Watch Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City

In 1993, PBS aired the beloved miniseries Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City, based on Maupin's series of novels of the same name. The show stars Olympia Dukakis, Donald Moffat, Chloe Webb, Laura Linney, Thomas Gibson, and Marcus D'Amico, among others. Set in San Francisco in the late 1970s, the show follows the adventures of Mary Ann Singleton (Linney), a young woman from Cleveland who moves to the city to start a new life. She rents an apartment at 28 Barbary Lane, where she meets a colorful cast of characters, including the somewhat mysterious and enigmatic owner of the building, Anna Madrigal (Dukakis).

As Mary Ann settles into her new life, she discovers that San Francisco is a city unlike any other, full of secrets, surprises, and a vibrant counterculture. Along with her new friends, including her neighbor Mona (Webb), the aspiring writer Brian (Gibson), and the lovable and flamboyant Michael (D'Amico), Mary Ann navigates her way through the ups and downs of life in a city that's both exhilarating and confusing.

The show deals with a wide range of issues that were topical at the time, from the AIDS crisis to the fight for LGBTQ rights to the changing political landscape of America. But at the heart of Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City is a celebration of love, friendship, and community, as the characters learn to embrace their differences and support each other through life's challenges.

Throughout the series, Olympia Dukakis delivers a standout performance as Anna Madrigal, the wise and quirky landlady who becomes a mentor and confidante to Mary Ann and the other residents of 28 Barbary Lane. Donald Moffat is equally impressive as Edgar Halcyon, the wealthy businessman who becomes involved in Mona's life in unexpected ways.

Chloe Webb shines as Mona, the sassy and independent best friend of Mary Ann who is struggling to find her place in the world. Laura Linney is excellent as always as Mary Ann, portraying the character's transformation from sheltered Midwesterner to confident and self-assured San Franciscan with grace and nuance.

The show's production design and costumes are also noteworthy, capturing the vibrant and sometimes chaotic spirit of San Francisco in the late 1970s. From the colorful Victorian houses to the drag queens on Polk Street, Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City is a visual feast that immerses viewers in the world of its characters.

Overall, Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City is a charming and heartfelt miniseries that remains a beloved classic to this day. With its engaging characters, poignant storylines, and colorful depictions of San Francisco's queer community, it's a show that continues to inspire and delight viewers more than 25 years after its initial airing on PBS.

Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (10 episodes). The series first aired on June 7, 2019.