17 TV Shows That Cast Non-Binary Actors in Roles Written as Binary

The television landscape has evolved significantly regarding gender representation and casting practices in recent years. Casting directors increasingly select actors based on talent and suitability for the role rather than strictly adhering to the gender identity of the character. Many non-binary performers have delivered compelling performances in roles originally written as cisgender men or women. These casting choices often bring unique depth and nuance to characters within various genres ranging from fantasy epics to medical dramas. The following series feature non-binary actors who seamlessly embodied binary roles.

‘House of the Dragon’ (2022–Present)

Emma D’Arcy stars as the adult Rhaenyra Targaryen in this high-fantasy prequel series. The character serves as the named heir to the Iron Throne and faces constant challenges to her legitimacy from male rivals. D’Arcy portrays the Black Queen with a mix of maternal fierceness and political stoicism as she navigates a civil war. The actor brings a specific gravity to the role that anchors the narrative during the tumultuous Dance of the Dragons. Their performance captures the isolation Rhaenyra feels as a woman in a patriarchal society.

‘The Last of Us’ (2023–Present)

Bella Ramsey leads the series as Ellie Williams alongside Pedro Pascal. Ellie is a teenage girl who holds the key to curing a fungal infection that has decimated humanity. Ramsey captures the grit and vulnerability of a young survivor traversing a post-apocalyptic United States. The show stays faithful to the character’s origins while allowing Ramsey to infuse the role with their own emotional intensity. Viewers praised the dynamic between the two leads as they face both infected creatures and hostile human factions.

‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)

Emma Corrin joined the cast in the fourth season to portray Lady Diana Spencer. The season chronicles Diana’s transformation from a shy teenager into the Princess of Wales and a global icon. Corrin effectively conveys the character’s struggle with the immense pressure of royal life and a crumbling marriage. The performance earned widespread acclaim for capturing the specific mannerisms and vocal quality of the late princess. This portrayal anchored a season focused heavily on the internal conflicts within the Windsor family.

‘Hacks’ (2021–Present)

Carl Clemons-Hopkins plays Marcus who serves as the Chief Operating Officer for legendary comedian Deborah Vance. Marcus is written as a gay cisgender man who dedicates his life to managing Deborah’s career and business empire. Clemons-Hopkins brings a quiet dignity and dry wit to the character as he balances professional obligations with a messy personal life. The role requires a grounded performance to contrast with the chaotic energy of the show’s lead comedians. This casting marked a significant moment of visibility for non-binary actors in major comedy series.

‘Yellowjackets’ (2021–Present)

Liv Hewson portrays the teenage version of Van Palmer in this survival thriller. Van is the goalkeeper of the high school soccer team who becomes stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash. Hewson plays the character as a resilient and loyal survivor who faces multiple near-death experiences. The narrative explores Van’s relationship with Taissa and her belief in the supernatural elements surrounding the group. Hewson imbues the role with toughness and humor despite the grim circumstances the team endures.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–Present)

Sara Ramirez starred as Dr. Callie Torres for over a decade in this long-running medical drama. Callie is a brilliant orthopedic surgeon who navigates complex relationships and career challenges at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Ramirez played the female character through various arcs including marriage, divorce, and parenting. The character became a fan favorite for her confidence and emotional resilience during traumatic hospital events. Ramirez later came out as non-binary after their tenure on the show had concluded.

‘Younger’ (2015–2021)

Nico Tortorella plays Josh who is a tattoo artist and the romantic interest of the protagonist Liza Miller. Josh is a cisgender male character who initially believes Liza is in her twenties. Tortorella brings a charm and emotional openness to the role as Josh navigates the complications of dating a woman with a secret identity. The series explores themes of ageism and authenticity within the publishing world of New York City. Tortorella uses their platform outside the show to discuss gender fluidity while playing this binary role.

‘Atypical’ (2017–2021)

Brigette Lundy-Paine stars as Casey Gardner in this coming-of-age dramedy. Casey is the protective younger sister of the main character Sam and a talented track athlete. Lundy-Paine portrays Casey’s journey of self-discovery as she navigates high school relationships and family drama. The character is written as female and explores her sexuality throughout the series run. Lundy-Paine brings a sharp wit and emotional honesty to the role that resonates with many viewers.

‘Trinkets’ (2019–2020)

Quintessa Swindell plays Tabitha Foster in this teen drama based on the novel by Kirsten Smith. Tabitha is a wealthy and popular high school student who secretly attends Shoplifters Anonymous. Swindell portrays the character’s struggle to maintain a perfect image while dealing with an abusive relationship and family issues. The show focuses on the unlikely friendship that forms between three girls from different social circles. Swindell delivers a nuanced performance that peels back the layers of a character who initially appears to be a stereotype.

‘Batwoman’ (2019–2022)

Ruby Rose led the first season of the series as Kate Kane. Kate is the cousin of Bruce Wayne who takes up the mantle of Batwoman to protect Gotham City. Rose played the female superhero as a tough and skilled fighter with a strong sense of justice. The character navigates her life as an out lesbian while battling various supervillains terrorizing the city. This role was a high-profile example of a gender-fluid actor leading a major network superhero franchise.

‘Homecoming’ (2018–2020)

Janelle Monáe stars in the second season as a woman who wakes up in a rowboat with no memory of her identity. The character is eventually revealed to be Alex but assumes the name Jackie during her investigation. Monáe plays the role with a sense of mystery and determination as she unravels the corporate conspiracy behind the Geist Group. The character is a female veteran who becomes entangled in a complex web of manipulation. Monáe brings a tense energy to the psychological thriller element of the series.

‘Scream: The TV Series’ (2015–2019)

Bex Taylor-Klaus plays Audrey Jensen in the television adaptation of the famous horror franchise. Audrey is a bi-curious filmmaker who becomes a central figure in the mystery surrounding the Lakewood slasher. Taylor-Klaus infuses the female character with a guarded exterior and a deep loyalty to her friends. The show explores Audrey’s connection to the town’s dark past and her struggle to clear her name. The actor effectively balances the horror elements with the character’s emotional turmoil.

‘Vida’ (2018–2020)

Ser Anzoategui portrays Eddy Martínez in this drama set in East Los Angeles. Eddy is the widow of the protagonist’s mother and manages the bar they owned together. Anzoategui plays the butch lesbian character with immense heart and vulnerability as she grieves her wife. The series deals with gentrification and queer identity within the Latinx community. The actor brings a soulful presence to Eddy as she tries to connect with her late wife’s estranged daughters.

‘Only Murders in the Building’ (2021–Present)

Cara Delevingne joined the cast in the second season as Alice Banks. Alice is an art gallery owner who becomes a romantic interest for Selena Gomez’s character Mabel. Delevingne plays the female artist with an air of sophistication and hidden motives. The character introduces Mabel to an art collective and encourages her to destroy her art as a form of therapy. Delevingne effectively portrays the ambiguity needed for a suspect in a murder mystery comedy.

‘It’s a Sin’ (2021)

Olly Alexander leads the ensemble cast as Ritchie Tozer in this drama about the HIV/AIDS crisis in London. Ritchie is a young gay man who moves to the city to pursue acting and live authentically. Alexander captures the character’s vibrant spirit and denial about the severity of the epidemic. The series spans a decade and follows the joy and tragedy experienced by Ritchie and his chosen family. Alexander delivers a heartbreaking performance that anchors the emotional weight of the miniseries.

‘Black Mirror’ (2011–Present)

Miley Cyrus stars as Ashley O in the episode titled ‘Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too’. Ashley O is a global pop superstar who is being exploited and controlled by her manager aunt. Cyrus plays the female character as both the glossy public persona and the desperate artist trapped in a gilded cage. The episode explores themes of celebrity commodification and artificial intelligence. Cyrus channels her own experiences in the music industry to bring authenticity to the role.

‘Under the Bridge’ (2024)

Lily Gladstone plays Cam Bentland in this true crime drama. Cam is a police officer investigating the disappearance and murder of a teenage girl in British Columbia. Gladstone portrays the female character as a stoic and dedicated investigator facing systemic issues within the force. The role was created specifically for the show to provide a fictional lens through which to view the real-life tragedy. Gladstone brings a quiet intensity and moral weight to the procedural aspects of the series.

Please share your favorite performance from this list in the comments.