In an era where representation matters more than ever, HBO Max has emerged as a treasure trove of compelling lesbian and sapphic narratives. From heart-wrenching period dramas to irreverent comedies and post-apocalyptic adventures, the streaming platform offers a diverse array of shows that center queer women and their stories. This article dives deep into 11 exceptional lesbian and sapphic series available on HBO Max, exploring their cultural significance, hidden gems, and the broader context of queer representation in media. Whether you're seeking romance, humor, or thrilling drama, these shows deliver authentic, multifaceted portrayals of queer women that deserve your attention.

Why Sapphic Representation Matters

Before delving into the shows, it’s worth exploring why sapphic representation in media is so crucial. Historically, queer women have been underrepresented or stereotyped in television, often relegated to tragic side characters or tokenized roles. However, the past decade has seen a shift, with streaming platforms like HBO Max investing in stories that celebrate the complexity of queer women’s lives. These shows don’t just entertain—they challenge societal norms, provide visibility, and offer validation to queer audiences.

Research from GLAAD’s 2024-2025 “Where We Are on TV” report highlights that 11.6% of series regulars on broadcast television are LGBTQ+, with lesbian and bisexual women making up a significant portion of this representation. Yet, the quality of these portrayals matters as much as the quantity. Shows that center sapphic characters with depth, agency, and authenticity—like those on HBO Max—help dismantle stereotypes and foster empathy among viewers. As Dr. Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD’s President and CEO, notes:

“Authentic representation of queer women in media can transform perceptions, offering narratives that resonate with lived experiences and challenge outdated tropes.”

This article expands on the original list, uncovering hidden truths about these shows, their cultural impact, and the creative forces behind them.

1. Gentleman Jack: A Bold Butch Romance

Synopsis

Set in Halifax, 1832, Gentleman Jack follows Anne Lister (Suranne Jones), a charismatic landowner determined to restore her family’s crumbling estate and find a wife. Known for her unapologetic masculinity, Lister defies societal norms in this spirited period drama.

Why It’s a Must-Watch

Gentleman Jack stands out as a rare gem in the landscape of lesbian period dramas. Unlike many historical narratives that end in tragedy for queer characters, this series offers a refreshingly optimistic take. Based on the real-life diaries of Anne Lister, often called “the first modern lesbian,” the show blends historical accuracy with modern sensibilities. Lister’s butch identity—expressed through her top hats, tailored coats, and confident swagger—challenges the era’s rigid gender roles, making her a trailblazer both in her time and in modern media.

The series’ creator, Sally Wainwright, drew heavily from Lister’s meticulously coded diaries, which detail her romantic relationships and business ventures. These diaries, decoded in the 20th century, reveal a woman who lived openly as a lesbian despite societal constraints. Suranne Jones’ portrayal captures Lister’s complexity: she’s bold yet vulnerable, ambitious yet deeply human. The chemistry between Jones and Sophie Rundle, who plays Lister’s lover Ann Walker, crackles with authenticity, offering viewers a romance that feels both timeless and revolutionary.

Hidden Truths

Gentleman Jack doesn’t shy away from the challenges Lister faced, from familial pressure to societal scorn. Yet, it also celebrates her resilience and cunning, showing how she navigated a patriarchal world to build her legacy. The show’s attention to historical detail—filmed at Lister’s real-life home, Shibden Hall—adds depth, immersing viewers in her world. For queer audiences, Lister’s story is a reminder that sapphic love has always existed, even in the most unlikely times and places.

2. The Sex Lives of College Girls: Queer Joy on Campus

Synopsis

The Sex Lives of College Girls tracks four freshmen roommates at Essex College, navigating love, friendship, and identity in a whirlwind of hormones and hijinks. Created by Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, the series is a vibrant exploration of young adulthood.

Why It’s a Must-Watch

This comedy series shines for its unapologetic queerness, woven seamlessly into its narrative. Reneé Rapp, playing Leighton Murray, delivers a standout performance as a closeted lesbian grappling with her identity. Her journey from secrecy to self-acceptance is both heartfelt and relatable, resonating with viewers who’ve navigated similar paths. Ruby Cruz, as transfer student Jess, adds another layer of sapphic representation, with her character’s exploration of queerness depicted with nuance and humor.

The show’s strength lies in its ensemble cast, which balances humor with emotional depth. Leighton’s coming-out arc, in particular, avoids clichés, showing the messy, nonlinear process of self-discovery. The series also tackles intersectionality, with characters like Bela (Amrit Kaur) and Whitney (Alyah Chanelle Scott) bringing diverse perspectives to the table.

Hidden Truths

Behind the scenes, The Sex Lives of College Girls benefits from a diverse writers’ room, including queer and BIPOC voices, which lends authenticity to its storytelling. The show’s depiction of queer joy—think steamy hookups and heartfelt confessions—stands in contrast to older media tropes that often framed queer lives as tragic. Its popularity among Gen Z audiences underscores a growing demand for inclusive narratives that don’t shy away from complexity.

3. Control: A Polish Sapphic Gem

Synopsis

Control follows former lovers Natalia (Adrianna Chlebicka) and Majka (Ewelina Pankowska) as they confront their past and explore lingering feelings in this Polish drama.

Why It’s a Must-Watch

This under-the-radar series is a masterclass in intimate storytelling. Originally a web series, Control offers a concise yet emotionally rich binge, perfect for viewers craving a focused sapphic narrative. Unlike many shows where queer storylines are secondary, Control centers its lesbian protagonists, delving into their emotional complexities with raw honesty. The chemistry between Chlebicka and Pankowska is electric, capturing the push-and-pull of a relationship marked by love and regret.

Hidden Truths

Control reflects Poland’s evolving cultural landscape, where queer visibility remains a contentious issue. The series premiered at a time when Poland faced criticism for its “LGBT-free zones,” making its unapologetic focus on sapphic love a bold statement. By showcasing queer women as multidimensional characters, Control challenges conservative narratives and offers a beacon of hope for Polish queer audiences.

4. Patria: A Basque Perspective

Synopsis

Patria chronicles the impact of the Basque separatist conflict over three decades, focusing on two families divided by violence. Arantxa (Loreto Mauleón) emerges as a compelling queer character amidst the turmoil.

Why It’s a Must-Watch

While Patria primarily explores the political and personal ramifications of the ETA conflict, Arantxa’s storyline adds a poignant queer dimension. Her character navigates love and loss against the backdrop of societal upheaval, offering a unique perspective on resilience. Mauleón’s performance is understated yet powerful, making Arantxa a standout in a sprawling ensemble.

Hidden Truths

The series, based on Fernando Aramburu’s novel, reflects Spain’s complex history with Basque separatism. Arantxa’s queerness, though not the central focus, underscores the universality of love and identity, even in times of conflict. The show’s nuanced portrayal of a queer woman in a non-Western context broadens the scope of sapphic representation, highlighting stories that might otherwise be overlooked.

5. Harley Quinn: Chaotic Sapphic Love

Synopsis

In this animated series, Harley Quinn breaks free from the Joker to become Gotham’s criminal queenpin, finding love with Poison Ivy along the way.

Why It’s a Must-Watch

Harley Quinn is a riotous blend of humor and heart, with the Harley-Ivy romance serving as its emotional core. Voiced by Kaley Cuoco and Lake Bell, respectively, the duo’s relationship evolves from friendship to love with a sweetness that grounds the show’s chaotic energy. Their dynamic—playful, supportive, and unapologetically queer—has made them a fan-favorite sapphic couple.

Hidden Truths

The show’s creators, Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker, have cited fan campaigns as a driving force behind the Harley-Ivy romance, reflecting the power of audience advocacy in shaping queer narratives. The series also subverts traditional superhero tropes, using humor to critique toxic masculinity and celebrate female agency. Its animated format allows for bold storytelling, making it a standout in HBO Max’s lineup.

6. The Girls on the Bus: Queer Camaraderie on the Campaign Trail

Synopsis

The Girls on the Bus follows four female journalists covering a presidential campaign, forming a found family amidst political chaos. Natasha Behnam’s Lola Rahaii, a queer Gen-Z influencer, steals the spotlight.

Why It’s a Must-Watch

With a cast boasting Melissa Benoist and Carla Gugino, this series already has sapphic appeal. But it’s Behnam’s portrayal of Lola—a confident, queer Iranian-American journalist—that truly shines. Her character brings a fresh perspective, blending activism with sharp wit. The show’s focus on female friendship and professional ambition makes it a compelling watch for sapphic audiences.

Hidden Truths

The Girls on the Bus draws inspiration from Amy Chozick’s memoir Chasing Hillary, offering a fictionalized glimpse into the high-stakes world of political journalism. Lola’s queerness and cultural identity reflect the growing diversity in media representation, while her influencer status nods to the evolving role of social media in shaping public discourse.

7. Hacks: A Queer Comedy Masterpiece

Synopsis

Hacks explores the unlikely mentorship between legendary comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and young writer Ava (Hannah Einbinder), infused with queer humor and romance.

Why It’s a Must-Watch

This Emmy-winning series is a love letter to queerness, with sapphic characters and themes woven into its DNA. Einbinder, an out bisexual actor, brings authenticity to Ava’s messy, relatable journey, while the show’s sharp writing tackles ageism, sexism, and queer identity with biting humor. The chemistry between Smart and Einbinder is electric, making every episode a delight.

Hidden Truths

Hacks has been praised for its intersectional approach, addressing issues like ageism and workplace dynamics alongside queerness. The show’s creators, Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky, draw on their own experiences in comedy, lending authenticity to its portrayal of the industry. Its success underscores the demand for queer-led stories that don’t shy away from complexity.

8. I Hate Suzie: A Bisexual Bestie’s Tale

Synopsis

I Hate Suzie follows former pop star Suzie (Billie Piper) as she navigates a phone hack scandal, with her bisexual best friend Naomi (Leila Farzad) by her side.

Why It’s a Must-Watch

Billie Piper’s raw performance as Suzie is a highlight, but Farzad’s Naomi steals scenes as a complex, supportive friend. The series’ focus on female friendship, rather than romance, offers a refreshing take on sapphic representation, exploring themes of loyalty and self-discovery.

Hidden Truths

Created by Piper and Lucy Prebble, I Hate Suzie draws on real-life experiences of fame and privacy invasion. Naomi’s bisexuality is portrayed with nuance, avoiding stereotypes and emphasizing her agency. The show’s bold exploration of mental health and media scrutiny resonates with queer audiences navigating public and private identities.

9. The Last of Us: Queer Love in a Broken World

Synopsis

Set 20 years after a fungal apocalypse, The Last of Us follows Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) on a harrowing journey across a ruined U.S.

Why It’s a Must-Watch

Bella Ramsey’s Ellie is a queer teen whose love stories are integral to her growth, portrayed with sensitivity and depth. The acclaimed “Bill and Frank” episode, while focused on gay men, complements the show’s broader commitment to queer narratives. The series’ blend of horror and heart makes it a must-watch for sapphic fans.

Hidden Truths

Based on the acclaimed video game, The Last of Us translates its queer elements faithfully, thanks to creator Neil Druckmann’s involvement. Ellie’s queerness, drawn from the game’s DLC, is a testament to the power of authentic adaptation. The show’s success has sparked discussions about queer representation in genre storytelling, proving that sapphic narratives can thrive in mainstream media.

10. Batwoman: Lesbian Superheroes Take Flight

Synopsis

Batwoman follows Kate Kane, and later Ryan Wilder, as they protect Gotham City as the titular hero, embracing their lesbian identities.

Why It’s a Must-Watch

With Ruby Rose and Javicia Leslie as lesbian superheroes, Batwoman delivers empowering representation. Both actors, openly queer, bring authenticity to their roles, while the show’s action-packed narrative explores themes of identity and justice.

Hidden Truths

Batwoman faced challenges, including Rose’s departure after Season 1, but Leslie’s introduction as Ryan Wilder marked a groundbreaking moment for Black queer representation. The series’ commitment to queer storytelling within the superhero genre sets a precedent for inclusive narratives in comic book adaptations.

11. Betty: Baby Dykes on Skateboards

Synopsis

Betty follows a group of young women navigating New York City’s male-dominated skateboarding scene, embracing their identities along the way.

Why It’s a Must-Watch

This gritty, vibrant series captures the raw energy of queer youth culture. Its diverse cast, including queer and nonbinary characters, offers a fresh perspective on friendship and self-expression. The skateboarding backdrop adds a unique flavor, making it a standout in HBO Max’s lineup.

Hidden Truths

Inspired by Crystal Moselle’s film Skate Kitchen, Betty draws on real-life skater communities, lending authenticity to its portrayal of subculture. Its focus on queer and POC voices reflects a broader shift toward inclusive storytelling, resonating with audiences seeking authentic representation.

Conclusion: The Power of Sapphic Stories

HBO Max’s lineup of lesbian and sapphic shows represents a milestone in queer representation, offering stories that are as diverse as the audiences they serve. From historical dramas like Gentleman Jack to modern comedies like Hacks, these series celebrate the richness of queer women’s lives. They challenge stereotypes, amplify marginalized voices, and provide a platform for stories that have long been sidelined.

As streaming platforms continue to shape the future of television, HBO Max’s commitment to sapphic narratives sets a high bar. These shows aren’t just entertainment—they’re a call to action, urging viewers to embrace the complexity and beauty of queer love and identity. So, grab your remote and dive into these must-watch series. Your next sapphic obsession awaits.