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74 out of 77 people found the following comment useful :- I am a retired grandmother who loves this show, 13 August 2004 Author: Rosa Jeannette from USA
My family was taken more than somewhat aback to find out that this mainstream retired accountant highly touts Queer as Folk and watches it not just once a week, but also the repeats. I tell them that after awhile you forget that these are gay people - yes, a few of the more scorched sex scenes are very explicit and take some getting used to. What wins one over is the superb writing and story lines (especially the first year). The characters are well fleshed-out and you can't wait from week to week to see what happens to them - in point, you have really learned to care for these people and understand their joys and agonies and day to day tribulations. The acting is first rate and you sometimes forget that these are people just emoting and not playing out their own lives. I love to see the contrasting facets to Brian: sometimes ruthless and cunning, but perfectly balanced with great acts of compassion and kindness - and he juggles these traits perfectly.I subscribe to Showtime Cable Channel just to see this show.
74 out of 78 people found the following comment useful :- Always A Surprise, 9 May 2005 Author: gregorybnyc from New York City, USA
As an older man (55), I'm amazed at the level of graphic nudity, the frankness of the sexual couplings whether gay or lesbian sex is involved, and it struck me as astonishing that the reason I would sometimes be uncomfortable viewing these scenes, is that there are virtually no images for gay people on TV that are comparable to those in QAF. I'm no prude, and thank goodness I've stopped squirming. My normal reaction is that if a series is good in its original British guise, the Americanization will be awful. Not so here. QAF started for me as a superficial soap about gay life. But once the first season was half over, I was hooked. I found I cared deeply about these characters. Their insular gay world in Pittsburgh was refreshing. The relationships work beautifully and you see a fairly representative slice of gay life on this series. Sure everyone always seems to be showing up at the big gay club with its go-go dancers and steamy back room. But how wonderful to have a show all about gay people where nobody gets killed for being gay, or commits suicide or is in some sort of depression or any other negative situations that have been such a feature of films showing gay characters as life's losers. Gale Harold's Brian took me totally by surprise. His no gamesmanship attitude towards sex and relationships makes total sense. What I responded to is his character's absolute refusal to be liked, unlike the very likable Michael (Hal Sparks) whose insecurity demands that he be liked. Brian's a stunning bad boy, confident of his looks, his talent, his ability to spot bullshit a mile away. He wants to be appreciated for his worth. Nothing wrong with that. He's unapologetic about his sexuality and is not obsessed with settling down into domestic bliss the way Michael is. Michael is a child, but a sweet one with his love of comic books, and his unresolved longing for Brian. His character's worry about everything has finally become endearing. Peter Paige's Emmett is adorable and heartbreaking. I love that he's always picking himself up after every romantic disaster, dusting himself off and heading towards the next with high hopes. Scott Lowell has a natural affinity for Ted Schmidt's insecure and manipulative accountant. I'd like him to settle down for awhile. I sometimes weary of his travails. At first I thought Randy Harrison's sweetly beautiful Justin was going to be a fluffy love toy for Brian, but Justin's own problems have shown Brian's caring side, and you get to see that Justin is no dummy. He goes after what he wants. Nothing wrong with that. Sharon Gless's working Mom waitress can be abrasively grating at times, but she presents a loving mother to a gay son, and that's a good thing. Michelle Clunie as Melanie and Thea Gill as Lindsay strike me as an appealing, smart, and caring lesbian couple Their stability as a couple shows what is possible without proselytizing. Now in its fifth season, I've come to appreciate the show in big gulps since I rent each season from Netflix. It's a real wallow, and I'm always sorry that it's over. Right now I'm deep into season four and I can't wait to find out what happens next. QAF is excellent series TV, vastly entertaining. Best of all it won't make you feel dumb.
58 out of 70 people found the following comment useful :- A truly stunning series., 22 May 2003 Author: Devyalento Latchford Deschanel from London, England
After being so impressed with the original British version of Queer As Folk, I was sceptical when I learned that the US had begun their interpretation of the series. Since the original had been a witty, shocking and frankly excellent television experience, could America manage to do the same? Well, after some trepidation, I gave in and gave it a go. Much to my delight, Queer As Folk is fast becoming one of my favourite shows of the moment. Fresh, sexy, compelling, heartbreaking and, above all, hilarious, each episode is a blast of energy that grabs you firmly and keeps you hooked throughout. Once the first season had finished with the original UK storylines, it grew into its own, becoming an accomplished series with exceptional characters and striking plots. It's hard to find a bad word to say about it, although it has come under fire from many, which is often baffling. After a few episodes with this group of people, it becomes impossible to dislike.Of course, most of the criticism comes from the gay community worried that it sends out a bad message. Well, as a gay man myself, I can find many a situation that I have experienced in the show. Worrying about representation is a banal activity, as creator Russell T. Davies once said, "Representation makes bad drama". So these characters may not live the life that you know, it doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. Besides, what would be more interesting, a show about interesting, out and proud individuals dealing with the many problems that try to beset them, or a show about dull, boring, closet cases assimilated in society with nothing to say or do? I'll let you decide on that one. It's a series with the purpose to entertain, and it does it in massive doses. The writing is also untouchable, weaving priceless one-liners and moving circumstances together that leave you floored. The quality of each episode is stunning, like a film all on it's own each week. But Queer As Folk succeeds most with its cast; a talented ensemble of actors that I just can't praise enough.The three leads of the piece are normally not left with as much of the plaudits, but they are more than capable of doing their roles justice. Gale Harold is perfect as the steely-eyed sex machine Brian Kinney, showing each side of his character, from heartless to caring whenever the script calls for it. Hal Sparks can be rather cloying as doe-eyed best friend Michael Novotny, but when he does well in his role, he is sparkling. Randy Harrison is good, if a little bland at times, as young Justin Taylor, but is given enough good storylines to warrant his presence. The supporting cast usually steal the show from under them, and always raise a smile. Peter Paige is always a joy to watch as flamboyant Emmett Honeycutt, storming his way through every episode with flair and hilarity. Scott Lowell is also brilliant as the achingly normal Ted Schmidt, with his dry delivery and Lowell's ability to make him completely adorable at times. Thea Gill is stunning as Lindsay Peterson, as is Michelle Clunie as Melanie Marcus, showcasing a lesbian couple happily living their lives whilst dealing with the problems that any couple with a child face. It was refreshing to see their characters explored in more depth than they were in the UK series, becoming real people and not just plot devices. Chris Potter was fine as David Cameron in the early days, but Robert Gant has a much more interesting character with Ben Bruckner, with his battle against being HIV+ and his relationship with Michael, which Gant pulls off effortlessly. Special mentions should also go to Makyla Smith, Sherry Miller and Jack Wetherall for their portrayals of Daphne, Jennifer and Vic respectively, who are always reliable in delivering the goods. But the star player of the series has to be the wonderful Sharon Gless, who has made the foul-mouthed yet fiercely proud Debbie Novotny one of my icons. The mother you always wanted, Gless is astonishing in every scene she appears in. Where Denise Black was excellent in the UK series, Gless has does what I imagined impossible and gone one better. There are many reasons to watch the show, but Gless is without a doubt one of the main ones.Overall, Queer As Folk is probably one of the best shows on television right now, regardless of whatever country it comes from. It's definitely one that is not to be missed, and if a quite literally staggering series about the loves and lives of a very special group of gay people is what your after, then look no further. It's here, and it's been waiting for you. No excuses, just watch it. Now.
57 out of 73 people found the following comment useful :- BEST SHOW ON TV!, 23 November 2002 Author: John Seger from Los Angeles
Before I begin, I am a 35 year old guy who tried to supress my homosexual feelings until May of this year. Now I have slowly been coming out and experiancing my true self,and "Queer as Folk" really is inspirational in hitting so many issues in the Gay society. As sexually active as some of the main characters are they always use a condom and make a point of saying so. The show came around at a great time for me, as I am still new to gay culture and want to become part of the culture, and this series,QAF really gave me glimpses of it, and I am ready to start exploring the many gay bars down in Santa Monica Blvd and perhaps meet some cool friends, or something more? Anyhow, this show is the smartest soap opera type show, gay or not, because it makes you think about things! It makes issues of very relevant topics. ANd the actors are amazing. Especially Gale Harold, as the sexy, manipulative, self serving Brian Kinny, who's portrayal is so ruthless and emotionless at times, the actor manages to sometimes show a very human, soft loving side that Brian trys to keep hidden. Hall Sparks also is another big reason to watch. He gives his character of Micheal such warmth and compassion and sincerity. Any gay guy would love to have a best friend like Micheal. And the chemistry between Brian and Micheal is undeniable. This is the best series on TV! And thanks QAF for giving me a much needed spark of interest to actively pursue the gay culture and be true to myself....
31 out of 35 people found the following comment useful :- Best of Show(time), 10 June 2002 Author: Rogue-32 from L A.
QAF is, in my opinion, the best cable TV series of all time (since Rude Awakening is off the air). Kudos to Showtime for having the courage to put it on. The most important reason this show works is because of THE ACTORS, who are all superb, creating 3-dimensional characters that you care about, deeply, week after week. It's impossible to imagine any different actors in the main roles, in fact - the true sign of brilliant casting. This is the only show on television, cable or network, that I watch religiously and I couldn't be any more thrilled that it's been renewed for another 2 seasons.Added on August 8th (a day after the series finale aired) - Just wanted to say that this show has changed television forever, not just because it pushed the envelope - actually, it EXPLODED the envelope - but also because of all the lives it touched, informed and/or changed. This show crossed all barriers, appealing to every kind of viewer, thanks to the beautifully written characters, magnificently realized by the superb cast, and I for one am sad to see it end, this once-in-a-lifetime bold and redemptive journey.
25 out of 29 people found the following comment useful :- crazy sexy sweet cool, 30 March 2006 Author: smoothhoney1265 from Germany
Two men are standing on the roof of a hospital. Brian and Michael are in their late twenties, gay and best friends. In the past three hours before this rooftop scene, Brian has had sex in a gay nightclub, hooked up with a 17-year old boy (whom he will deflower approximately one hour later) and has become a father. Michael, on the other hand, was about to have a one-night stand and realized but once again that he actually is secretly in love with Brian.With drugs inside, Brian goes on a trip, climbs the edge of the roof, pulls Michael to him and whispers in his ear: "Come on, Mickey, let's fly!" In the background, Heather Small sings "I step out of the ordinary…" It is a mild summer night in the middle of a sparkling city and there is magic in the air.The first episode of "Queer as folk" was probably the sexiest, craziest, sweetest and best TV show premiere I've ever seen (well, apart maybe from "Desperate Housewives"). It really impressed me and woke my interest. But it was this magical moment Michael and Brian share on the roof that made me fall in love with this show. You can almost smell the night air, feel the warm summer wind breeze and know: it's one of those crazy, unusual moments that make us feel alive. The music, the atmosphere, the scenery – it's all perfect and goes straight under your skin into your heart and soul. The scene gives a promise to the viewer that in the future we will witness unusual, as well as profound and ordinary things, but most of all it is a promise that there will be more magical moments like this one and breathtaking surprises like the ones that happened previously and followed right after. And what better promise can a first episode give – and keep? We witness the lives of four gay friends, a newbie, a gay man's mother and a lesbian couple plus their friends, lovers, relatives and one-night-stands in Pittsburgh. Brian, the main character, is a selfish asshole and Casanova on the one hand and a vulnerable, caring, sweet young man on the other. Michael, whose relationship to Brian I have already described a bit, on the one hand loves his proud mother, on the other tries everything to pretend that he's straight at the supermarket he works in. Emmett, a sweetheart of a queen, always delivers flamboyant one-liners and looks for the man of his dreams. So does Ted, suffering from his not-classically-attractive looks, but having a heart of gold. Young Justin is about to discover the scene and has the (bad) luck to choose Brian as his first love(r). And then there are Lindsay and Melanie, just your average lesbian couple, who has just become mother and … mother with the little help of … Brian.After having seen three more episodes I am completely addicted to this show. I could enumerate at least 1000 reasons why it went so quickly with me and scenes like the one above which pulled me inside this "queer" world. But I won't. Because everybody has their own reasons to love (or hate) this show and the right to discover it for themselves. But I would like to mention "QAF" 's greatest strength and maybe THE reason why this is a brilliant series. Today's TV shows have so many clichés, try to judge, to label. You will find none of this in "Queer as folk". It just witnesses the lives of people without commenting on it, judging or trying to justify what they do. If they want to shag, they shag, if they want to take drugs, they do so without asking anyone's permission, if they want to party, they party and they make just as many and stupid mistakes as everyone does. Sometimes they screw up and there are times they don't know if they want to scream of joy or suffering. They just live and the show celebrates them for it. And what better message can it have? I know that the show was already a huge success in the US, I am glad that it finally reached Europe (or at least Germany) and I am very grateful that I have the opportunity to see it. Great performances by a brilliant cast and a plot that simply knocks you off – for me one of the best TV shows that has ever been done.
26 out of 33 people found the following comment useful :- Hot and funny, 6 December 2000 Author: Matthew Ignoffo (mermatt@webtv.net) from Eatontown, NJ, USA
It's always fashionable to negatively critique US versions of British material, but I am not always into that fashion.I loved the first two episodes of this Americanized QUEER AS FOLK. It certainly follows the plot of the British version (so far at least). Yet the pace is more leisurely since the US version takes 45 minutes to do what was done in 30 minutes on the British version.The US version is also easier to understand -- and it's not just the fact that we aren't getting the British slang in quickly-spoken thick British accents. Maybe it's the more leisurely pace that makes the plot easier to follow.Hal Sparks has a wonderful dead-pan dry humor as the narrator, Michael. Randy Harrison is sweet as Justin, the newly-out teenager. When he was rejected by his dream-man Brian, his pain looked genuine and touching.Even though the opening narration indicates "It's all about sex," the show is actually about more than that. The narrator is referring to the fact that gay night life in trendy bars is "all about sex," but we see in Michael and Justin the reality of people searching for a sense of connection in a world that doesn't offer a lot of connection -- especially for gay people.While the British version was only 8 episodes with a 2 hour finale (which I found disappointing), this US version promises to begin with 22 episodes and possibly go on from there. I look forward to the future developments. So far, I see nothing to complain about.
17 out of 19 people found the following comment useful :- As close as it gets, 19 June 2004 Author: swtiger11backup from Texas, USA
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
I've had seen all episodes of every QAF season, and I am confident to say that this show portrays it all...the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you try to focus on the fact that there are stereo-typical scenes in the show, then thats all you'll see. However, it covers every living scenario gay or straight. You've got Brian the man whore who doesn't believe in settling down, would rather party every night at Babylon than stay at home and await old age. Then there's Michael, the momma's boy that has found someone and settled down and has started a family (if you have watched season 3-4). though his thing is, is that he's happy but continues to be hung up on something/someone that he will never have. (crush). Lindsay and Melanie show what it takes for lesbians to get married and bear children, to have a family. Then there's Ted, the older, boring, more down to earth guy that constantly deals with rejection and loneliness. Then they added the good guy drama to it to show that EVERYONE makes mistakes regardless of what life they lead by putting Ted through an HIV scare twice, and then bottoming out on a crystal-meth addiction. Emmett goes through an HIV scare as well and also takes on an extreme heartbreak when his lover and best friend turned on him and humiliated him. Debbie is a mother bird protecting her baby (Michael). Her use of foul language is her only defense to keep from getting ran over. Vic is a glimmer of hope to all HIV/AIDS viewers that it IS possible to have HIV and live to see old age, that its not always the end. Tell me now, how many people have had their heart broken? How many people have experienced drug use? How many single mothers are there out there trying to raise their children without a father? Better yet, how many people are in love...and have a family? These aren't homosexual stereo-types, these are real life living situations whether or not you are gay, straight, bi-sexual, lesbian, celibate, whatever. If you can close your mouth and open your mind you will find that this show could be the best eye opening show that anyone could ever learn from.
15 out of 16 people found the following comment useful :- A piece of my life, 16 August 2005 Author: cute_fun_04
This show, has brought the best five years to my life. I started watching the show when I was 13, and was the backbone for my coming out. Without this show, I don't think I would have had the courage to come out when I did. It was like home to me when things got rough. Now 17, I have developed a connection with the characters based on the lifestyle they led and the one I lead. Through the whole last episode, I cried, it was like a part of me had died, remembering that it was the biggest reason why I came out. I already miss the show, and I am anticipating buying the rest of the box sets I'm missing, the two Cd's I'm missing, and the book, to keep in my collection of the greatest t.v show to be aired and the greatest backbone support to gay people around the world. That's all folks!
13 out of 14 people found the following comment useful :- Sharon Gless Was Brilliant!, 11 August 2005 Author: drednm
Queer as Folk was an important TV series that had a huge audience on Showtime but never won any recognition from the Emmys despite some groundbreaking story lines and terrific performances. The show ran for 5 seasons.In your face at times and sexually graphic, QAF still was basically a night-time soap that followed the lives of a group of gay and lesbian characters in contemporary Pittsburgh. Over the years the characters were smart, stupid, successful, unsuccessful, and the friendships and relationships among them came and went. The peripheral characters likewise moved in and out of this circle of not-so-charmed friends. There was no real star in this series, but as an ensemble, the actors did remarkable work. Characters you hated during a story arc or even an entire season became favorites later on. Quite remarkable. The fluidity of the characters (while sticking to their base natures) far surpassed those on other soaps.Sharon Gless was absolutely superb as Debbie, the proud mother of a gay son. Her ferocious portrayal ranged from funny vulgarity (with the mouth of a sailor) to heartbreaking pathos. Scott Lowell as sad-sack Ted also had a few stories in which he excelled as the drugged out failure approaching 40. Surely these two actors deserved Emmy recognition.Gale Harold as super-stud Brian, Randy Harrison as Justin, Hal Sparks as nerdy Michael, Robert Gant as Ben, Peter Paige as Emmett, Thea Gill and Michelle Clunie as the lesbians all turned in solid work week after week. Jack Wetherall was excellent as Vic. Harris Allan, Peter MacNeill, Matt Battaglia, Dean Armstrong, and Sherry Miller were all good in supporting roles. The series revolved around relationships but also took on political issues including AIDS, gay marriage, gay bashing, Bush, and the ever-present gay vs. lesbian issues. And while some of the story lines weren't strong enough and resolutions were always a tad too easy, the show also had some heartbreaking moments that will not soon be forgotten. Among those were the death of Jack Wetherall's character, the bombing of Babylon (the gay night club), and the final scene between Brian and Justin. QAF was truly a phenomenon among American gay audiences.
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