of Sara Lance. If you’re a fan of this show, be sure to catch up on the first seven seasons.

In conclusion, it’s disheartening to see so many LGBTQ+ inclusive shows being canceled, especially when they have dedicated fanbases and positive reviews. While it’s important to celebrate the representation and storylines these shows have brought to the screen, it’s also crucial to continue pushing for more diverse and inclusive content in the future. I hope that future shows won’t just be a superficial attempt to show commitment to diversity, but will truly embrace and showcase the experiences and perspectives of marginalized communities.

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