Heading into 2026, a noticeable gap in television will be evident, where a surplus of LGBTQ + characters once existed, according to GLAAD ‘s annual “Where We Are On TV” report. Series that premiered between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025, featured 489 LGBTQ regular or recurring characters, up 21 characters from the previous year. But around 201 of these characters are not expected to return to their respective series.

GLAAD reports that the batch of characters “will not be returning due to series cancellations or endings, limited series format, or a character dying or leaving the show.” The number accounts for 41 percent of the total number of LGBTQ characters. Within that, show cancellations and endings are responsible for the departure of 159 characters.

192 characters will appea

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