BBC Cancels LGBTQ+ Dating Shows ‘I Kissed A Boy’ and ‘I Kissed A Girl’
The BBC has confirmed it will not continue its groundbreaking LGBTQ+ dating shows I Kissed A Boy and I Kissed A Girl after their latest seasons.
According to the broadcaster, there are currently no plans for either show to return, with officials citing funding pressures behind the decision.
The announcement means the upcoming second season of I Kissed A Girl will likely be the final chapter for the franchise that introduced the UK’s first dating format built entirely around LGBTQ+ contestants.
BBC Cites Funding Pressures
In a statement addressing the cancellation, the BBC said the decision was part of wider financial considerations affecting programming.
The broadcaster said it was “exceptionally proud” of both shows and the impact they had in bringing LGBTQ+ dating stories to mainstream British television.
However, the organization explained that difficult decisions needed to be made as it faces ongoing budget challenges.
Dannii Minogue Reflects on Hosting the Series
Singer and television personality Dannii Minogue, who served as host and “cupid” for the shows, described working on the series as one of the most meaningful experiences of her career.
Minogue said she was proud that the shows celebrated LGBTQ+ contestants and allowed their stories to be shared with a national audience.
She also encouraged viewers to tune in to the upcoming season of I Kissed A Girl, which she said continues the energy and joy that defined the series.
A Groundbreaking LGBTQ+ Dating Format
I Kissed A Boy first premiered in 2023 on BBC Three and quickly made headlines as the first British dating show focused entirely on queer men.
The format placed contestants in an Italian masseria where they were paired up with a potential match immediately upon arrival. Before even learning each other’s names, the participants shared a first kiss before exploring their compatibility throughout the show.
The series later expanded with I Kissed A Girl in 2024, which followed the same structure but centered on queer women.
The shows also made headlines for expanding LGBTQ+ representation in reality television.
The second season of I Kissed A Boy introduced its first transgender contestant, Lars Fellows, marking another milestone for the series.
Alongside Minogue, the programs also featured narration from Layton Williams and presenter Charley Marlowe.
LGBTQ+ Programming Faces Wider Challenges
The cancellation arrives during a period of uncertainty for LGBTQ+ programming across television and streaming platforms.
Recent reports suggest several queer-focused reality shows and scripted series have struggled to secure renewals in recent years.
Advocacy group GLAAD previously reported that a significant number of LGBTQ+ characters featured in television between 2024 and 2025 are not expected to return to screens in 2026.
Despite the cancellation, I Kissed A Boy and I Kissed A Girl remain notable milestones in British television for bringing LGBTQ+ dating stories into the mainstream.
0 Comments