98. Dear Netflix: Stop Cancelling Our Queer Shows

A Jaded Gay

Today, authentic LGBTQ+ representation in TV is more important than ever since it reflects the community's diverse experiences, fosters a sense of inclusivity, challenges stereotypes, and provides meaningful representation that resonates with audiences to promote understanding and acceptance. However, in recent years, we’ve seen a trend where LGBTQ+ shows have been increasingly canceled, some after just one season, with Netflix being the biggest culprit.
In this episode, we’re examining Netflix’s recent cancellations of LGBTQ+ shows, comparing their approach to queer content with other media companies, and exploring the streaming giant's controversies surrounding decisions in the realm of LGBTQ+ storytelling.
Related Episodes:

• Listen to Episode 07. The History of Gay Representation in TV & Film
• Listen to Episode 09. Corporate Greed & Rainbow Capitalism
• Listen to Episode 55. Gay for Pay: Should Straight Actors Play Queer Characters?

Additional Resources:

• Every LGBTQ+ Show Cancelled Over the Past Year
• 30 LGBTQ+ Shows That Got Canceled in 2023
• Netflix Employees Walk Out Over Dave Chappelle Special
• Netflix Reportedly Gave Exec Second Chance After Investigating His Use Of Anti-LGBTQ Language
• Netflix Cut from LGBTQ Corporate Equality Report over Dave Chappelle’s ‘The Closer’
• Ricky Gervais Netflix Special Condemned by LGBTQ Groups for ‘Anti-Trans Rants Masquerading as Jokes’
• Ricky Gervais Condemned for Crude, Tired and Lazy AIDS Jokes in Controversial Netflix Special
• Netflix CEO Faces Backlash for Wild Comments on Cancelled Shows: ‘They are NOT Allies’
• Shane Gillis was Fired from SNL for Anti-Gay Slurs. He Now Has a New Special on Netflix
• Dave Chappelle Goes After Disabled Community in 'The Dreamer'
• Why Are So Many TV Shows About Queer Women Getting the Axe?
• GLAAD's 2022-2023 Where We Are on TV Report

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Chapters

1. Snarky Opener (00:00:00)

2. Episode Introduction (00:00:25)

3. Netflix Keeps Cancelling LGBTQ+ Shows (00:04:17)

4. Enter A Jaded Gay Giveaway (00:05:44)

5. Happy Anniversary! (00:06:37)

6. Tarot (00:07:34)

7. LGBTQ+ Cancellations on Netflix (00:09:11)

8. Q-Force (00:10:26)

9. Uncoupled (00:13:54)

10. Smiley (00:15:39)

11. Glamorous (00:16:59)

12. LGBTQ+ Shows Cancelled Between 2022 and 2023 (00:18:39)

13. LGBTQ+ Shows Cancelled in 2023 (00:19:53)

14. Netflix Responsible for ~30% of LGBTQ+ Shows Cancelled from 2022-2023 (00:21:29)

15. Netflix Controversy: Dave Chappelle’s The Closer (00:22:30)

16. Netflix Controversy: Diego Avalos’ Anti-LGBTQ+ Language (00:24:20)

17. Netflix’s Does Not Receive 2022 HRC Corporate Equality Index Score (00:25:05)

18. Netflix Controversy: Ricky Gervais’ SuperNature & Armageddon (00:26:59)

19. Netflix Controversy: Sarandos’ Rationale for Cancelling Popular Series (00:29:07)

20. Netflix Controversy: Shane Gillis’ Racist and Homophobic Remarks (00:30:41)

21. Netflix Controversy: Dave Chappelle’s The Dreamer (00:31:28)

22. “Comedic” Rhetoric Matters (00:33:03)

23. Representation of Queer Women Declines (00:33:33)

24. Marketing & Advertising Skews to White, Straight Males (00:34:38)

25. Taking Advantage of Rainbow Capitalism (00:35:50)

26. Queer Representation is Still in Budding Stages (00:36:18)

27. GLAAD's Where We Are on TV Report (2022 - 2023) (00:36:35)

28. Episode Closing (00:38:03)

29. Connect with A Jaded Gay (00:40:53)