Watch Queer as Folk

Queer as Folk is an American drama television series that aired on Showtime from 1999 to 2005. The show follows the lives of a group of gay men and women living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It explores their relationships, personal and professional lives, and the challenges they face as they navigate life in the LGBTQ+ community.

The show's cast includes Michelle Clunie, who portrayed Melanie Marcus, a successful lawyer and dedicated mother who is in a committed relationship with her partner Lindsay Peterson, played by Thea Gill. Robert Gant played Ben Bruckner, a HIV-positive gay man who enters a romantic relationship with main character Michael Novotny, played by Randy Harrison.

The show's central storyline focuses on the relationship between Michael and his longtime friend Brian Kinney, played by Gale Harold. Brian is a successful advertising executive who is deeply committed to living life on his own terms, often eschewing commitment and embracing his promiscuous lifestyle.

Throughout the series, viewers see the various characters grapple with issues of self-acceptance, including coming out to family and friends, embracing one's sexual identity in a society that often shuns LGBTQ+ individuals, and navigating the complexities of romantic relationships.

Queer as Folk has been praised for its unflinching portrayal of gay life in America, with some calling it a groundbreaking series that helped to move the needle forward when it came to LGBTQ+ representation on television. The show was also unique in that it explored issues of race, class, and gender identity in ways that had not often been seen before on television.

Despite its frank depictions of sexuality and drug use, the show was also lauded for its heart and its ability to tackle difficult subject matter with sensitivity and care. Many of the show's fans see it as a touchstone for their own experiences coming out and navigating life as openly LGBTQ+ individuals.

Over the course of its five seasons, Queer as Folk delved deep into issues that were rarely discussed on television at the time. It tackled everything from gay marriage and adoption rights to the AIDS epidemic and the struggles of LGBTQ+ youth.

Overall, Queer as Folk stands as a testament not only to the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community but to the power of television to educate and inspire viewers. It is a show that will undoubtedly remain a favorite among viewers for years to come.

Queer as Folk is a series that ran for 5 seasons (83 episodes) between December 3, 2000 and on Showtime