"Bet" Brings Queer High-Stakes Drama to Netflix in May 2025

Netflix is expanding its LGBTQ+ content lineup this spring with the premiere of "Bet," a new high-stakes drama featuring prominent queer representation. Set to debut on May 15, 2025, the series is an English-language live-action adaptation of the popular manga series "Kakegurui – Compulsive Gambler."

The Premise

"Bet" centers on a new student named Yumeko who arrives at an elite boarding school with a unique focus: gambling. The institution is described as being filled with "evil children," and Yumeko enters this cutthroat environment carrying a secret mission. The series promises to deliver intense drama amidst the backdrop of high-stakes games, while weaving in significant queer storylines.

What sets "Bet" apart in the growing landscape of LGBTQ+ inclusive programming is its approach to queer representation. The series features two main characters, RiRi and Mary, who are explicitly identified as queer. Additionally, viewers can expect substantial homoeroticism throughout the narrative, making it a notable addition to Netflix's growing catalog of LGBTQ+ content.

Streaming Landscape Context

"Bet" joins a wave of LGBTQ+ inclusive content hitting streaming platforms in the first half of 2025. The spring and early summer months have become increasingly significant for queer representation in media, with May and June (Pride Month) seeing particularly robust offerings across major streaming services.

According to entertainment tracking site Rotten Tomatoes, there has been a marked increase in LGBTQ+ television series in 2025, with new shows being added regularly to major platforms. This trend indicates growing recognition of audience demand for diverse storytelling that includes authentic queer characters and narratives.

May 2025 appears to be an especially strong month for LGBTQ+ content, with several high-profile series returning alongside new offerings like "Bet." Netflix's long-running animated series "Big Mouth" will debut its eighth and final season on May 23, continuing its tradition of queer-inclusive storytelling. The final season will feature queer actor Cynthia Erivo joining the voice cast in a unique role as "Missy's Vagina," with Ayo Edebiri continuing to voice the character of Missy.

Other notable May premieres with LGBTQ+ representation include new seasons of "And Just Like That," "Poker Face," and "Nine Perfect Strangers," which features a lesbian couple in its second season. The month also brings titles like "Another Simple Favor," "Overcompensating," "Murderbot," and "Fear Street: Prom Queen" across various streaming platforms.

Broader Industry Trends

The premiere of "Bet" comes during a period of significant evolution in LGBTQ+ representation on television. The first half of 2025 has already seen several notable premieres featuring queer characters and storylines. In January, Apple TV+ released the second season of "Severance," continuing the storyline of gay employees at the mysterious Lumon Industries, played by John Turturro and Christopher Walken.

Other early 2025 releases with LGBTQ+ representation included the 50th season of "Saturday Night Live" featuring Bowen Yang, the final season of "9-1-1: Lone Star" with beloved first responder couple T.K. and Carlos, and the third and final season of Prime Video's "Harlem," which includes lesbian character Tye played by Jerrie Johnson.

Anticipation and Expectations

As "Bet" prepares to make its debut, it joins a growing tradition of manga and anime adaptations that preserve or even amplify queer elements from their source material. The original "Kakegurui" manga and its anime adaptation have developed a following partly due to their homoerotic undertones, and fans are watching closely to see how the Netflix adaptation handles these elements.

The series comes at a time when streaming platforms are increasingly recognizing the value of authentic LGBTQ+ storytelling. With "Bet" premiering in May and additional queer-inclusive content scheduled for June's Pride Month celebrations, 2025 is shaping up to be a significant year for LGBTQ+ representation in streaming media.

For viewers seeking content with prominent queer characters, "Bet" promises to deliver a unique premise combined with explicit LGBTQ+ representation when it premieres on Netflix on May 15, 2025.