TV’s Steamiest ‘Ships and Hookups That Went Unnoticed In 2015

Empire, Transparent, and Orange Is The New Black seem to have gotten most of the attention this year for their often racy, sometimes raunchy, and (at times) quite touching deliveries of the fictional LGBT love life. And good for them. But let’s show some love to those that went under 2015’s radar.

** WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD **

How to Get Away with Murder

If you aren’t already hooked on ABC’s HTGAWM, don’t fret: It’s a kickass binge-watch that’s ready when you are. (And what’re you doing here — we said spoilers!) There were three risk-taking LGBT plot lines in particular that really stood out, and the first involves a woman we’re not quite certain we can call the show’s protagonist just yet: Annalise Keating, played by deservedly Emmy-award-winning Viola Davis. When mysterious death-row attorney Eve Rothlow shows up in Season 2, we’re not sure what to think of her. Played by Famke Janssen, she’s kept at an arm’s length while somehow maintaining an intimacy with Annalise that we can’t quite place. That is, until the two reveal a past that’s rekindled with a super-sexy, bi-racial, same-sex makeout sesh that primetime has never seen before. Rewiiiind!

Viola Davis isn’t the only one getting some same-sex mmmph in HTGAWM. Conner, played by Jack Falahee, and Oliver, played by Conrad Ricamora, have their fair share of tantalizing sex scenes over the course of the show — but it’s the plot line we’re more impressed by. Oliver is the only character on a current network program living with HIV. He’s also the only one to bluntly explore his sex life after his diagnosis, which includes him getting on the transmission-preventive pill PrEP. There’s no sarcasm when we comment that it’s #groundbreaking. (See also: a hot way to educate, let’s be honest.)

Up next is the gasp-worthy role of Annalise’s law-professor colleague Jill Hartford who suddenly needs an attorney of her own. Fed up with her abusive husband, Jill snaps and … well, the show is focused on getting away with murder. What’s so unique about this particular role is that Jill, as it’s later revealed, is trans. When Annalise finds out, she doesn’t bat an expertly woven lash and goes on to vehemently defend Jill when the DA tries to use her transgenderism against her. (Full disclosure: We cabbage-patched.) Get ’em!

Penny Dreadful

Speaking of story lines for trans characters, Showtime’s Penny Dreadful showed up in a big way. Perhaps better known for his work in this year’s Stonewall, the dedicated and gorgeous Jonny Beauchamp (those lips, tho) got down to it in Season 2 of the sexy, sinister Victorian gothic, playing Angelique, a trans woman who falls under the seductive eye of the soft, sensual Dorian Gray, played by the hella-hot Reeve Carney. Now we won’t give too much away, but we’d definitely like to mention that the showstopping sex scene between Dorian and Angelique is straight-up softcore done in a fashion that only pay-to-view channels like Showtime can get away with, #yass. Honey, it leaves damn near nothin‘ to the imagination. Good for y’all, good for us. (Also: Immense shout out to Eva Green and congrats on that Golden Globe nod for your portrayal of Vanessa Ives — you’ve been snubbed long enough for your performance in PD, so we’re rooting for you from the Mile High City.)

Revenge

Nolan Ross is the shit and we’ll fight about it if you disagree. (Not really, but Gabriel Mann’s portrayal of the raspy-voiced tech maestro with the loyal heart of a lion won us over a few years back.) To be fair, this is more of a 2014 shout out, but since we’re on the topic of “went unnoticed,” we figure this is as good as any. The bisexual bazillionaire’s life isn’t one that’s relatable to most (ok, any) of us, but one thing that is: falling for hot guys and gals that may (or may not) always have our best interests at heart. Booooooo! If you haven’t haven’t bought a ticket for the Revenge train, pop some corn and watch Nolan and his BFF Emily (or is it Amanda?) wreck some Hamptons hoity-toits.

The Originals

There’s an incredible feeling of satisfaction while watching The Originals, even if it taps into our inner preteen feelings. The show may focus on supernatural being such as vampires, witches, and werewolves, but the heart of it rests on the relationships built over thousands of years. One of our favorites is the relationship between vampire Josh, played by Steven Krueger, and werewolf Aiden, played by Colin Woodell. Why? There’s no stigma about being a gay vampire or werewolf in New Orleans; everyone accepts it, and no one draws attention to it. They’re (get this) treated like normal human beings … well, sort of. You’ll have to watch and see. Big ups to the playful flirtiness between the duo, which is so often “awwwww” worthy.

American Horror Story

If you haven’t been keeping up with the latest season of AHS, there’s one thing you need to know: Liz Taylor will give you life! Portrayed by the irrefutably talented Denis O’Hare, Liz is by far the stand out of the season. Forget Gaga. Forget Bomer. Forget all the messy plot lines. Liz is strong, she’s determined, and best believe she has seen some shit. She’s also one of the few humans who get to live in the scariest hotel in California. Why? Count Gaga loves her and was the one who encouraged her to live her life as intended: as a woman. Liz even gets a romance story all for herself, but you’ll have to watch it to find out what goes down.

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