User reviews

Having never watched this back when it was on TV back in the late 90's I finally caught this on Netflix. I guess I thought it was irrelevant being far from gay and not really being particularly interested in that scene. I'm happy to say I was wrong. Gay, straight, in-between, whatever...this is a story about love and sex and how you deal with those emotions in a modern world. It is very clever - cleverly written and cleverly acted. Especially Aidan Gillen stands out and carries the role of the emotionally shut off Stuart with the perfect mixture of charm and arrogance. He is a real anti-hero. Just when you're convinced he is a right bastard, he surprises you.

The show is also interesting to watch these almost 15 years after it aired. I keep reading about how shocking it was and times must have changed because I didn't find it shocking at all. Sure, there is partial nudity but nothing explicit and sure: it deals with homosexuality - doesn't shock me. It's sort of a "Sex and the City" for the gay man.

Also I find it refreshing that Queer As Folks for the most part stays clear of the stereotypical over-the-top and almost feminine "gay man" as seen in shows like "Will and Grace". Different times back then perhaps?

The ending was, giving no spoilers, not really up to par in my opinion. But I guess they had to end it somehow and it feels like they were in a hurry. It did seem a little far fetched.

In some ways I would kinda like to see how Stuart and Vince live life in their 40s but at the same time a reunion done poorly would be devastating when the original is so enjoyable. Cannot do anything but recommend watching it. Gay, straight, whatever...

A joy to watch, these boys will make you laugh and cry. These men are not typical of Gay men but then they're not supposed to be! But I challenge anyone not to see something they can identify with in the lives of these characters.

I am straight and I remember when this first "came out" and the debate and host of press articles it generated in mainly the lifestyle sections of our newspapers about the explicitness of the gay sex scenes. The debate was mostly positive but I remember thinking how brave C4 were to put this on, we had all seen explicit straight sex scenes on television series before which was nothing new' but never explicit gay sex scenes which at that time was new.

I watched the second ep and I was gripped from the start. To me it was about a sizeable minority out there whom us straights knew little about. The sex scenes were to me at that time shocking but sex scenes are just part of any adult drama so I was not disturbed as some where at that time. But the seminal and brilliant thing about this was the writing, Russel T Davies is a big name over here and always writes quality TV.

At that time I thought all gay people were just the Larry Grayson effeminate stereotypes, it never occurred to me that there are gay people who are as "queer as "Folk"", as in, just normal people with the same drives and ambitions who just want to live happy and hassle free lives. I also remember learning that Aiden Gillen (a fellow Dub) was not gay but straight and being minorly shocked by that.

I recently watch this again which prompted this review and I can say that this was one of the best and most educating TV shows I have ever seen. It got good ratings and I believe "added" to our more accepting attitudes to homosexuality. This is what TV dramas do at their best and this is one of the finest examples.

It is still worth a watch.

It's easy to see where this original British version of "Queer as Folk" generated talk when it debuted in the UK. Its liberated tone and sassy manner flings itself at the viewer with uninhibited abandonment.

It's certainly time for more honest depiction of alterative lifestyles, even though these characters may represent a cultural minority. Russel T. Davies' script is pointed and efficient, and Charles McDougal's and Sarah Harding's direction (of episodes 1-4 and 5-8, respectively) keeps the action moving and the dialogue sparkling.

Harding's direction is particularly effective, as Davies escalates character development as the series moves toward the end. The viewer begins to understand the selfish arrogance of Stuart, and the dependent relationship of Vince, to the viewer's dismay. Even the young Nathan emerges as a bit of a disappointment in the ethical department.

The driving rock beat of the score adds a flippant touch to these characters whose lives are closely attached to the flashy bar scene and superficial materialism. One night shagging, drug taking, and regular boozing complete a pretty empty portrait.

Selfish, self-centered, and immature, these characters are more to be pitied than censured as they engage in "La Ronde"-type laisons several nights a week. There's very little Canal Street has to offer, other than elaborate distraction, and these fellows play into its fold with addictive verve.

Turn up the volume, spin the crystal, boogie til dawn . . . it's all part of the escapist route-of-no-return. No matter that a mate ODed on heroine, as a result of a quick, irresponsible pickup. The funeral is as routine and unfeeling as as the last relationship. A stark and thought-provoking drama has been fashion by Davies, and played up a storm by a highly talented cast, headed by Aidan Gillen, Craig Kelly and Charlie Hunnam.

Gillen's work seems particularly reminiscent of Gary Oldman's in "Prick Up Your Ears." It's a highly detailed characterization that seems to come from the inside out. Both Kelly and Hunnam are seasoned professionals, and provide skillful insight to their presentations.

If anyone thought the cockney in "Beautiful Thing" was difficult to understand, give a listen to the dialect here. It can be uniformly cut with a knife, yet it also adds to the authenticity of its blue collar setting.

"Queer as Folk" certainly did what it set out to do: set a genuine precedent in mature and intelligent television filmmaking.

When I first heard of the planned screening of this series I thought it was going to be another in a long line of angst ridden gay dramas . But I couldn't have been further from the truth! Queer as Folk has everything a good drama needs: love, sex, betrayal, drugs, comedy, life and death. Throw in the first time underage sex has been portrayed somewhat graphically on TV, and Queer As Folk is what you get.

This series doesn't moralise-in-your-face on the characters actions.

The focus is on three gay guys living in Manchester. Vince (29), lovable, steady and reliable with a secret passion for Stuart (29), his wealthy, arrogant and bed-hopping best mate. Into their lives walks Nathan, a 15 yr-old schoolboy taking his first steps into life as a gay man. However, Nathan though naive, is no shrinking violet - he knows what he wants and plans on getting it. The acting is superb, along with the camerawork and direction. All in all, this is a TV series that should be compulsive viewing for everyone that sees it.

I find this series to be a perfectly short, concise, ridiculous piece of excellent gay cinema. Ridiculous in that it is relentless in its late 90's soundtrack, frantic pacing, and ongoing drive of clubbing meat rack hook ups. It is so clever, so well directed and edited, that the viewer craves what scenes of actual character development, dialogue, and progression that we are dealt. We believe that the lead playboy has spread his seed unto the lesbian coven. We also believe the great bond between him and his longtime buddy. We absurdly believe the drama which revolves around the baby and xenophobic threats (which ironically becomes the one allowable phobia in the piece). It is wonderfully catchy in its editing, its music, and its young actors. To dwell on the story, other than to say that it orbits around one spectacular gay playboy and his loving partner in friendship who unconsciously desires more is to just dwell on too much. That is what it is about. Do they find each other in the end? Well, devote 8 hours to find out, because it is catchy as hell, and puts the bitches of Sex And The City to shame.

This series is a wonderful mixture of excellent writing and superb acting. The story follows the lives of three young gay men in Manchester, England. A variety of issues are raised in a mature and entertaining way. Particular emphasis is given to the love and pain that Stuart, Nathan and Vince experience as they search for sex and hopefully for "Mr Right". The storylines are very strong and the main cast display a chemistry that lights up the screen. A "not to be missed" drama with delightful moments of tenderness and hilarity. The whole "feel" of the show, from the writing to the acting and from the lighting to the photography, is one of quality and excellence.

This series lead the way. Never forgotten in 20 years. Excellent storyline. Close second is Band of Brothers.

Absolutely love this show! Everyone is brilliant, especially Aiden Gillen.

I really enjoyed this series and a look into gay life in the early 2000s in Northern England. But why is no one mentioning the casual statutory rape that occurs multiple time? Nathan is supposed to be only 15 and no one bats an eye ethically. I found it pretty uncomfortable. Especially as there are multiple people around who know; including Hazel, Vince's Mum, who becomes friendly with Nathan's mum! There are even multiple pretty graphic sex scenes. Were the laws different in 2000? Why dont any other reviews go into this?! Overall a good show with some standout performances (namely Stuart). I will try the American remake next.

I have been privileged to see this superb series on DVD, as our national TV channels have been somewhat reticent to air it. I thought it was a fascinating and realistic (to some extent) portrait of what it's like to be gay in this end of millennium Britain. But even though I'm bisexual myself, I felt that the characters sexual preferences were not the central issue. Relationships, love, coping with life's little petty annoyances & major issues was. And the acting was excellent, particularly Craig Kelly (an often under-rated actor), Denise Black and Aidan Gillen. It was a breakthrough drama as far as the portrayal of gay characters on mainstream TV is concerned. I'll admit to that. But more than anything it was a glimpse of televised fiction at its best. No one should miss it. And your (eventual) prejudices might be challenged. All TV drama should aim for similar goals, I think...

I had the honour of being able to watch this brilliant show when it originally aired in 1999. When I had heard there was to be an American remake of the show, I was immediately upset, and vowed to never watch it. I did not, have not nor will not ever watch the American show. How dare they? Funny thing is, I am American, but by 1999 was living in Canada. Great Britain makes far superior shows and films in my opinion.

Of Gay life in the 90s, when things were still somewhat in unspoken, hidden away - yet exciting, energetic and reckless: all of the best parts of being alive during this time period, were clubs and hard partying were synonymous with gay nightlife. This original is much, much better than the US version. I was so surprised to learn that Charlie Hunnam was in this series, he is spectacular in it! All of the characters are amazing - especially Stuart. The relationship he shares with young Nathan would be totally taboo today, sounding the alarm on child/adult inappropriateness but this is an honest look at a boy coming of age, feeling comfortable in coming out and living his truth, and falling in love. It's written and directed in a way that is honest and real, not exploitative. I wish I would have watched this series before the other. It's still relevant, brilliantly scripted and directed.

This series are really the best gay-soap of all times!! It's never boring, you get always a laugh and the characters will be more interesting by every episode of the series. I think that this TV-series will go to the classics... Well, I hope so. I'll give it 12/10 (!)

I am one of the few people in the US fortunate enough to

see this British TV series. It's certainly better than the majority of American sitcoms and mini-series. The story lines give a mature, humorous, satiric look at the life of gays in Manchester, England. There are serious elements of parents rejecting their gay children, homophobia, and the dangers of picking up people, but overall the stories are

kept brisk, funny, and delightful.

The closest that American TV comes is DYNASTY, MELROSE

PLACE, ACTION, and MARRIED...WITH CHILDREN, but this show

is more gutsy and even has Shakespearian irony. It presents interesting characters, bold plotting, and transcends its own open sexual elements. Following the

adventures of the three main characters (sexual-magnet

Stuart, unrequited romantic Vince, and teenaged conqueror

Nathan), the story includes a whole wide world of other

people and in wonderfully playful.

It would be nice to think that one of the US cable lines

will be bold enough to show it.

I am a straight woman who was fortunate enough to see "Queer as Folk" at the Los Angeles Outfest. I found it absolutely the best television series I've ever seen, on a par with HBO's "Oz," only more explicit and weaving comedy into the mix. The characters are painstakingly developed, and will capture your interest immediately. We all know a Stuart (arrogant sex freak hiding inner doubts and insecurities), a Vince (sweet, self-effacing, afraid to ask for what he wants), and a Nathan (15, impossibly romantic and willful). Though these are the main players, there are also wonderful supporting roles, including Nathan's concerned and sympathetic mother, his best school chum (wise-beyond-her-years "fag-hag" Donna), and Keith's irrepressible parents. The heady excitement of clubbing is captured perfectly; it made me itch to go to discos again! The production is altogether a class act. It's a shame that we here in the States are so under the thumb of the "family values" hypocrites that we may never get a series of this quality. Call your friends in England for a copy of the video, go to your local gay/lesbian center, do whatever you have to do to see this.

Just saw the first episode on Showcase last night... I guess I won't be getting to bed before midnight for the next few Mondays. This is a show worth staying up for... easily one of the best TV shows I've seen (not -the- best, but up there). I've heard it described as "gay drama", but that makes it sounds as if it's an agenda show (anyone ever watched "Christian movies"?)... it's gay... way gay... shockingly explicitly sexually gay... but above all it's good TV.

And since it's out uncut in Canada, there may be hope for our more sensitive neighbour to the south :)

This is really a delight. Despite seeing all episodes in one marathon session, it remained great fun all the way. The high-energy and really interesting characters (including some great lesbians) kept interest from flagging.

Down in Brasil, they aired the Portuguese dubbed US version of this show, and I hated it (and yes, I am male and attracted to guys). I just thought it was ugly, stereotypical and just a downright humorless gloom fest.

However, my friends showed me the UK version. I was hesitant at first, but I gave it a chanse. In fact, I love the UK version way much better than the USA version. Good acting, actual fleshed out characters, and some humor thrown in here and there (unlike the other one). Yeah, even thouhg some of the gay men here party and are sexually aroused, but this time they are more portrayed as humans and not stereotypes (and yes, in the UK, those are ACTUAL gay people, from what I heard).

Only if they air the show on Brasil TV and play it in Portuguese even.

Pity there's no points system to give this show a clear ten out of ten. Aiden Gillen is superb as Stuart the lead role. However beware adopting him as a role model. But for those of us who are already Stuart-like just sit back and grin. Craig Kelly, who had a bit-part in Titanic, is memorable as Vince. In fact so much so that I was calling him Vince on set, just recently. Charles Hunnam as Nathan already has an appreciation society and in Queer As Folk breaks taboos that will keep this show controversial for may years to come. Fine scriptwriting from Russell T Davies makes 'Tales of the City' look very tame indeed - utmost respect to Armistead

This is an uncommonly honest, realistic, and passionate portrayal of gay relationships ... not particular to the UK at all. Originally shown on British BBC television as an original mini-series, unlike any which one would see in the USA, it is sexually graphic at times, honest in its characterisations, and very well acted and constructed. The queer folks, whose lives we follow, I genuinely cared for on many levels, and felt the emotion of their circumstances. I saw the programme during my visit to England in March 1999. Largely, it was well received by the viewing public in the UK. I could imaging what the bible belters would do if it were on American TV!! Yes, it's realistic and quite well worth seeing.