The original series (both UK and US) was revolutionary for its time, but looking back, it is undeniably narrow in its scope. It centered almost exclusively on affluent, cisgender, white gay men. Lesbians, bisexuals, and people of color were often relegated to the sidelines or used as plot devices.
The reboot fundamentally corrects this tunnel vision.
The landscape of television has changed drastically since Queer as Folk first burst onto screens in 1999 (UK) and 2000 (US). For a long time, those shows were the only lifeboats for LGBTQ+ viewers—messy, unapologetic, and vital. But recent attempts to revive the franchise have stumbled, often feeling like nostalgia trips rather than living, breathing entities.
If we are to get a new series, it shouldn't just be a rehash of Brian Kinney’s loft or Stuart Jones’ swagger. To be "better," a new Queer as Folk needs to stop looking in the rearview mirror and start looking at the chaotic, beautiful reality of queer life right now.
Here is how a new series could be better than what came before:
1. Expand the "Gay Ghettos" The original series was obsessed with a specific geography: the club, the gym, and the loft. It was a world of white, cisgender, able-bodied gay men. A "better" series must acknowledge that the modern queer community is a tapestry. We need a series that centers trans narratives not as afterthoughts, but as driving forces. We need to see the intersection of race, class, and disability within the community. The "family" can no longer just be a circle of friends who look exactly the same; it has to reflect the messy, intersectional reality of 2024.
2. Kill the "Saviors and Martyrs" Complex The original US series, in particular, had a habit of punishing its characters for being sexual beings, or conversely, treating the most promiscuous character as a sort of Messiah figure. A new series needs to move beyond the binary of "good queers who want marriage" vs. "bad queers who want sex." Modern queer life integrates these things. We need a show that treats ethical non-monogamy, fluidity, and asexuality with the same narrative weight as the traditional "will they/won't they" romance.
3. Address the Generational Divide One of the most fascinating conflicts in the modern community is the disconnect between the generation that fought through the AIDS crisis and the generation raised on Grindr and RuPaul. A better series would explore this tension not as a joke, but as a central conflict. How does a 50-year-old queer icon relate to a 19-year-old who has never known a world without PrEP? There is a wealth of storytelling in that gap that has been largely ignored.
4. Ditch the Glossy Aesthetic for Grit The 2022 Peacock reboot made the mistake of looking a little too much like every other glossy streaming teen drama. The original Queer as Folk was revolutionary because it felt dangerous. A new series needs to recapture that danger. It shouldn't look like an Instagram filter; it should look like the inside of a dive bar at 2 AM. It needs to be raw, uncomfortable, and sometimes ugly. The "better" version of this show isn't about aspirational lifestyle porn; it's about the struggle to find connection in a fragmented world.
5. Focus on Chosen Family in the Post-Pandemic World The core thesis of Queer as Folk has always been "chosen family." But in a world where physical "third spaces" are disappearing and community is increasingly moved online, the struggle to find that family is harder than ever. A new series needs to explore how we build community when we don't have the club as our church anymore.
The Verdict We don't need another Queer as Folk just to see beautiful people dance in slow motion. We need it because queer storytelling is currently trapped in a binary of "trauma porn" or "sanitized happiness." A better series would live in the middle: a show that is funny, sexy, and resilient, proving that while the specific battles may change, the fight to be seen—and to find your people—remains the most important story of all.
The 2022 Queer as Folk reboot on Peacock (available on Netflix in some regions) aimed to modernize the iconic 1999 UK and 2000 US series by drastically expanding its representation. While it was canceled after one season [31], many viewers and critics argue it improved upon the original's legacy by being more inclusive and emotionally resonant [13, 27]. Why the New Series is Considered "Better"
True Inclusivity: Unlike the previous versions which primarily focused on cisgender white gay men, the new series features a diverse cast including transgender, nonbinary, and disabled characters [13, 21].
Authentic Casting: The production prioritized casting queer actors in queer roles, bringing a layer of authenticity that older versions sometimes lacked [13, 21].
Modern Storytelling: It addresses contemporary queer issues like digital culture, gender fluidity, and privilege within LGBTQ+ spaces [6, 24].
Handling Trauma and Joy: The series centers on a community rebuilding after a tragedy (inspired by the Pulse nightclub shooting), but balances this "trauma plot" with moments of defiant queer joy [9, 23, 28].
Star Power: Veterans like Kim Cattrall and Juliette Lewis provide strong supporting performances that anchor the younger, diverse cast [2, 13, 27]. Comparing the Different Eras Original UK/US (1999-2005) Peacock Reboot (2022) Diversity Mostly cisgender white gay men [19, 20]
Broad spectrum of POC, trans, and disabled identities [13, 21] Themes Coming out, HIV/AIDS, marriage equality [19, 27] queer as folk new series better
Post-tragedy recovery, intersectionality, modern queer life [6, 10] Tone Groundbreaking but often "sanitized" for its time [27] "Bolder, prouder," and more gritty [4, 7]
While the reboot was criticized by some long-time fans for its "unlikable" characters or "angry" tone [25, 26], it is often praised for being a more accurate reflection of what queer society looks like today [4, 6].
Is the new Queer as Folk perfect? No. Its pacing is sometimes frantic, and balancing a massive ensemble leads to some thin plotlines. However, it is arguably a "better" show because it is a responsible show.
It takes the legacy of visibility established by the original and expands it to include the entirety of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. It trades shock value for emotional resonance, and in doing so, it creates a portrait of queer life that feels less like a fantasy and more like a reflection of the beautiful, messy, and resilient reality.
The 2022 Peacock reimagining of Queer as Folk is often viewed as a superior update because it successfully evolves from the narrow focus of its predecessors to reflect a more authentic, intersectional LGBTQ+ experience. By shifting the setting to New Orleans and centering a diverse cast, the new series addresses the modern community's breadth in ways the Showtime and UK versions did not. Core Improvements Over the Original TV Review: Queer As Folk
It seems you are looking for an argument or a persuasive piece on why a potential new series of Queer as Folk should be made, or perhaps why a previous attempt at a reboot didn't work and how a new one could do it better.
Assuming you want a persuasive take on how to do a Queer as Folk revival right, here is a piece arguing for a "better" new series:
In the pantheon of LGBTQ+ television, few titles carry the weight, the controversy, and the lasting legacy of Queer as Folk. Originally a blistering, groundbreaking UK series by Russell T. Davies in 1999, it was reinvented for North American audiences by Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman from 2000 to 2005. That US/Canadian co-production—set in Pittsburgh, filmed in Toronto, and starring Gale Harold, Randy Harrison, and Sharon Gless—became a cultural touchstone. It was raw, explicit, political, and unapologetically hedonistic.
Then came 2022. Peacock released a second Queer as Folk reboot, set in New Orleans, created by Stephen Dunn. Despite a diverse and talented cast, it was canceled after a single season. The reception was mixed; many felt it was trying too hard to be safe, polite, or "educational" in a post-Heartstopper world.
But here is the thesis of this article: A successful Queer as Folk for the 2020s is not only possible—it could be better than the original. The key is not to emulate the 2000s show’s specific aesthetic, but to revive its revolutionary spirit. The new series failed not because the concept is dated, but because it pulled its punches. Here is the blueprint for a new Queer as Folk series that would not just exist, but dominate.
Let’s get one thing straight: the original UK Queer as Folk (1999) was a landmark. The US remake (2000–2005) was a cultural touchstone. But the 2022 reboot? It’s better — not because it’s louder or more shocking, but because it’s smarter, more inclusive, and finally reflects actual queer life in the 21st century.
1. It centers intersectionality, not just white gay men.
The original shows were revolutionary for their time, but they were overwhelmingly white, cis, and male. The 2022 series puts queer women, trans, nonbinary, and BIPOC characters front and center — without making their identities the only story. From a butch lesbian navigating parenthood to a transmasculine nonbinary club kid, the cast feels like the real community.
2. Post-Pulse, post-COVID, post-everything — it has emotional weight.
The new series doesn’t ignore trauma, but it doesn’t wallow either. Set in New Orleans, it opens with a mass shooting at a gay club (echoing the 2016 Pulse nightclub attack). That event ripples through every character’s choices. Unlike the earlier versions, which could feel escapist, this one earns its joy because it acknowledges grief.
3. The sex is still hot, but it’s also tender — and diverse.
Gone are the endless, sterile gym-bod hookups. The 2022 show includes disabled queer sex, trans joy, older queer intimacy, and kink without shame. It’s not trying to shock straight audiences; it’s depicting desire as normal, messy, and real.
4. It ditches the “tragic queer” and “assimilation” tropes.
No one is dying of AIDS to teach a lesson. No one is begging for marriage equality as the ultimate goal. The characters are already past respectability politics. They fight for housing, community, chosen family, and survival — not just straight approval.
5. The writing is sharper, funnier, and less dated.
The original US version had iconic moments, but also cringe stereotypes and melodrama. The 2022 reboot balances dark humor, absurdity, and genuine heart. Episode 3 (“Who’s Your Daddy, Baby?”) alone is tighter than whole seasons of the 2000s show.
Bottom line: The original Queer as Folk broke ground. The new one builds a house on it — with everyone invited in. If you want nostalgia, watch the old ones. If you want the future of queer TV, watch the 2022 version. It’s not just better. It’s necessary. The original series (both UK and US) was
Why the New 'Queer as Folk' Series Is Better Than the Original
When the Peacock streaming network announced a reimagined version of the seminal LGBTQ+ drama Queer as Folk, it faced an immediate wall of skepticism. The franchise carried a monumental legacy. Russell T Davies created the groundbreaking 1999 British original, and Showtime followed with a massive, culture-defining five-season American adaptation in 2000.
For many, those shows were sacred. However, viewing them through a modern lens reveals a glaring issue: they were almost exclusively focused on a very narrow slice of the community—predominantly white, cisgender, able-bodied gay men.
Why the New Queer as Folk Series Is Better Than the Original
The 2022 reimagining of Queer as Folk on Peacock takes the foundational "punk spirit" of Russell T Davies' original 1999 UK series and the soapy addiction of the 2000 US remake, then updates them for a more complex, modern era. While it only lasted one season before being canceled, many critics and viewers argue this version is actually better because it finally delivers the radical inclusivity and authentic storytelling that its predecessors only hinted at. 1. A Broadened Palette of Representation
The most immediate way the Peacock series improves upon the originals is through its cast and characters.
True Diversity: While the older shows primarily centered on white, cisgender gay men, the 2022 series features characters who are Black, trans, non-binary, fat, and disabled.
Authentic Casting: The production prioritized hiring queer actors and creatives for queer roles, including stars like Jesse James Keitel and Ryan O'Connell, which added a layer of lived-in authenticity to the performances.
Invisible Identities Made Visible: Characters like Shar (who uses they/them pronouns) and Ruthie (who is openly trans) exist in a world where their identities aren't constantly questioned or treated as "teachable moments" for a straight audience. 2. Fearless Storytelling with Real Stakes
The new series moves the setting to New Orleans, using the city’s vibrant, gritty backdrop to explore deeper trauma and resilience.
The 2022 Queer as Folk reboot on Peacock TV is often considered "better" in terms of its modern diversity and inclusive representation, though it remains controversial among fans of the original British and American versions. Why the New Series is Considered Better
Vast Inclusivity: Unlike previous versions, the 2022 cast features significant representation for BIPOC, transgender, and non-binary individuals.
Disability Representation: Creator Stephen Dunn intentionally cast actors with disabilities, including Ryan O'Connell (who has cerebral palsy) and Eric Graise (a bilateral amputee), to reflect contemporary queer life.
Relevant Themes: The series tackles heavy, modern-day issues like the aftermath of a nightclub shooting (modeled after the Pulse tragedy) and the complexities of queer parenthood.
Setting: Moving the story to New Orleans provides a fresh, vibrant aesthetic and cultural backdrop compared to Manchester or Pittsburgh. Critical Drawbacks and Fan Debate
The debate over whether the "new" Queer as Folk (the 2022 Peacock reboot) is better than its predecessors (the 1999 UK original or the 2000 US version) typically centers on its approach to diversity, realism, and modern storytelling. While the 2022 series was cancelled after one season
due to low ratings, many viewers and critics argue it improved upon the franchise in several key ways. 1. Authentic Diversity and Intersectionality Is the new Queer as Folk perfect
The most significant "improvement" cited by fans of the new series is its representational breadth. Broadening the Spectrum original US series
was criticized for focusing primarily on white, cisgender gay men. In contrast, the 2022 version featured a cast that was radically more diverse
, including trans, non-binary, disabled, and racially diverse characters as leads. Modern Identity : It moved away from the "gay archetypes" used in the UK original
to explore nuanced identities that reflect the LGBTQ+ community in the 2020s. 2. Shifting from Fantasy to Resilience
While the older series were often described as "fantasy" depictions of urban gay life, the new series took a more grounded, though heavier, approach. Community Healing
: The 2022 series centered on a community rebuilding after a tragedy (a nightclub shooting). Many found this a better, more mature way
to explore queer joy and resilience compared to the soap-opera drama of Brian Kinney and Justin Taylor. Age Dynamics : The original series' focus on relationships with teenagers
(like the 17-year-old Justin) hasn't aged well for some modern audiences. The new series avoided these controversial power dynamics in favor of more peer-based relationships. 3. Visuals and Production Value
The Peacock reboot benefited from modern television's "prestige" era. Cinematography
: The production value in the 2022 series was significantly higher, offering a vibrant, cinematic look at New Orleans that felt more immersive than the soundstage feel of the 2000s Pittsburgh Summary Comparison Original Series (UK/US) 2022 Reboot Primarily cis white gay men Intersectional LGBTQ+ spectrum Fantasy/Soap Opera Grounded/Resilience-focused Controversy Age gaps (17-year-old lead) Representation vs. Heavy themes Multi-season cult classics Cancelled after 1 season character breakdown
comparing the archetypes from the original series to the modern leads in the reboot?
The original Queer as Folk was famous for its explicit, "soft-core porn" style sex scenes. They were shocking and necessary to normalize gay intimacy on TV, but they often lacked emotional context.
The reboot approaches intimacy differently. It is still explicit (it is Queer as Folk, after all), but the sex is dialogue-heavy, awkward, funny, and deeply character-driven.
Pittsburgh (in the original US version) was a generic city stand-in that often felt a bit too sterile. The reboot moves the action to New Orleans, and the city becomes a character in itself.
The setting provides a unique texture: it is sweaty, Southern, Gothic, and spiritual. This moves the show away from the polished, "clean" aesthetic of modern sitcoms like Modern Family or The L Word: Generation Q. The New Orleans setting allows for storylines involving voodoo, Mardi Gras culture, and a different kind of queer history—one that feels grittier and more organic than the nightclub scenes of the early 2000s.
Claim: The 2022 Queer as Folk reboot surpasses its predecessors.
Verdict: It depends on what you value — but for modern audiences, the new series offers a more inclusive, diverse, and emotionally nuanced take, even if it lacks the groundbreaking shock value of the original.