The second series of the queer dating show I Kissed a Girl will be its last, after the BBC announced its cancellation in March 2025. The sibling show I Kissed a Boy was also axed, with the broadcaster citing “difficult choices in light of our funding challenges.” The decision marks the end of the UK’s first dating shows to feature exclusively gay casts of men and women, a groundbreaking format that has provided vital queer representation on mainstream television.
Groundbreaking Representation Cut Short
The two shows have been unprecedented in UK television, offering a platform for queer conversations rarely seen elsewhere. They have covered topics such as femme-for-femme lesbian identity, the pressure to prove one’s sexuality, and the nuances of romantic versus platonic connections. The BBC’s decision to cancel both series after just four seasons—two each for I Kissed a Girl and I Kissed a Boy—has been met with disappointment from fans and critics alike. By contrast, The Apprentice has run for 20 series and Dragons’ Den for 23, highlighting the disparity in support for LGBTQ+ programming.
Fun, Wholesome, and Filled with Queer Culture
Hosted by Dannii Minogue in the style of Love Island’s Maya Jama and compered by TikToker Charley Marlowe, the show is packed with queer cultural references, from Jane McDonald to Mighty Hoopla. The cast of women, aged 21 to 25, includes characters like Faye, a self-described “chaotic” femme; Renee, a bold but sensitive masculine lesbian; and Ebony, a Geordie delivery driver with a cheeky charm. The show avoids the toxic masculinity often seen on other dating shows, instead fostering a sisterhood with a sexual edge. Separate beds are provided, though contestants rarely stay in their own for long.
Vital Conversations for Queer Viewers
Beyond entertainment, I Kissed a Girl serves as an important resource for queer women, especially younger viewers. Contestants discuss topics such as celibacy, the need to prove one’s gay identity, and the emotional depth of masculine lesbians. One participant is notably frank about her period of celibacy and her search for a partner with similar views on intimacy. These conversations, according to the review, are “hugely important” and well within the BBC’s public service remit.
A Bittersweet Finale
The review describes the show as “ridiculously fun,” with a soundtrack featuring Sapphic pop stars like the Japanese House and Nimmo. Despite its cancellation, the series is rated four stars for entertainment but five stars for its cultural significance. The author notes, “It feels important enough for a five-star rating, and more valuable to the country’s younger viewers than the BBC may be aware of.” I Kissed a Girl aired on BBC Three and is available on iPlayer in the UK and Binge in Australia.
