Watch It's a Sin

It's a Sin is a British television drama series that premiered on Channel 4 in January 2021. The show, written by Russell T Davies, follows a group of young gay men who move to London in the early 1980s, just as the AIDS crisis begins to sweep through the gay community.

The protagonist of the series is Ritchie Tozer, played by Olly Alexander, a young man from the Isle of Wight who moves to London to attend college. Along with his friends Jill (Lydia West), Roscoe (Omari Douglas), Ash (Nathaniel Curtis), and Colin (Callum Scott Howells), Ritchie becomes part of the vibrant and hedonistic gay scene of the time, which is characterized by parties, drugs, and sexual liberation.

However, as the series progresses, the specter of AIDS looms larger and larger over their lives. The show depicts the initial confusion and fear that many gay men felt as they grappled with a new and mysterious disease that seemed to strike without warning. Ritchie and his friends try to ignore the warnings and continue living their lives, but soon the disease begins to claim their friends and loved ones.

Throughout the series, we see the toll that AIDS takes on the characters, both physically and emotionally. We see the fear and stigma that surrounded the disease at the time, with many people wrongly believing that only gay men could contract it. This leads to discrimination and isolation for those who are sick or suspected of being infected.

Despite the heavy subject matter, It's a Sin is also a deeply moving and life-affirming show. The writing is sharp and witty, capturing the energy and excitement of youth, as well as the sadness and heartbreak of loss. The performances are outstanding, with Olly Alexander in particular delivering a powerhouse turn as Ritchie.

The show also provides an important historical context for the AIDS crisis, shedding light on a time when homosexuality was still stigmatized and criminalized in many parts of the world. It's a reminder that progress has been made since then, but also a testament to the resilience and bravery of the LGBTQ+ community in the face of adversity.

Ultimately, It's a Sin is a beautiful and heartbreaking tribute to the countless people who lost their lives to AIDS, and a celebration of the friendships and bonds that sustained those who survived. It's a show that will make you laugh, cry, and hug your loved ones a little tighter.

It's a Sin is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between January 22, 2021 and on Channel 4