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10 of the most egregious examples of queerbaiting on TV

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  • Queer representation has continued to grow on TV in recent years.
  • But even now, fans argue that networks use queer tropes to market shows without following through.
  • It took “Supernatural” over 10 years to confirm a character was gay … and then he died.

Queerbaiting is a complex thing to define in 2024. Oxford Languages defines it as “the incorporation of apparently gay characters or same-sex relationship into a film, television show, etc. as a means of appealing to gay and bisexual audiences while maintaining ambiguity about the characters’ sexuality.”

In other words, it’s when a show is marketed to queer audiences through the promotion of an LGBTQ+ relationship, known colloquially as a “ship,” without actually making the relationship canon.

Last year, for example, Netflix threw a Pride party for its show “Wednesday” titled “WednesGay.” But neither Wednesday nor any of her friends were confirmed to be queer on the show, even though Wednesday certainly had chemistry with her roommate, Enid.

For some shows, it’s not as clear cut, but that hasn’t stopped fans from accusing writers or networks of failing to follow through on the promise of a queer relationship.

Here are 10 shows that have been accused of queerbaiting by fans.

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