LGBT TV is Back!
Remember the days when LGBT characters on television were sparse or none at all? There were no groundbreaking same-sex marriages on soap operas. There were no leading characters with full-season storylines — unless you splurged for premium channels and enjoyed a few episodes of “Queer As Folk” or “The L Word.” There were no out actors because they were forced to stay in closets or the work would dry up.
Well gone be the days of minimal LGBT representation on television and film! This fall, the industry is littered in our people, and we aren’t just referring to Cam and Mitchell from “Modern Family” (although we do enjoy the loveable duo, who will be returning for season six this fall). Whether we are producers, actors, characters, or writers, it’s clear that this fall we are certainly making our presence known. And as avid television lovers, we over at Out Front couldn’t be happier.
Fresh from directing HBO’s latest tearjerker, “The Normal Heart,” Ryan Murphy is back with an all-new season of “American Horror Story.” Set in Florida in the early 1950s, Jessica Lange stars as Elsa Mars, the ringleader of one of the last remaining freak shows as it struggles to stay in business. The cast rounds out with gay favorites Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Evan Peters, openly gay actor Denis O’Hare, out actress Sarah Paulsen, and a brief cameo from Matt Bomer. (No word on Zachary Quinto making another AHS appearance.) From the beginning, Murphy has always appealed to the likes of the LGBT community. The gay creator is responsible for series like “Glee,” the short-lived answer to Modern Family aka “The New Normal,” and “Nip/Tuck” which gave us more than enough visual stimulation during its six seasons and 100 episodes.
If spooktacular television isn’t your jam, that’s completely okay — there are plenty of other options for you. Wilson Cruz, everyone’s favorite Angel (that’s a “Rent” reference) returns to television as an openly gay nurse in pediatric ward on the new FOX front-runner “Red Band Society.”
Shonda Rhimes teams up with openly gay writer/creator/producer Peter Nowalk for “How To Get Away With Murder,” a new series on ABC, which will feature Viola Davis, and Jack Falahee who plays a gay law school student. Amazon throws their hat into the ring with an original series about a family patriarch coming out as transgender in “Transparent.”
Action fans rejoice because “The Flash” on The CW will feature gay actor Wentworth Miller (“Prison Break”) and not one but two gay characters. Late in October, CBS features a new sitcom comedy, “The McCarthys,” starring Tyler Ritter as Ronnie McCarthy a 29-year-old gay man dealing with an overbearing, outspoken, and tight-knit family. “Scandal” (which already features plenty of LGBTs) is back for another jaw-dropping season, and if hot men in The Hamptons is your bag, “Revenge” brings the pecs in Nautica v-necks realness with the promise of even more guy-on-guy liplockin’.
Still not what you’re looking for this season? Maybe you just want to stick to good old-fashioned reality television. Well, you’re still in luck. “Survivor” is back yet again with “Blood vs. Water.” The 29th season of the long-running series will feature a gay and Christian couple. The duo is set to face off against former Atlanta Braves pitcher, John Rocker, who is known for his anti-gay rants. Should make for an interesting season.
Whether you’re looking for drama, comedy, or just a little bit of eye candy settle in, clear your evening plans, and get ready for a fall season that is sure to whet your whistle.
What's Your Reaction?
