Here’s the problem with an identity-based show like HBO’s upcoming series Looking. As fellow gay, bisexual or otherwise-identified men, we’re all going to expect to see ourselves represented onscreen in some way, shape or form. This is bound to happen, no matter how hard (or not hard) the producers strive to prevent it.
Remember when Girls premiered? Even before the first episode aired, there were dozens of think pieces written that ranged from “This lacks diversity and doesn’t represent who I am as a woman” to “Finally! Someone made a show about what it’s like to be a woman in your early twenties”.
The fact of the matter is that neither show can be everything to everyone. When the first episode of Looking airs, you’re going to hear people praising its “honesty” and others complaining that it’s an intolerable glimpse into gay culture. Skeptics will refer to the use of sex and nudity as stereotypical, all whilst failing to realize that almost every HBO show uses sex and nudity to draw in viewers. We’ll all hold up a mirror and ask why there’s nobody who looks like us on the show, all whilst failing to realize that the show never claimed to tell the story of every single gay man in existence.
These characters are inspired by living, breathing individuals who exist in the real world. There’s a story behind them, and frankly, you might not be interested in hearing about it. While you have every right to be frustrated that their stories are being told instead of yours—and they’ve been told over and over again—you’ve got to acknowledge that they have every right to have their story heard.
But, uh, with that said? This show seems like it has as much depth and substance as MTV’s old late-night sex series Undressed. Our pal Mike Enders at Accidental Bear had kind words to say, but we won’t believe ’em until we see it for ourselves. Come January 19, we’ll all know for sure how we feel.
– Dewitt
Watch a new, more revealing trailer for Looking below:
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I think I might have actually liked Undressed. Or just a few of the scenes where a hot guy was shirtless (or more). Also seem to remember masturbating to that show more than once…
I am hesitantly optimistic. I am gay and in my early 30s which I believe is the demographic portrayed in the series so I am looking forward to it just for that alone, but it’s also HBO and if it is just a gay version of Girls, (ala Entourage being a male version of SATC) then I will eventually pass. But if it actually delves into the mindset and emotions honestly of being gay around that age then I’ll be its biggest supporter.
And if nothing else shows like this will lead to more shows like this with more inclusiveness. No doubt this series wouldn’t even exist if it weren’t for Noah’s Arc laying down some foundation and I was in my 20s (and black) when that show aired but I found it hard to relate to on some levels, still, I’m thankful it came out. So again, hesitantly optimistic but kind of giddily excited.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
interesting approach for funding…never heard of this show. Something seems wrong…like maybe they do not have the right person to raise funds through sponsors. Its not like they are the first gay show…Queer as Folk seemed to do it. it think the director/producer has pissed to many people off who will not give any support
Let’s see if they show more skin than Queer As Folk! And bring it to the 21st century. Can they also get Charlie Hungman, uh, Hunnam to guest star? 😉
Jonathan Groff and Murry Bartlett…two very good reasons to tune in.
Wow word directly from my mouth. I was discussing this earlier. This story is about us, everyone in the gay culture. It’s about them. Your story will differ but I’m sure anyone can find a similarity if they weren’t only looking to bash the show in the first place.
I was really looking forward to this program — I love the cast — but I probably won’t watch, not because I doubt I’ll connect to the material (which, admittedly, I doubt that I will) but, rather, because I LOATHE shaky cam with the fiery heat of a billion suns. Why, why, WHY did they have to use shaky cam???? Dammit, I really am SO pissed.
I’m in love already. Can’t wait!
The first 2 teasers isn’t pushing the series in the best light, but I guess we will see.
On one hand I’m expecting the worst largely because I’ve found that whole “no TV show can represent anyone” thing to be a bullshit cop-out that’s used to include no one. But Andrew Haigh is involved and Weekend is the best gay film I’ve ever seen.
Gay people are some of the most dramatic people on the face of the earth so that alone should lead to some very interesting plot development
LOL I don’t remember this show
I’m with you! It’s like they WANT us to judge these people before we get to know them.
who cares about the the depth, theres great beards and mustaches! bring on the undressed!
Never even knew this was in the works till your post so I guess I will have to see it and deiced it all from there. But I miss watching QAF and I hope this is just as interesting and enjoyable to watch.
Excellent observations, Dewitt. As long as there are a paucity of images of the LGBT community, this issue will arise every time a major film or TV series is produced. As you note, the same is true with all minorities,see Girls, with women. And most especially with folks of color, most recently with the debate that recently erupted over Marc Cherry’s Devious Maids, re: Latinas (what a God-awful title). I hope Looking succeeds or fails based solely on its merits.
“It’s like they WANT us to judge these people before we get to know them.”
You mean…like the general gay community? *shields face*