It’s not easy for a show to come back from the dead!
Over the years, many LGBTQ+ shows have been canceled by networks and streaming services for different reasons. Some of them were labeled “too expensive” to make for the viewership that they were getting. Others seemed cheaper to make, but simply didn’t have that many fans watching them to justify more seasons.
More often than not, the queer-inclusive shows that have been resurrected over the years came from intense fan campaigning on social media. In some cases, however, a different network felt interested in acquiring the audience from a show, even if it wasn’t that big. There have also been instances when networks felt like they couldn’t greenlight an entire new season but could at least finance a finale special to wrap up the storylines in the series.
Scroll through to see which LGBTQ+ shows have been revived over the years after initially being canceled.
‘Warrior Nun’
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After two seasons on Netflix, Warrior Nun was canceled by the streaming service. An incredibly intense fan campaign started for the TV show on social media, which culminated in a tweet from Simon Barry announcing that Warrior Nun had been saved. As of this writing, we’re still waiting for more details about this revival!
‘Uncoupled’
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Starring Neil Patrick Harris, Uncoupled was canceled just after one season on Netflix. However, it actually didn’t take very long for the show to be picked up by Showtime and renewed for a second season.
‘Looking’
Looking was canceled by HBO after two seasons, and it wasn’t picked up by any other network. With that said, the network felt like these LGBTQ+ characters deserved to have their stories wrapped up. This led to HBO reviving the series for a finale special known as Looking: The Movie.
‘Sense8’
Much like Looking, Netflix’s Sense8 was also canceled after two seasons. However, the show also got the chance to film a finale special to give dedicated fans some closure.
‘Minx’
The Max original Minx only survived a single season on the streaming service. However, Starz picked up the series for a second season not too long after in the hopes that fans of the series can now sign up for a new streaming service to watch season two.
‘One Day At a Time’
There were several months of intense campaigning to save the One Day At a Time reboot from cancelation on Netflix. After three seasons, the streaming service did stand by its decision. Alas, the series was picked up for a fourth season on Pop – which felt like a huge treat for fans.
‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’
The queer-inclusive Brooklyn Nine-Nine aired at Fox for five whole seasons. When the network decided to axe the show, NBC quickly picked it up for its own programming. Unlike other shows on this list that were revived but only lasted for one more season, Brooklyn Nine-Nine ran for three more seasons on NBC – getting all the way to season eight.
‘Lucifer’
Lucifer is another example of a revived show that had a long livelihood at its new home. After airing for three seasons, the series was canceled by Fox. Then, at the snap of a finger, Netflix picked up Lucifer for a fourth season on the streaming service. Overall, the show reached its sixth season on Netflix, which is a huge achievement.