Watch Looking

Looking from HBO is a television show created by Michael Lannan that aired from 2014 to 2015. The show revolves around a group of gay friends who live in San Francisco and explores their personal lives, relationships, and struggles. Jonathan Groff plays the lead character of Patrick Murray, a 29-year-old video game designer who is searching for love and meaning in his life. Murray Bartlett plays Dom Basaluzzo, a 39-year-old waiter who dreams of opening his own restaurant. Russell Tovey plays Kevin Matheson, Patrick's boss and love interest who is also closeted. Raúl Castillo plays Richie, a barber and Patrick's ex-boyfriend.

Looking deals with a variety of themes and issues such as identity, aging, relationships, and career aspirations. The characters’ sexual orientations are just one aspect of their identities, and the show explores the diversity of the gay experience. It also portrays the complexities of the relationships between gay men and the challenges they face in their search for love and intimacy.

One of the show’s main strengths is its ability to realistically depict the lives of the characters. The storylines are nuanced and complex, and the characters’ experiences are multifaceted. The show avoids stereotypes and cliches often associated with LGBTQ+ characters on television and instead presents fully realized, three-dimensional characters. The characters’ struggles with relationships, career aspirations, and personal satisfaction are presented with authenticity and heart.

Another strength of Looking is the excellent performances from the talented cast. Jonathan Groff is outstanding as Patrick, effectively portraying the character’s vulnerability and insecurity. Murray Bartlett is also fantastic as Dom, using his charm and charisma to make the character both lovable and relatable. Russell Tovey is equally impressive, bringing depth and complexity to the character of Kevin. Raúl Castillo rounds out the cast with his excellent portrayal of Richie, who struggles to come to terms with his feelings for Patrick.

The show also benefits from its setting in San Francisco. The city’s vibrant gay community plays a prominent role in the show and provides an interesting backdrop for the characters’ stories. The city’s famous landmarks and culture are showcased throughout the series, making it feel like a love letter to the city.

Looking from HBO is not without its flaws. The show’s slow pace and emphasis on character development may not appeal to everyone, and some may find the storyline predictable. However, these issues do not detract from the show’s overall quality.

In conclusion, Looking from HBO is a beautifully crafted, authentic portrayal of the lives of gay men in contemporary America. It is a show that challenges stereotypes and explores complex themes with a sense of sensitivity and honesty. The cast delivers excellent performances, and the setting of San Francisco provides a vivid backdrop to the stories that unfold. Despite its short run, the show has left a lasting impact on viewers, and it remains a beloved and important piece of LGBTQ+ media.

Looking is a series that ran for 3 seasons (19 episodes) between January 19, 2014 and on HBO