For LGBTQ+ representation on our TV screens, ’90s drama Queer As Folk was seminal, a turning point that forever changed how gay characters were portrayed to mainstream audiences. No longer were we sexless creatures played for laughs, or one-dimensional, tormented teens. In Russell T Davies’ breakthrough series, gay relationships were not just unashamedly sexual, but also unapologetically authentic, with characterisation that was complex and layered. The show had a similar impact across the pond, when its American adaptation went on to enjoy a five-season run, reinvigorating gay drama as it did so.
It’s no exaggeration to say that without Queer As Folk, there would be no Skins, Looking, Euphoria and numerous other shows that put sexuality front and centre of storytelling. Writer Russell T Davies went on to be part of the team that relaunched Dr Who in the 21st century, served us Cucumber, dystopian drama in Years and Years, and in 2021 brings the Aids crisis to Channel 4 with the gripping It’s a Sin.