Golden Girls

The Golden Girls aired on NBC from 1985 to 1992 and followed four older women, Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia, sharing a house in Miami. It became one of the most LGBTQ+-positive network shows of its time, handling gay characters, HIV and AIDS, and same-sex relationships with humor and genuine empathy when most television avoided these subjects. A 1986 episode is often credited with a lasting lesbian punchline ("Not Lebanese, Blanche. Lesbian!"). The cast, especially Estelle Getty, were visible allies who supported HIV and AIDS fundraising. The show holds a devoted queer following, and its four leads remain cultural touchstones celebrated in drag, memes, and merchandise.