Watch Romeu & Romeu

Romeu & Romeu is a Brazilian comedy-drama that tells the story of two gay men from different backgrounds who fall in love and face the challenges of a nascent relationship in a homophobic society. The show was produced by Dekkoo, an American streaming service that focuses on LGBTQ+ content, and premiered in 2016.

The series is set in the city of São Paulo and centers around the titular characters, Romeu and Romeu, who are portrayed by actors João Mesquita and Arthur Chermont. Romeu is a middle-class, white professional who works as a web designer, while Romeu is a black, working-class man who makes a living as a gardener. The two meet by chance in a park and are immediately attracted to each other.

What follows is an exploration of their relationship as they navigate their different worlds and confront the attitudes of those around them. The show deals with serious issues such as homophobia, racism, classism, and HIV, but manages to maintain a light tone through its clever writing and charming characters.

One of the strengths of Romeu & Romeu is its depiction of São Paulo, a sprawling metropolis with a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. The show makes clever use of the city's landmarks, such as Avenida Paulista and the São Paulo Museum of Art, to create a sense of place and to contrast the characters' different backgrounds. The series also features a diverse cast of supporting characters, including Romeu's flamboyant best friend Didi (played by Kaique Brito) and Romeu's conservative father (played by Roberto Lobo), who disapproves of his son's relationship.

However, the heart of the show is the relationship between Romeu and Romeu, which is both sweet and realistic. The two actors have great chemistry and their banter feels natural and witty. The show also portrays their intimacy in a refreshing way, avoiding the clichés and stereotypes that often plague portrayals of same-sex couples in media. Instead, the show focuses on the little moments of tenderness and communication that make a relationship work.

Overall, Romeu & Romeu is a delightful and engaging series that manages to balance humor and drama while tackling serious issues. It is a testament to the power of representation, not only of LGBTQ+ characters but also of the city of São Paulo and its diverse communities. The show was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and its success led to a second season, which premiered in 2018.