TV Shows That Gave Us Interracial Gay Couples Without Fetishizing

Representation matters profoundly when television series depict relationships that reflect the diversity of the real world. Interracial gay couples have historically faced stereotypes or fetishization that reduces their dynamic to a mere plot device. Modern storytelling has shifted toward authentic portrayals that explore cultural nuances and genuine romantic connection. These shows feature couples who navigate love and life while honoring their distinct backgrounds.

‘Six Feet Under’ (2001–2005)

David Fisher and Keith Charles remain one of the most realistic portrayals of a gay partnership in television history. The series explores the complex dynamic between a buttoned-up white funeral director and a Black police officer. They navigate issues of race and class alongside their struggles with intimacy and adoption. The writers allowed their relationship to be messy and flawed rather than presenting an idealized image.

‘True Blood’ (2008–2014)

Lafayette Reynolds and Jesus Velasquez offered a grounded romance amidst the supernatural chaos of Bon Temps. Jesus helped Lafayette embrace his medium abilities while providing a stable emotional anchor. Their relationship highlighted their shared heritage of magic and mutual respect for their distinct backgrounds. The bond they shared was a significant emotional arc that treated both characters with dignity.

‘Spartacus’ (2010–2013)

Agron and Nasir emerged as a fan-favorite couple during the violent slave rebellion against Rome. Agron was a Germanic warrior who fell for Nasir and freed him from his life as a Syrian body slave. Their romance developed organically on the battlefield without falling into tragic tropes common for queer characters in the genre. They fought side by side and survived the series together as free men.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

Captain Raymond Holt and Kevin Cozner are a shining example of a stable and loving marriage. The stoic Black police captain and his white professor husband bond over their shared love of intellectual rigor and classical music. The show treats their relationship as completely normal and integral to the precinct family. Their conflicts are typically humorous and domestic rather than focused on their racial differences.

‘Looking’ (2014–2016)

Patrick Murray and Richie Donado explore the complexities of dating across class lines in modern San Francisco. Patrick is a white video game designer who falls for Richie and confronts his own unconscious biases. The series uses a naturalistic style to depict their intimacy and cultural misunderstandings. It provides a nuanced look at how two men from different worlds try to build a life together.

‘How to Get Away with Murder’ (2014–2020)

Connor Walsh and Oliver Hampton began their journey with a casual hookup that evolved into the emotional heart of the series. The show tackled serious issues such as HIV diagnosis and serodiscordant relationships with great care. Connor is white and Oliver is Asian American and their partnership often balanced out the heavy legal drama. They eventually married and survived the chaotic events of the finale together.

‘Shadowhunters’ (2016–2019)

Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood captivated audiences with a romance that spanned magical worlds. Magnus is an immortal warlock of Asian descent who falls for Alec despite the strict laws of the Shadowhunters. Their relationship deals with themes of immortality and duty while breaking down the walls Alec built around himself. The writers gave them substantial screen time and agency within the fantasy narrative.

‘Star Trek: Discovery’ (2017–2024)

Paul Stamets and Hugh Culber made history as the first openly gay characters in a relationship on a Star Trek television series. Stamets is a white astromycologist and Culber is a medical officer of Puerto Rican descent. They serve together as senior officers and maintain a supportive domestic life aboard the starship. Their storyline proves that LGBTQ+ love belongs in the optimistic future of the franchise.

‘Elite’ (2018–2024)

Omar Shanaa and Ander Muñoz navigated the intense drama of a private Spanish high school. Omar is a Muslim boy from a conservative Palestinian family while Ander is the son of the school principal. They faced challenges related to religion and illness but remained a central focus of the show for several seasons. The series portrayed their physical and emotional connection with the same intensity as the straight couples.

‘Sex Education’ (2019–2023)

Eric Effiong and Adam Groff delivered a complex enemies-to-lovers arc that resonated with many viewers. Eric is a confident Black teenager who eventually helps his former bully Adam come to terms with his own sexuality. The show explores the difficult path of unlearning internalized homophobia and finding common ground. Their relationship is messy and real as it highlights the growth of both young men.

‘Hollywood’ (2020)

Rock Hudson and Archie Coleman serve as the romantic leads in this revisionist take on the Golden Age of cinema. The series reimagines the life of the real Rock Hudson by pairing him with a fictional Black screenwriter. They bravely walk the red carpet together in a powerful moment of wish fulfillment. The story asks what might have happened if the industry had embraced diversity decades ago.

‘9-1-1: Lone Star’ (2020–Present)

TK Strand and Carlos Reyes quickly became the anchor of this procedural drama set in Austin. TK is a white firefighter battling addiction recovery while Carlos is a Latino police officer with a supportive family. They save lives in their high-pressure jobs and return home to a loving and domestic partnership. Their wedding in the fourth season was a celebration of their enduring commitment.

‘Young Royals’ (2021–2024)

Prince Wilhelm and Simon Eriksson portray a tender teenage romance burdened by the weight of the Swedish monarchy. Wilhelm is the white crown prince who falls in love with Simon who is a working-class student of Latino descent. The series focuses heavily on consent and the pressure of public scrutiny on their private lives. It avoids clichés by grounding their conflict in class and duty rather than shame.

‘Our Flag Means Death’ (2022–2023)

Stede Bonnet and Edward Teach smashed historical expectations with their heartfelt romantic comedy on the high seas. Stede is a wealthy white aristocrat who captures the heart of the legendary Blackbeard who is played by a Māori actor. The show deconstructs toxic masculinity through their gentle and supportive connection. Fans celebrated the series for making their romance the undeniable text of the story.

‘Interview with the Vampire’ (2022–Present)

Louis de Pointe du Lac and Lestat de Lioncourt offer a gothic and bloody exploration of power dynamics. The series recasts Louis as a Black Creole man in early 20th-century New Orleans who is turned by the white French vampire Lestat. This change adds layers of racial tension and historical context to their toxic but consuming love. The show uses their immortality to examine how race impacts their existence through the decades.

Tell us which of these couples is your favorite in the comments.