First Look At “Queer As Folk” Reboot!

April 13, 2022• byMichael Strangeways

It’s been a beloved British television series in 1999 as created by the brilliant writer/producer Russell T. Davies (that introduced Charlie Hunnam to global audiences) then it became a beloved American television series the following year broadcast on Showtime that ran for five seasons.

And, now QUEER AS FOLK returns in a brand new version to air on Peacock starting June 9th with showrunner Stephen Dunn at the helm who has this to say about his baby:

“Like most queer ‘90s kids, I had a unique relationship with the original Queer as Folk.Growing up, I was desperate for any sort of connection with people like me. It was the first time I really felt seen. The show offered a new paradigm – one where we could accept and celebrate queer love, families, and communities on a global stage. It was truly iconic. I am honored that Russell T. Davies, the creator of the original series, entrusted me to continue this legacy.
I wanted to create a new groundbreaking version of this show for this moment. Our new Queer as Folk is set in New Orleans — one of the most unique queer communities in North America – and I am immensely proud that the new series is comprised of an electric ensemble of fresh characters that mirror the modern global audience. If there’s one person who is able to see Queer as Folk and feel less alone, or who now feels more supported and seen, our job is done. In the true spirit of the original, our show doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of our community, but above all else, the series is about people who live vibrant, vital, unapologetically queer lives.”
-Stephen Dunn, creator/producer/writer

**Left to right: Armand Fields and Fin Argus in Queer as Folk**

AND, the Godfather of the Queer as Folk Universe, original creator/writer/producer Russell T. Davies gives his seal of approval:

“I’m very proud of what we achieved in 1999, but in queer years, that was a millennium ago! As a community, we’ve radicalized, explored, opened up, and found new worlds – with new enemies and new allies – and there was so much to be said. Stephen pitched a brand new version of Queer as Folk with so much imagination, insight, and crucially, joy, that I simply couldn’t resist. I thought it was about time the title belonged to a whole new generation. The 2022 show is more diverse, more wild, more free, more angry – everything a queer show should be.”
-Russell T. Davies

**Jesse James Keitel** **and CG in Queer as Folk**

Queer as Folk 2022 will be centered in New Orleans, a far different kind of city than the previous versions that were set in grittier, chillier cities like Manchester in the original British version and Pittsburgh in the Showtime series. It features a whole new set of very diverse characters…check them out:

SERIES REGULARS:

Devin Way (he/him) will play Brodie (he/him), a charming and sometimes chaotic commitment-phobe who finds a reason to stay in New Orleans after tragedy rocks his community.
Fin Argus (they/them) will play Mingus (he/him/they/them), a cocky high schooler whose confidence belies their lack of real world experience.
Jesse James Keitel (she/her) will play Ruthie (she/her), a trans, semi-reformed party girl who is struggling to grow up.
CG (they/them) will play Shar (they/them), a non-binary professor navigating the rocky transition from punk to parenthood.
Johnny Sibilly (he/him) will play Noah (he/him), a successful lawyer who is not as put together as he seems.
Ryan O’Connell (he/him) will play Julian (he/him), a pop culture nerd with cerebral palsy who is more than ready for some independence.
NOTE: O’Connell also serves as a writer and co-executive producer on the series

There’s also a bunch of terrific guest/recurring stars in the show including our favorite Sex and the City gal, KIM CATTRALL!

GUEST STARS:

Kim Cattrall (she/her) will play Brenda (she/her), a martini-soaked, high society southern debutant with trailer park roots.
Juliette Lewis (she/her) will play Judy (she/her), a single mom who is more of a friend than a parent to her teenager.
Ed Begley Jr. (he/him) will play Winston (he/him), an emotionally distant father.
Armand Fields (they/them) will play Bussey (she/her in drag he/him out of drag), the reigning drag queen and matriarch of the local scene.
Chris Renfro (they/them) will play Daddius (he/they), a fun-loving hedonist who is always the life of the party.
Eric Graise (he/him) will play Marvin (he/him), a jaded barfly who DNGAF about your problems.
Sachin Bhatt (he/him) will play Ali (he/him), an empathetic sex worker.
Benito Skinner (he/him) will play Jack Cole Jordan (he/him), a self-aggrandizing influencer.
Nyle DiMarco (he/him) will play Leo (he/him), a charming grad student.
Lukas Gage (he/him) will play Eric (he/him), a personal trainer.
Megan Stalter (she/her) will play Meg (she/her), an aspiring singer.
Olli Haaskivi (he/him) will play George (he/him), a friend from the mall.
Calvin Seabrooks (he/him) will play Taylor (he/him), a reluctant dinner party guest.

About the Author: Michael Strangeways

As the Editorial Director/Co-Owner, Michael Strangeways writes, edits and does about a million other jobs for Seattle Gay Scene, Puget Sound's most visited LGBTQ news, arts and entertainment website now celebrating its 14th year as a media outlet. A semi-proud Midwesterner by birth, he's lived in Seattle since 2000. He's also a film producer who would like you to check out the Jinkx Monsoon documentary, "Drag Becomes Him" now available on Amazon.com. In his spare time, he gets slightly obsessive about his love for old movies, challenging theater, "otters", vodka, chocolate, "I,Claudius", Lizzie Borden, real books made out of paper, disaster films, show tunes, Weimar era Germany, flea markets, pop surrealistic art, the sex lives of Hollywood actors both living and dead, kitties, chicken fried steak, haute couture and David Bowie. But, not necessarily in that order.