Watch Banana

Banana is an anthology series produced by E4 that explores contemporary urban life in all its diversity. Focused primarily on LGBT+ stories, the show offers a fresh take on relationships, identity, and sexuality in the 21st century. Created by the acclaimed writer Russell T Davies, Banana is a spin-off of the series Cucumber and features an ensemble cast of emerging and established actors.

The show follows a group of young adults living in Manchester, England, as they navigate the ups and downs of love, lust, and friendship. The characters are complex, flawed, and deeply relatable, each facing their own unique challenges and struggles. From the shy and closeted Dean (played by Fisayo Akinade) to the party-loving Scotty (played by Freddie Fox), Banana offers a nuanced and honest portrayal of queer life in contemporary Britain.

Dean's story arc focuses on his struggle to come out to his family and his growing affection for his best friend John (played by Andrew Leung). As a Nigerian immigrant, Dean faces multiple obstacles, including traditional values and religious beliefs, that make it difficult for him to embrace his identity fully. Akinade delivers a nuanced and heartfelt performance as Dean, conveying the character's fear, pain, and longing with sensitivity and rawness.

Scotty, on the other hand, is the life of the party, a fearless and charismatic young man who loves to have fun and experiment with his sexuality. As his relationships become more complicated and emotionally challenging, Scotty's carefree attitude begins to mask a deeper sense of insecurity and loneliness. Fox infuses the character with an infectious energy and vulnerability, making Scotty one of the most compelling and relatable characters in the series.

Vincent Franklin and Cyril Nri, who previously appeared in Cucumber, return to Banana as two middle-aged men struggling with their own issues. Franklin plays Henry, a successful businessman with a secret desire for younger men, while Nri plays Lance, a married man who discovers his husband's infidelity. The two actors bring depth and nuance to their roles, exploring the complexities of sexuality and relationships in an honest and refreshing way.

Other standout performances include Georgia Henshaw as Sian, a young woman who finds herself in a complicated love triangle with her best friend and her boyfriend, and Hannah John-Kamen as Viva, a confident and sexually liberated woman who is unapologetic about her desires. Both actresses bring a refreshing energy and authenticity to their roles, making their characters feel fully realized and fleshed out.

Overall, Banana is a bold and innovative series that pushes the boundaries of queer storytelling. Through its diverse and compelling characters, the show explores the complexities of relationships and identity in a way that is both engaging and emotionally resonant. With its sharp writing, talented cast, and fearless exploration of taboo subjects, Banana is a must-watch for anyone interested in contemporary LGBT+ culture.

Banana is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between April 13, 2015 and on E4