20 TV Seasons That Fixed Their Queer-Baiting Problem Overnight

TV shows often build up potential same-sex relationships with suggestive moments and hints, but sometimes avoid actually confirming them. This tactic, known as ‘queer-baiting,’ is used to draw in viewers interested in LGBTQ+ storylines without ever fully delivering on the promise of a romance. Occasionally, a show will change course and explicitly confirm a character’s LGBTQ+ identity or relationship, sometimes even retroactively reinterpreting past scenes to fulfill what fans have been hoping for.

‘Riverdale’ (2017–2023) – Season 2

Cheryl Blossom and Toni Topaz first connected during their sophomore year, despite being involved with rival gangs and dealing with typical high school issues. Their connection quickly became romantic after Toni helped Cheryl escape a harmful therapy center. This led to their first on-screen kiss and the beginning of a popular relationship among fans, nicknamed ‘Choni.’ The storyline also clearly established Cheryl’s sexuality after a season of hints and uncertainty about her character.

‘Shadowhunters’ (2016–2019) – Season 1

Okay, so from the start of the show, Alec was really wrestling with what was expected of him as a Lightwood – family duty, tradition, all that. But underneath it, he was clearly attracted to Magnus Bane, and their chemistry was instant. It totally threw a wrench into his arranged marriage plans! The first season blew up when Alec just grabbed Magnus and kissed him right in front of everyone – his family and the Clave! It was such a bold move, and honestly, it immediately cleared the air and cemented them as a couple. It was a defining moment, and everyone knew it was real from then on.

‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ (1995–2001) – Season 6

As a huge fan of Xena: Warrior Princess, I always felt there was something more to Xena and Gabrielle’s relationship than just friendship. Their connection was so deep and powerful! The series finale finally gave us what so many of us had been hoping for – confirmation that they were in love. That beautiful water transfer kiss wasn’t just a sweet moment, it was Xena literally giving a part of herself to Gabrielle so they could be together eternally. Honestly, it felt like a perfect ending and a wonderful validation for those of us who’d been picking up on those hints for years.

‘Glee’ (2009–2015) – Season 2

Santana Lopez and Brittany Pierce began as minor characters known for jokingly suggesting they were romantically involved. The show started taking their connection seriously in its second season, particularly as Santana came to terms with her feelings for her close friend. What started as a running gag evolved into a genuine portrayal of a lesbian relationship and the challenges of young love. This development not only confirmed hints from earlier episodes but also created one of the show’s most beloved couples.

‘The Magicians’ (2015–2020) – Season 3

I was completely captivated by the episode where Quentin and Eliot lived an entire life together! Seeing them raise a child and grow old as a couple was just beautiful, and it made it so clear how deeply they loved each other. It wasn’t just subtext anymore; it was a fully realized, official part of their story, and it explained so much of their connection throughout the whole series. It really solidified their romantic chemistry for me.

‘The 100’ (2014–2020) – Season 3

Clarke Griffin and Commander Lexa had a complicated partnership that many viewers believed could become romantic. The show seemed to confirm this in the third season when Clarke and Lexa shared an intimate moment. This happened right before a significant plot twist and also established Clarke as a bisexual character.

‘Teen Wolf’ (2011–2017) – Season 6

Jackson Whittemore started out as a typical high school athlete with a girlfriend, but when he reappeared in the show’s final season, he was in a relationship with a man named Ethan and openly identified as attracted to men. This revealed a side of his character that fans had long suspected and added much-needed LGBTQ+ representation to the show’s core group of characters.

‘Once Upon a Time’ (2011–2018) – Season 5

For years, the show subtly suggested LGBTQ+ storylines, but it wasn’t until recently that it officially introduced a queer couple – Ruby Lucas and Dorothy Gale. They met and quickly bonded while navigating a fantastical adventure in the Underworld. Their story ended with a loving kiss that broke a magical sleeping curse on Dorothy, making it the first time the series featured a same-sex romance as the key to solving a magical challenge.

‘Gotham’ (2014–2019) – Season 3

Oswald Cobblepot (the Penguin) and Edward Nygma (the Riddler) had a partnership that many viewers saw as a romance. This idea became clear in the third season when Oswald arranged a dinner to tell Edward he loved him. Despite the relationship being filled with difficulties and disloyalty, this confession showed Oswald’s genuine romantic feelings, confirming the strong connection between them was more than just a criminal alliance.

‘She-Ra and the Princesses of Power’ (2018–2020) – Season 5

Throughout most of the series, Adora and Catra were rivals fighting on opposing sides of a war. The final season culminated in a dramatic battle where their complicated feelings for each other came to a head. Catra admitted her love for Adora, and their kiss ultimately saved She-Ra and brought magic back to the world. This clear romantic moment was a satisfying conclusion to the long-building tension and shared story between them.

‘9-1-1’ (2018–Present) – Season 7

For several seasons, fans wondered about Evan Buckley’s sexuality and romantic life. The show finally addressed this in its seventh season when Buck developed feelings for a man named Tommy. After a friendly outing, Buck acted on his attraction with a kiss, confirming to viewers that he is bisexual. This storyline validated years of fan speculation about his connections with other male characters.

‘Good Omens’ (2019–Present) – Season 2

For years, fans suspected a deeper connection between Aziraphale and Crowley, hinted at in the books and the first season of the show. The season two finale finally made their feelings explicit when Crowley confessed his love and kissed Aziraphale before they separated. This confirmed that their six thousand-year relationship was romantic, solidifying it as official story canon rather than just fan interpretation.

‘Killing Eve’ (2018–2022) – Season 4

Eve and Villanelle were caught in a thrilling and dangerous chase, fueled by a strange attraction to each other. In the final season, they gave in to their feelings and went on a road trip together, sharing close moments and a kiss that showed their obsession had become romantic. This change meant they finally admitted their feelings for each other, moving from hidden desires to an open relationship.

‘Black Sails’ (2014–2017) – Season 2

Captain Flint was initially presented as a cold and determined pirate captain, seemingly motivated only by a desire to find the Urca gold. However, the second season showed, through flashbacks, that his real drive stemmed from the loss of his partner, Thomas Hamilton. This backstory completely changed how viewers understood Flint, clarifying his past and revealing that his love for Thomas was the core reason behind everything happening in the series.

‘The Legend of Korra’ (2012–2014) – Season 4

Fans saw Korra and Asami go from rivals for the same love interest to close friends. The series concluded with them holding hands and sharing a meaningful look as they stepped into the Spirit World together. The creators later confirmed this was meant to signal the start of a romantic relationship. This scene was a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ representation in animated shows aimed at younger audiences.

‘Harley Quinn’ (2019–Present) – Season 2

Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy began their story as close friends, a relationship that echoed their complicated past in the comics. By the end of the second season, they confessed their romantic feelings for each other while on the run. A kiss at a wedding marked the turning point, officially making them a couple. From then on, they became the show’s central romantic pairing.

‘Supernatural’ (2005–2020) – Season 15

Castiel and Dean Winchester developed a deep connection over ten years of hunting monsters. In the show’s final season, Castiel sacrificed himself to save Dean, and in doing so, revealed his romantic feelings. This confession reframed their twelve-year relationship, showing that Castiel’s loyalty and sacrifices were driven by love, not just friendship. The scene finally explained why Castiel acted the way he did during his time on Earth.

‘Person of Interest’ (2011–2016) – Season 5

Root and Shaw had a playful, flirty relationship with a lot of underlying tension as they worked on dangerous missions. The show eventually revealed their feelings for each other, with Root confessing her love and the Machine choosing Root’s voice to communicate. Shaw later shared that Root was the only person who truly made her feel secure, establishing them as the heart of the show’s emotional story during its final seasons.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015) – Season 3

As a huge fan of ‘Hannibal,’ I always felt there was something more than just a cat-and-mouse game going on between Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter. It was this incredibly intense connection, and honestly, it often felt like an obsession that could easily be read as something romantic. The finale really drove that home – Hannibal actually asked if Will could miss him! That final scene, with them embracing on the cliff, wasn’t just dramatic; it felt like a twisted, dark declaration of love. Bryan Fuller, the showrunner, has even said that was intentional – he wanted to acknowledge the romantic side of their messed-up relationship all along.

‘Adventure Time’ (2010–2018) – Season 10

Throughout the show, Princess Bubblegum and Marceline the Vampire Queen had a complicated relationship that many fans believed was once romantic. The series finale confirmed this when they shared a kiss while battling GOLB. This moment proved the long-held fan theories about their past and what caused their falling out. Subsequent specials then showed what their life together was like, offering even more insight into their relationship.

Leave a comment below to tell us which of these canon reveals surprised you the most.

2026-01-01 18:50