LGBTQ Content Appears in Nearly Half of Netflix Kids’ Shows, New Study Finds

A new report examining LGBTQ representation in Netflix children’s programming concludes that a substantial share of the platform’s kid-rated content now includes same-sex or gender themes—prompting renewed scrutiny of age ratings and parental expectations.

The analysis, published by Concerned Women for America (CWA), reviewed 326 Netflix titles rated for children and families. According to the findings, LGBTQ themes appear in one-third of all child-rated programs on the service and in 41% of shows rated TV-G or TV-Y7, categories long understood by parents to indicate broadly neutral, general-audience fare.

What the Study Found

CWA’s review breaks down representation by rating tier, including content aimed at the youngest viewers:

• 41% of TV-G and TV-Y7 titles include LGBTQ themes
• 33% of all youth-rated Netflix shows include such themes
• 21% of TV-Y (preschool-targeted) Netflix programs include LGBTQ themes

The study notes that representation ranges from clearly identified characters to implied or background elements. Examples cited include The Magic School Bus Rides Again and Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City, which the report says feature gender politics characters.

Criticism of Ratings and Oversight

CWA CEO Penny Nance said the scope of the findings surprised her—particularly where content for very young children is concerned.

“Over 20% of programming aimed at the smallest viewers had LGBTQ themes included,” Nance said. “I was most surprised that they had even targeted preschool children.”

Nance also criticized the reliability of streaming age labels, arguing that parents can no longer rely on ratings alone when deciding what their children watch.

“The bottom line is the rating systems do not work,” she said. “You have the networks and the companies rating themselves.”

According to the report, Netflix—like other major streaming platforms—relies on internal processes to determine age classifications, rather than independent third-party review.

Netflix’s Broader Content Strategy

The report situates children’s programming within Netflix’s wider corporate approach to diversity initiatives. A Netflix company report cited in the article states that more than half of the platform’s episodic content released in 2023 featured LGBTQ characters, with CWA researchers asserting that the percentage is even higher in children’s programming—reaching 60% among newly released kids’ titles last year.

CWA also links the rise in representation to broader cultural trends, noting that Gallup polling shows LGBTQ self-identification among Gen Z more than doubled between 2017 and 2023. The organization points to 2021 as a key inflection point, coinciding with increased streaming consumption during global lockdowns.

Franchises and Reboots

The study highlights several well-known franchises that have been rebooted or reimagined with LGBTQ storylines, including She-Ra, Power Rangers, and The Baby-Sitters Club. Nance characterized these changes as a departure from the original tone of the properties.

“It is sad that these incredible franchises have been rewritten to have a bias toward left-wing ideology and gender ideology,” she said.

Implications for Parents

The report concludes with a warning to families that traditional content signals may no longer be sufficient.

“The days of just checking the rating and feeling OK about it are over,” Nance said. “Parents are right to be on their guard—unfortunately, Netflix has let them down, as has much of the industry.”

As debate over Netflix LGBTQ content in children’s programming continues, the study illustrates a growing divide between streaming platforms’ internal standards and parental expectations—one likely to fuel ongoing discussion about transparency, ratings, and oversight in the streaming era.

How do you feel about Netflix including LGBTQ themes in nearly half of all content aimed at children? Sound off in the comments and let us know!