Uncoupled on Netflix is the new gay man’s version of Sex and the City.
Created by Darren Star, who coincidentally made Sex and the City and more recently had successes with Younger, Emily in Paris, and And Just Like That and previous hits including Melrose Place, Beverly Hills 90210.
The formula for Uncoupled is very similar to Sex and the City. We have the lead protagonist dealing with heartbreak. We have a strong group of friends helping Michael navigate the emotions of an unexpected breakup. Followed by some guidance and rebound sex, and just as Michael starts to recover, Colin suddenly reappears, adding extra confusion to the situation.
We have Carrie Bradshaw, Michael played by Neil Patrick Harris, Mr. Big, Colin played by Tuc Watkins, Samatha Jones, Billy played by Emerson Brooks, Charlotte York, Stanley played by Brooks Ashmanskas, and Miranda Hobbs, Suzanne played by Tisha Campbell.
Uncoupled is a humorous series that has been well written, and it does play heavily into the gay stereotypes. We have a group of highly successful men in their late 40s and early 50s who are navigating life as they realize that the world around them is quickly changing and they must adapt.
Sex features heavily in the series. It plays into the idea that all gay men are actively trying to find their next sexual conquest, which can be true for some of the gay community but not all. It is important to remember that this is a comedy; without playing into these stereotypes for laughs, it would be quite a sad series.
Some aspects of this series ring true, especially when a group of “older” gay men try to figure out the world around them as everything quickly changes. These men would have been young teenagers in the late 1980s and mid-1990s during the AIDS epidemic. They would have witnessed the first time homosexuality was represented positively on Prime Time TV with the series Will and Grace. Also, they would have experienced a time when gay marriage was finally recognized, legally. A lot has changed regarding homosexuality and how the community views it, and now these men need to figure out where they fit into this new world.
Neil Patrick Harris as Michael is some clever casting. He plays a neurotic, self-absorbed, successful real estate broker in Manhattan. Michael’s world is turned upside down while throwing a surprise 50th birthday for his partner of 17 years, Colin.
Tuc Watkins as Colin is your quintessential sex middle-aged gay man with an ouch factor. Meaning someone you know will cause a little bit of pain at some point, but you still pursue them anyway, knowing it will hurt.
Uncoupled is a binge-worthy series on Netflix that will make you laugh out loud. There are uncomfortable moments that are very close to real life. But some moments will pull you in hook, line, and sinker and leave you wanting more.
Uncoupled is currently available on Netflix.
