Queer as Folk

Watch Queer as Folk

  • TV-MA
  • 2000
  • 5 Seasons
  • 8.5  (21,506)

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
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Seasons
Episode 513
13. Episode 513
August 7, 2005
Brian and Justin prepare to marry. Lindsay and Melanie move to Canada. Michael's asked to represent the Committee for Human Rights. Ted sees his relationship with Tad (Ben Bass) for what it really is. The beat of Babylon continues...
Episode 512
12. Episode 512
July 31, 2005
Brian and Justin are getting married! Melanie and Lindsay plan on moving the family to Canada-to raise Gus and Jenny Rebecca in a country where they won't be humiliated because of their parents' sexual orientation. Ted may have finally found his Mr. Right. Emmett catches Drew with another man.
Episode 511
11. Episode 511
July 24, 2005
Brian reevaluates his priorities after the bombing of Babylon. Michael continues to recover in the hospital, and a Liberty Avenue vigil for the victims ends in chaos.
Episode 510
10. Episode 510
July 17, 2005
Cyndi Lauper makes a guest appearance as Babylon plays host to the Stop Prop14 Benefit - an event that changes everyone's lives.
Episode 509
9. Episode 509
July 10, 2005
The gang fights against Proposition 14. Michael and Brian still aren't speaking to each other while Lindsay and Melanie's in-house separation heats up. Drew (Matt Battaglia) finally comes out. Ted begins his quest for his Mr. Right.
Episode 508
8. Episode 508
July 3, 2005
Justin lands himself in jail for standing up against Proposition 14 and his own father. Brian and Brandon work their way down the list of the ten hottest guys in their competition to determine the real stud of Babylon. Ben grieves Hunter's departure. Melanie and Lindsay attempt an in-house separation while Emmett's stalker reveals himself.
Episode 507
7. Episode 507
June 26, 2005
Proposition 14 threatens same sex couple's rights while Brian deals with the threat of Brandon's presence in his world. Justin's decision to move out of Brian's loft creates a rift between Brian and Michael. Ted struggles to remember he's with Troy (Lee Rumohr) only in order to exact revenge. Lindsay decides to give her parents a chance and moves back home with her son, Gus.
Episode 506
6. Episode 506
June 19, 2005
Brian's reign as hottest man at Babylon is challenged by the new stud, Brandon (Ryan Scott Greene). Although a huge success as the "Queer Guy," Emmett faces a challenge of his own when he realizes he's been hired as a clown for the network's ratings. Ted, a new man after his cosmetic surgery, has an opportunity for revenge on an old flame. Ben (Robert Gant) and Michael attempt to help Hunter lift his spirits and get back to school. Bored as a lady of leisure, Debbie finds herself back at the diner.
Episode 505
5. Episode 505
June 12, 2005
Brian has news to share with all of his former partners and Justin. Meanwhile, Hunter considers returning to the streets.
Episode 504
4. Episode 504
June 5, 2005
Brian remains steadfast in his belief that marriage is the death of a relationship. Debbie has a difficult time accepting her role as a lady of leisure-especially when she discovers that Loretta has stolen her act including the button-clad vest right down to the wisecracks. Ted decides to undergo an extreme makeover.
Episode 503
3. Episode 503
May 29, 2005
Brian and Michael grow further apart as Brian struggles to save Liberty Avenue from gentrification and Michael embraces domestic life. The street may never be the same when Debbie (Sharon Gless) decides to retire from the diner and newcomer Loretta Pye (Rosie O'Donnell) takes over.
Episode 502
2. Episode 502
May 22, 2005
Brian re-opens Babylon but the party boys have disappeared. Justin returns to Pittsburgh after the studio pulls the plug on "Rage." Michael decides to pursue custody of his daughter, Jenny Rebecca. Behind closed doors, Ted pursues a new look after a recent fling turns out to be a chubby chaser. Emmett (Peter Paige) lands a role in front of the camera as Pittsburgh's resident "Queer Guy" on the local news.
Episode 501
1. Episode 501
May 22, 2005
Michael (Hal Sparks) throws a surprise 10th anniversary party for Melanie (Michelle Clunie) and Lindsay (Thea Gill) but the evening doesn't quite turn out as planned. Justin's (Randy Harrison) stay in Hollywood is extended, in turn affecting his relationship with Brian (Gale Harold). At Ted's (Scott Lowell) suggestion, Brian invests his Kinnetik profits in a new venture.
Description

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 is currently running and has 5 seasons (83 episodes). The series first aired on December 3, 2000.

Where to Watch Queer as Folk

Queer as Folk is available for streaming on the Showtime website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Queer as Folk on demand at Google Play.

  • Premiere Date
    December 3, 2000
  • IMDB Rating
    8.5  (21,506)