7 Shows to Watch If You Loved ‘It's a Sin’ on HBO Max

One of the newest miniseries of 2021 is It's a Sin on HBO Max, and it already has everyone talking. It's a Sin takes place in 1980s London, during the peak of the AIDS crisis, and it follows the lives of three gay men who move to the city and become quick friends. The show was created by Russell T. Davies, a producer who has historically created thoughtful and realistic depictions of LGBTQ+ characters on TV, with shows like Queer as Folk and Cucumber.

It's a Sin is so addictive, particularly because it is unafraid to explore serious subjects, while also offering funny and joyful celebrations of growing up queer. If you're like us, then you probably binged every episode in one night (and went through a box and a half of tissues) and you're anxious for more. Luckily, we've got seven shows that may not be as devastating, but will pull you in just as easily as It's a Sin.

Pose is a glittery, outrageous, emotional rollercoaster of a show. Set in New York City during the eighties and nineties, this series brings us closer to the world of underground balls, where fashion, dance and beauty reign supreme. Pose has been praised for its depiction of trans characters, people living with HIV/AIDS and sex workers, and it features career-defining performances from Billy Porter, Dominique Jackson, MJ Rodriguez, and so many others.

Stream it on Netflix

While the original Queer as Folk by Russell T. Davies only lasted for a couple of seasons, it was the American adaptation that was a runaway success. Lasting for five seasons, Queer as Folk helped make Showtime a worthy competitor when it came to original programming. At the time, the series was the first to ever simulate sex between gay men on American television and it was lauded for its realistic depictions of queer men and women living in the U.S.

Feel Good is an intimate, aching portrayal of the relationship between Mae and George, two queer women living in London, dealing with issues of family, drugs and class struggles. Mae Martin, the creator and star of the show, works gorgeously alongside actress Charlotte Ritchie, creating TV chemistry for the ages. Netflix has renewed Feel Good for a second and final season, which is slated to be released this year.

Looking stars Jonathan Groff, who you might recognize from his stints on Glee, Mindhunter or as King George III in Hamilton. However, Groff comes into his own as Patrick Murray, a 29-year-old video game designer who, alongside his gay friends, explores relationships, work issues and cultural differences in modern-day San Francisco. While many shows about LGBTQ+ experiences lean towards the more serious side, Looking keeps things light with plenty of ridiculous antics.

You've probably heard of Love, Simon, the film that changed the game for gay rom-coms and made a star out of Nick Robinson. If you fell in love with Love, Simon, then you'll probably enjoy Hulu's spin-off series Love, Victor just as much. Michael Cimino stars as Victor, a Puerto Rican and Colombian-American who is trying to figure out his attractions toward his coworker, while also trying to help his family stay afloat. Love, Victor is a fun, teen romance that would make John Hughes proud.

The Freeform original The Bold Type follows three women—Jane, Kate and Sutton—who live in New York City and work for a fictional women's magazine called Scarlet. While the series is a lighthearted look at the bonds of female friendship, it also explores the freedom of sexuality in a nuanced and refreshing manner. If you love a good show about working in journalism (and you've already rewatched Sex and the City too many times), then we recommend The Bold Type.