Watch Anyone But Me

In 2008, Strike.TV premiered "Anyone But Me", a web series that followed the lives of high school students living in the suburbs of New York City. The show starred Rachael Hip-Flores as 16-year-old Vivian McMillan, whose family moves from the bustling city to the quiet suburbs after the events of September 11th. As she tries to adjust to her new life, Vivian struggles with her identity, friendships, and relationships.

The show primarily focuses on Vivian and her girlfriend, Aster (played by Nicole Pacent), as they navigate their relationship in secret. Vivian is still coming to terms with her sexuality and is fearful of how her conservative parents and new classmates will react if they found out. Aster, on the other hand, is more confident in her sexuality and urges Vivian to be more open about their relationship.

Aside from their romantic struggles, Vivian and Aster also face everyday high school drama. They have problems with their classmates, make new friends, and deal with family issues. Vivian's mom is struggling with her mental health and her dad is trying to make a new life for the family in the suburbs. Aster's parents are also dealing with their own issues, which puts a strain on Aster and Vivian's relationship.

The show's portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships in the early days of web series was groundbreaking. "Anyone But Me" tackled important issues such as coming out, homophobia, and self-acceptance in a way that was relatable and honest. The show was praised for its diverse cast, which included characters of different races and sexual orientations.

One of the most remarkable aspects of "Anyone But Me" was its ability to connect with viewers. The show's creators, Susan Miller and Tina Cesa Ward, engaged fans by allowing them to participate in online forums and even incorporate fan suggestions into the show. This level of fan interaction was unprecedented at the time and helped build a dedicated fanbase that eagerly awaited each new episode.

Ultimately, "Anyone But Me" was a powerful coming-of-age story that addressed important issues facing LGBTQ+ youth. It was a groundbreaking show that paved the way for future LGBTQ+ representation in the media. Despite being released over a decade ago, the show's message of self-acceptance and love still resonates with viewers today.

Anyone But Me is a series that ran for 4 seasons (39 episodes) between December 9, 2008 and on Strike.TV