Brothers

Thank you for contacting Showtime about "Brothers" on DVD, I can see it left a big impression on them, since here it is over a year later, and still no sign of "Brothers" on DVD. It was a wonderfully funny series and groundbreaking in it's depiction of gay men. Not to mention one of the finest ensemble casts ever. I collected the entire series on Video tape and have watched them over and over. But the quality on the tapes is pretty awful, and pretty soon I won't have a VHS player anymore (Remember those?) It's never too late, so please, please release it on DVD, Showtime! I'm ready to relive the laughter over and over again. I also think it would be interesting to hear commentary from the Cast.

BROTHERS was first presented in the United States by Showtime, Inc. on a premium channel. I have not known of the series being re-run by any other channel, though there is no surprise there! As I recall, it told of a family of brothers, one of whom has "come out." Of course, it treated the situation in a broad comedic manner. I remember the comedy was sometimes forced and sophomoric, but it was a daring breakthrough for its' day, and as such, deserves another look! SHOWTIME....where are you when we need you? You have presented what is possibly the most blatantly gay drama ever, and yet you have forgotten your own pioneering effort. Look in your vaults, and dust the tapes off.

Showtime took a great first step with this series based on the coming out of a gay character. He has two brothers (hence the title) and they live in Philadelphia (city of brotherly love).

Long before ELLEN and WILL AND GRACE, this series tackled the thorny issues of a gay character struggling with himself and society. The situations are played for comedy, but there are serious issues of prejudice, self-acceptance, and AIDS, among others, interwoven into the plots.

The two sides of the gay spectrum are represented by the straight-acting character who comes out at his own wedding (a la IN & OUT) in the first episode, and the flamboyant queen who also has a more serious side as he offers advice and help to the young man who is coming out. It is an enjoyable and ground-breaking series.

This was a TV series about three brothers--2 straight and 1 gay. Back in 1984 gay characters were almost completely absent from TV shows. "Brothers" changed all that. At first it was shopped around to the major networks--none of them would touch it. It finally ended up on Showtime were it enjoyed a healthy 5 year run.

It dealt with many taboo subjects: gay rights, AIDS, gay sex, lesbianism. All the characters were presented fairly and non-exploitavely. Donald, a gay character, was originally attacked as being way too flamboyent...but he was treated much more sympathetically than anyone else (and not in a condescending way). Also the show was sometimes VERY funny. Aside from a few minor instances of swearing there was nothing really extreme in the show--no nudity, sex or violence. There was one gay kiss (the audience reaction was a few screams).

This show has disappeared--Showtime really should bring it back. Much better than "Will & Grace".

It is a shame that time and a limited viewing audience has all but buried "Brothers." If you didn't have Showtime in the 80s you missed out on a show that had as much heart and humor as "Will and Grace" back in atime when AIDS made a gay series untouchable for a TV network. Showtime took the risk and the result is a wonderful series that I saw as a young man but can remember certain scenes vividly and can still hum the a-capella theme song. Modern day viewers will rake the Donald character as being too stereotypical but he was no sissy. He was proud and strong and that should be seen as a plus. The rapport between the brothers was excellent as they try to understand the gay world after the youngest of the 3 comes out. Who can forget gruff Lou trying to blend into the gay scene sitting a park growling: "Hey babe, nice legs!" or Joe responding the his brother's attraction to a Russian when told that he's big and sleek and foreign by saying "so get a Volvo!" Has this show been released on VHS or DVD? If not it should. This is a groundbreaking series that should be resurrected for a new generation to enjoy and share and laugh.