Watch The Bisexual

The Bisexual is a powerful and thought-provoking television show created by and starring Desiree Akhavan. The show, which originally aired in 2018 on Hulu, explores the emotional and psychological complexities that come with exploring one’s sexuality, specifically bisexuality.

The show centers around Leila, a 34-year-old British-Iranian woman, who has just ended a 10-year-long relationship with her girlfriend, Sadie (played by Maxine Peake). Feeling lost and unsure of her identity, Leila decides that the best way to figure out her sexuality is to try dating men for the first time in her life.

As she embarks on this journey of self-discovery, Leila is met with a whole new set of challenges, ranging from dealing with straight men who see bisexuality as a fetish to navigating the complicated world of dating apps. Following her lead, The Bisexual tackles sensitive themes like the struggles of dating in the digital age, the difference between sexual fluidity and bisexuality, and dealing with internalized biphobia.

Despite the series’ heavy and often intense material, The Bisexual is not without its lighter moments. The show’s excellent writing and talented cast, which also includes Brian Gleeson, provide much-needed comedic relief in many scenes. There are many lighthearted moments that bring levity to what would otherwise be a dark storyline, and the characters add depth to the narrative without being overly dramatic.

The show is consistently praised for its authentic and refreshing portrayal of bisexuality. Akhavan, who identifies as bisexual herself, wanted to create something that accurately depicts the confusion and struggle that can come with this orientation. By exploring the intersections between race, culture, and sexuality, The Bisexual helps to highlight the importance of honest representation of marginalized groups. The show seeks to help push back against harmful stereotypes towards bisexual individuals, who often face discrimination not only from straight people but also from other LGBTQ+ individuals who view bisexuality as a not-real orientation.

The Bisexual is also notable for its dynamic and nuanced characters. Each of its lead characters, Leila and Sadie, is flawed and layered, and portrayed with a lot of care and empathy. They offer admirable performances that truly capture the uncertain nature of Leila’s journey towards self-discovery, and her reconciliation with the fact that she is a biracial, bisexual woman. Peake brings depth to her role as Sadie, Leila’s ex-girlfriend, showing that even the ones we love can change and grow in unexpected ways. Gleeson, who plays the role of Gabe, the man who Leila begins to see romantically, offers a take on toxic masculinity that is both amusing and upsetting.

The Bisexual is shot with minimalistic flair that perfectly mirrors Leila’s uncertainty and confusion. The production design is driven by the desire to authentically present its characters and is free from any frills. Even the show’s color palette is muted, consisting mainly of grays and blacks. This understated visual style allows the focus to be on the characters and what they are feeling and is one of the elements that make the show feel so real.

Overall, The Bisexual is a show that manages to be both raw and relatable, funny and heartfelt. It offers something unique and necessary to television, even though it may be difficult to watch at times, especially for those who have struggled with their own sexuality. The show takes risks, providing refreshingly honest and inclusive voices that are so often left unheard. If you are looking for a show that is authentic, complex, and grounded in reality, then The Bisexual is an excellent choice.

The Bisexual is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between November 16, 2018 and on Hulu