The GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding New TV Series is an annual award that honors television series in their first season for excellence in the depiction of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer) characters and themes. It is one of several categories of the annual GLAAD Media Awards, which are presented by GLAADâÂÂan American non-governmental media monitoring organization founded in 1985, formerly called the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against DefamationâÂÂat ceremonies in New York City and Los Angeles between March and May.
For a series to be eligible, it must be a scripted comedy or drama series in its first season that premiered in the United States during the eligibility period and include at least one LGBTQ character in a leading, supporting, or recurring capacity. The award may be accepted by the show's producers, writers, and/or actors. Series selected by GLAAD are evaluated based on four criteria: "Fair, Accurate, and Inclusive Representations" of the LGBTQ community, "Boldness and Originality" of the project, significant "Impact" on mainstream culture, and "Overall Quality" of the project. GLAAD monitors mainstream media to identify which series will be nominated, while also issuing a Call for Entries that encourages media outlets to submit programs for consideration. In order for series created by and for LGBTQ audiences to be considered for nomination, they must be submitted after the Call for Entries. Winners are determined by a plurality vote by GLAAD staff and board, donors and volunteers, and selected media industry experts.
The award was first presented at the 33rd GLAAD Media Awards in 2022. As of 2026, the award has been presented to five television series. The inaugural recipient of the award was Hacks. The most recent recipient is Heated Rivalry, which was honored at the 37th GLAAD Media Awards in 2026.