Watch Visible: Out on Television

Visible: Out on Television is a five-part docuseries that explores the evolution of LGBTQ representation on television from the 1950s to the present day. Produced by Ryan White and Jessica Hargrave, the series premiered on Apple TV+ in February 2020. Each episode of the show is structured around a different theme, such as "The Dark Ages" (which covers the pre-Stonewall era), "Television as a Tool" (which looks at how TV has been used to advance LGBTQ rights), and "The New Guard" (which focuses on contemporary shows like Pose and Transparent). Throughout each episode, viewers are treated to interviews with a wide range of actors, writers, producers, and activists, who offer their insights on what it was like to be an LGBTQ person working in the entertainment industry during different time periods.

The show opens with a brief history of LGBTQ representation on television, from its early days in the 1950s (when gay characters were either nonexistent or portrayed as deviants) to the present day (when shows like RuPaul's Drag Race and Queer Eye are cultural touchstones). From there, the series delves into more specific topics, beginning with a look at the impact of the Stonewall riots on TV representation.

One of the things that makes Visible: Out on Television so compelling is the incredible breadth of perspectives it presents. Viewers hear from pioneering LGBTQ figures like Martina Navratilova, Ellen DeGeneres, and Wilson Cruz, in addition to lesser-known but equally important voices like documentary filmmaker Jennie Livingston and writer/activist George Takei. The show also features interviews with straight allies like Oprah Winfrey and Lily Tomlin, who discuss their experiences working with LGBTQ colleagues.

Throughout the series, viewers are also treated to a plethora of clips from classic TV shows that pushed boundaries in terms of LGBTQ representation. These include ground-breaking sitcoms like All in the Family, which featured a recurring gay character in the 1970s, as well as more recent dramas like The L Word, which gave viewers a glimpse into the lives of queer women.

Visible: Out on Television is not only an insightful look at the evolution of LGBTQ representation on TV; it's also a powerful reminder of how important representation is in general. As the show's interviewees make clear, seeing oneself reflected on TV can have a profound impact on a person's self-esteem and sense of belonging. As trans activist Jen Richards puts it in one episode, "Representation is not just about seeing what's possible for ourselves--it's about changing the possibilities."

Perhaps one of the most fascinating episodes of the series is the one that explores the ways in which television has been used as a tool for both advancing and hindering LGBTQ rights. From talk shows like Donahue that provided a platform for LGBTQ people to speak out about their experiences, to conservative pundits like Pat Robertson who used television to spread homophobic and transphobic rhetoric, Visible shows how TV has been both a force for liberation and a weapon of oppression.

Overall, Visible: Out on Television is a must-watch for anyone interested in LGBTQ history and representation. While the series is filled with moments of heartbreak and frustration (from the censorship of Billy Crystal's groundbreaking gay character on Soap to the backlash against Ellen's coming out), it ultimately leaves the viewer with a sense of hope. As the final episode makes clear, there is still work to be done in terms of achieving full equality for LGBTQ people both on and off TV--but how far we've come is truly inspiring.

Visible: Out on Television is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between February 14, 2020 and on Apple TV+