Watch Queer as Folk

Queer as Folk is a British television series that is broadcast on the Channel 4 network. Created and written by Russell T. Davies, the show follows the lives of several gay young men who reside in the Manchester gay district located near Canal Street. Produced by the Red Production Company, the title comes from a saying that infers that there is nothing as strange as people, using the synonym of queer as meaning homosexual.

The main characters of the series include Stuart Alan Jones (played by Aidan Gillen), a very attractive, sexually successful and active man. Vince Tyler (played by Craig Kelly) is an old time, at first, closeted friend who happens to have a crush on Stuart. He is also average looking and much less successful at attracting men. Nathan Maloney (played by Charlie Hunnam) is an attractive 15-year-old boy who is very new to the gay life, though not lacking in self-esteem.

Stuart is a very authoritative advertising executive with a power to turn virtually anything into what he desires at any given time. Stuart's theory is that he should, and therefore does, whatever he wishes, whenever he wants and in whatever manner desired. For example, in defense of his friend, Alexander, he blows up his nasty mother's car.

He also invites his pal Vince's female colleague, who has a crush on the closeted Vince, to his birthday party - only to introduce her to Vince's boyfriend. When a homophobic salesman offers him to test drive a Jeep, he drives the vehicle through the car dealership window.

Later in the series, the tone becomes more serious, as each character deals with making important and difficult choices about their future lives. Vince, as a huge fan of the show Doctor Who, is featured in various fantasy scenes from the original series.

The producers have insisted that the series only superficially depicts gay urban life and was actually meant to be a fantasy. While the series includes gay male characters, they were structured to be archetypes for the sake of story rather than by representing actual people.

Queer as Folk is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (10 episodes). The series first aired on February 23, 1999.

Where to Watch Queer as Folk