The 2024/2025 American television season kicks off this September, and the creatives are teasing what viewers can expect.
From long-running shows to new entrants, this season promises to be the it season as shows return to the regular style with more episodes and larger arcs.
Below, we have compiled a list of all the shows showrunners have revealed that will feature arcs centered on our favorite queer male characters and couples and what they have planned.
There will be plenty to be involved with, from abandoned characters like Darren Ritter to new couples like Buck and Tommy.
‘9-1-1: Lone Star‘
After nearly two years of being off the air, 9-1-1: Lone Star returns for the fifth and final season.
This season sees Carlos and TK as husbands and begin this new chapter together.
Arcs from the previous season will carry over to Season 5 as Carlos tries to solve his father’s murder while TK gets an important visit from his half-brother, Jonah.
9-1-1: Lone Star Season 5, Monday, September 23, at 8 pm ET on Fox.
‘Brilliant Minds’
Zachary Quinto is back on broadcast, and in his new show, Brilliant Minds, he plays a renowned doctor.
Quinto plays Dr. Oliver Sacks, a renowned neurologist. Per the official description:
Brilliant Minds follows a revolutionary, larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns as they explore the last great frontier — the human mind — while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
Sacks was queer and came out later in life. The character is openly gay in the show.
Brilliant Minds Season 1, Monday, September 23 at 10 pm ET on NBC.
‘Chicago Fire‘
Who has complained a lot about how Chicago Fire sidelines Ritter despite giving his peers significant arcs? Us, that’s who.
Well, it seems like the message has caught up with the show’s writers because showrunner Andrea Newman told TV Line:
“This is a big, Ritter-heavy season. Ritter has a lot of changes coming his way,”
Does that mean an exploration of his past or his new beau? We shall see.
Chicago Fire Season 13, Wednesday, September 25, at 9/8c on NBC.
‘9-1-1‘
Buck and Tommy began dating in the later half of 9-1-1 Season 7, and Season 8 will be a big one for them.
Showrunner Tim Minear told Entertainment Weekly they are still together since not much time has passed between the seasons.
Buck will also rely on Tommy to deal with the new firehouse captain who Buck is not taking to well.
“We see that they’re more comfortable together,” he said. “We’d definitely call them a couple.”
9-1-1 Season 8, Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 8 pm ET on ABC.
‘Grey’s Anatomy’
The long-running medical drama has not had the best representation of queer male characters.
It aimed to change that by introducing Dr. Levi Schmitt. However, Borelli will exit the series in the upcoming season.
The good news is that the show has a replacement lined up.
Michael Thomas Grant has been cast as the Grey Sloan’s new gay chaplain, so that will be interesting to watch.
Grey’s Anatomy Season 21, Thursday, September 26 at 10 pm on ABC.
‘Found’
The new missing persons drama, Found hit the ground running when it premiered.
With great performances from the cast and a unique premise, the show hooks the viewer instantly.
Sadly, the first season was quite short, and given the number of characters in the show, it did not do them much justice.
Dhan Rana (Karan Oberoi) is one of those characters who viewers barely get a glimpse of.
The good news is that Season 2 has a bigger episode order and will have more time to focus on all the characters.
Showrunner Nkechi Okoro Caroll said viewers will see more of Dhan’s personal life. Maybe we’ll finally learn how his marriage works, given that his husband Ethan is also his therapist.
Found Season 2, Thursday, October 3 at 10 pm ET on NBC.
‘Abbott Elementary’
Abbott Elementary is the gift that keeps on giving.
It is one of those rare shows that succeed in making their queer characters feel like part of the joke and not be the joke.
It is always a pleasure to watch Jacob’s (Chris Perfetti) antics and those of the rest of the cast.
Series creator Quinta Brunson told TV Line that Jacob’s world will expand when viewers meet some of this family members in Season 4.
Is it his parents? Siblings? Extended family? It will be interesting to see who formed the Jacob we know.
Abbott Elementary, Wednesday, October 9, at 9:30 pm ET on ABC.
Honorable Mentions
These are not American broadcast shows, but that doesn’t make them less exciting now, does it?
‘Heartstopper‘
Heartstopper is back for another heartstopping season.
The third season focuses on Charlie’s eating disorder and body dysmorphia just as his relationship with Nick goes to the next level. They have sex, is what the next level is.
Heartstopper Season 3, Thursday, October 3, on Netflix.
‘The Lincoln Lawyer‘
The third season finds Mickey Haller representing Julian La Cosse (Devon Graye).
La Cosse stands accused of murdering his best friend, Glory Days.
The series cast Wole Parks to play La Cosse’s partner David Lyons.
The Lincoln Lawyer Season 3, Thursday, October 17 on Netflix.
Which of these are you most excited about? Drop a line in the comments section.