Queer as Folk (USA) is a remake of the UK TV show of the same name. Although the UK series ran for less than 10 episodes, Queer as Folk (USA) ran for 5 seasons.
Queer as Folk is about the lives of 4 young adult gay guys (Brian, Michael, Emmet and Ted), a young guy (Justin) coming out and a lesbian couple in Pittsburgh. Throw in a supportive proud-mother of a gay son (Debbie) and a gay uncle (Vic) living with HIV, and we have the series running for 5 years, sharing with us the heartbreaks, ups and downs of the gay community. Count in the scenes of discrimination, gay bashing, parents' acceptance, religious and urge to have children issues.
Brian (Gale Harold) is a 'no excuses, no apology, no regret' gay of Pittsburgh who sleeps with any guy he wants. And he has no problem in getting what he wants. Michael (Hal Sparks) is Brian's best friend, has a feeling for him and is the 'only' guy inn Pittsburgh has not slept with Brian. Justin (Randy Harrison) is a young gay coming out and steps into Liberty Avenue where all the evening gay actions are. His coming out becomes heavy when Brian notices Justin. One night with Brian makes Justin wants to be in a relationship. The problem is Brian does not do relationship.
Emmet (Peter Paige) is the 'living out, loud and proud' gay who goes through several heartaches of his own in his search for meaningless sex, occasionally love commitment and job-hopping. Ted (Scott Lowell) is gay who feels himself 'second class' as he has low self-esteem. He does not believe he is as fortunate as the other gays who are able to hook up so easily.
There are many issues dealt in the 5 years of QAF. Although some gay communities reject QAF - calling it shallow and does not represent the gay lifestyle, stereotyping and comparing it with QAF (UK), QAF (USA) has a strong impact on the gays around the world. This series touches on enough issues to make the gays all around, closeted ones or not, to contemplate and reflect on.
Winner of Outstanding Drama Series (2001) in GLAAD Media Awards and nominated again from 2002 to 2006.