Pride Month is officially here, and with it comes the perfect excuse to rewatch beloved coming-of-age films or discover new shows centered on queer stories and characters.
While scripted TV has made strides in LGBTQ+ representation, one corner of entertainment still lags behind: reality dating shows. Though series like The Bachelor and The Bachelorette have long been fan favorites, they’ve also been overwhelmingly centered around straight, white couples, leaving many viewers craving more inclusive, diverse love stories that reflect their personal experience.
If you’re on the hunt for a new reality dating show to obsess over, here is a list of LGBTQ+ dating series to sink your teeth into, just in time for Pride Month!
The Ultimatum: Queer Love
Where better to start than with The Ultimatum: Queer Love, the bold and wildly popular spinoff of Netflix’s original dating experiment. After making waves with its all-queer cast, the show is back for a highly anticipated second season. Episodes 1–6 will drop on June 25, 2025, followed by episodes 7–10 on July 2, and yes, JoAnna Garcia Swisher returns as host.
For those unfamiliar with the show, the premise is both unusual and intense. Five couples, made up of women and nonbinary people, who are at a relationship crossroads, come on The Ultimatum to decide what their real priorities are. One partner is ready to get married and settle down, while the other partner is not quite ready or unsure of what they want for the future. During their time on the show, the five couples will temporarily split up, begin a “trial marriage” with another person, and then reunite with their original partner to decide if they still have a future together.
The first season quickly became one of the most iconic WLW dating shows ever and if you haven’t binged Season 1 yet, now’s the time.
Where to Watch: Netflix
I Kissed a Boy
Looking for a reality dating show that breaks the mold? I Kissed a Boy made waves as the UK’s first-ever exclusively gay dating show, hosted by Australian personality Dannii Minogue and set against the dreamy backdrop of an Italian villa. The twist? Each pair of contestants is matched by experts and meets for the very first time with a passionate kiss—no small talk, no introductions, just instant chemistry (or not). While couples are initially matched based on compatibility and attraction, drama stirs as they begin spending more time with other participants in the Masseria.
Where to Watch: Hulu
I Kissed a Girl
If the concept of I Kissed a Boy pulled you in, you’re in luck, the show also has a sapphic spinoff: I Kissed a Girl. The format stays the same, but this time it’s queer women at the center.Within just a few episodes, viewers are treated to love triangles, secret kisses, shifting connections, and heartfelt conversations about identity and attraction.
One of the standout early moments in the show comes when Georgia poses a thoughtful question to the group: “How do you all feel about the word ‘lesbian’?” It sparks a meaningful conversation as the queer women share their complex relationships with the label. The discussion touches on the historical significance of the term, including how the “L” in LGBTQ+ was placed at the front. During the AIDS epidemic, lesbians were largely the only people willing to take care of the dying gay men. It is an emotional and heartwarming scene that brings all of the participants together.
Where to Watch: Hulu
Love ALLways
Love ALLways promises romance in every direction. This reality dating show follows Lexi Paloma, a confident, pansexual, Hispanic woman, as she embarks on a journey to find love.
Lexi is courted by fourteen contestants, seven women and seven men, all hoping to win her heart. However, neither group knows the other exists and is left completely surprised to see another gender on the show. The show also features two relationship and matchmaking coaches, who select women and men they believe will best match Lexi’s wants and needs. With matchmaking teams and surprise rivals, the competition becomes fierce as Lexi looks to find her perfect match.
Where to Watch: YouTube, Paramount+.
Are You the One? (Season 8)
One of the most popular seasons of Are You The One? features a fully pansexual cast, marking the first time the hit reality show centred entirely on sexually fluid participants.
Following the typical format of the show, sixteen singles are sent to Hawaii to find their “perfect match” and potentially split a $1 million prize. Unlike traditional seasons with heterosexual pairings, this cast could form romantic connections with anyone, regardless of gender. The show was also praised for the inclusion of a transgender cast member, a demographic that is rarely included on dating shows.
Where to Watch: Hulu.
You Hauled
Seen all of these dating shows already? Looking for something fresh to add to your watchlist? Enter You Hauled, the reality dating show that tells its participants to “move in or move on!” The title is a clever nod to the well-known “U-Hauling” joke in lesbian culture, referencing the stereotype about how quickly queer women tend to move in together after starting a relationship.
You Hauled, described as an “Ultimate Lesbian Dating Experiment,” features an all-Black lesbian cast. As the show teases, “This is a dating show that’s dedicated to queer singles who are looking for love. We are here to find out if your love connection is strong enough for the long haul or better off left in the moving truck.”
Similar to other dating shows that quickly push couples into relationships or marriages, You Hauled is sure to deliver the same steamy moments, bold personalities, and juicy drama. While an official release date hasn’t been announced yet, You Hauled promises that it is “coming soon.”
In the meantime, check out sneak peeks and updates on YouHauledTV on YouTube.
Queer Representation
One of the best parts of watching queer dating shows is that the content and representation doesn’t end when the last episode’s credits roll. Many of the cast members remain active on social media, allowing fans to keep up with their journeys, relationships, and lives beyond the screen. These shows not only bring chaotic, dramatic, and heartwarming entertainment, they also provide meaningful representation for queer audiences.
And while fully queer-centered dating shows are still on the rise, even some popular reality series like Ex on the Beach, Love at First Lie, and Farming for Love have begun to include LGBTQ+ participants and storylines, showing that the demand for inclusivity is only growing.
As viewers continue to crave fresh formats and diverse participants, here’s hoping networks and streaming services keep answering the call with even more inclusive and unapologetically queer love stories.