Watch DTLA
- 2012
- 1 Season
-
5.8 (436)
DTLA was a drama television series that aired on Logo from October to November 2012. Created by Larry Kennar, the series explored the complicated relationships and experiences of a group of friends living in Downtown Los Angeles, hence the name DTLA. The show's ensemble included notable actors such as Darryl Stephens, Erin Cummings, Matthew Stephen Herrick, and Marshelle Fair.
The series centered around Lenny (Darryl Stephens), an oftentimes insecure gay writer who had recently moved to Los Angeles to start a new life. Lenny's romantic struggles with his former flame Bryan (Matthew Stephen Herrick) and his new love interest, Roger (Paul Ganus), were a central focus of the series. The other characters in the show include Patrick (Ernest Pierce), Lenny's best friend and roomate, Stacy (Marshelle Fair), a fashion designer, and Kai (Hiro Tanaka), a Japanese chef. Throughout the series, each character faces their own unique struggles, from navigating their sexual and professional lives to coping with personal tragedies.
The show tackled a range of themes, including racism, homophobia, drug addiction, HIV prevention, and gender identity. For example, Patrick struggles with his own internalized homophobia and fear of coming out to his family, while Kai experiences racism and xenophobia as an Asian man in the United States. The show also explored the differences and similarities between older and younger generations of LGBTQ+ individuals and how they navigate relationships, work, and social issues.
DTLA was notable for its intersectional portrayal of characters, showcasing the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals of different races, ages, and socio-economic backgrounds. While the show was set in the gayborhood of Downtown Los Angeles, it also showed the characters interacting with communities outside of their own, a refreshing take on LGBTQ+ representation in media.
In addition to exploring difficult subject matter, DTLA was also known for its humor and light-hearted moments. The show balanced heavy topics with witty banter and comedic relief, making it a well-rounded viewing experience.
Overall, DTLA was a thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of LGBTQ+ life in the 21st century. Its intersectional approach and realistic depiction of modern relationships made it a groundbreaking series that resonated with audiences worldwide. Despite its short run, DTLA left a lasting impact on LGBTQ+ media and representation.