Queer as Folk is back – bigger, better and even more provocative than it’s previous incarnations!

Queer as Folk is a vibrant reimagining of the groundbreaking 1999 Channel 4 British series created by Russell T. Davies, which was previously adapted in the US from 2000 to 2005 by Showtime.

The controversial and bold series explores the relationships and lives of a diverse group of friends in New Orleans who are transformed in the aftermath of a tragedy. This 2022 version promises to be more diverse, more wild, more free, more angry.  

The series stars Devin Way (he/him) as Brodie (he/him), Fin Argus (they/them) as Mingus (he/him/they/them), Jesse James Keitel (she/her) as Ruthie (she/her), CG (they/them) as Shar (they/them), Johnny Sibilly (he/him) as Noah (he/him), Ryan O’Connell (he/him) as Julian (he/him).

Already streaming on Peacock in the U.S, Canadians get to experience the series on Showcase TV when it premieres on Sunday, June 26 at 9 p.m. ET

The reboot is created by, executive produced, written and directed by Canada’s own Stephen Dunn who had a “unique relationship” with the original Queer as Folk and says he wanted to do it justice while also speaking to the realities in which queer people currently live.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Dunn said, “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.”

He went on to say that if the show does anything, he hopes that it will make a difference for people who are watching that can relate to the subject matter, “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.”

Our Bonnie Laufer spoke with two of the series stars, Jesse James Keitel and C.G. who share Dunn’s sentiment about the updated series.