Homicide: Life on the Street (1993–1999)

Homicide: Life on the Street offered a largely positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes, primarily through Detective Tim Bayliss's groundbreaking coming out arc. His journey and long-term relationship were depicted with dignity and complexity. While showing realistic societal challenges, the series consistently affirmed the character's worth and agency, making his identity one facet of a well-rounded individual.

The show adapts David Simon's non-fiction book, 'Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets,' which details real Baltimore detectives. Several key characters, such as Pembleton, Giardello, Crosetti, and Lewis, are portrayed by actors of a different race than their real-life counterparts described in the source material.