Created by Darren Star and Jeffrey Richman, Netflix’s romantic series ‘Uncoupled’ centers around Michael Lawson and Colin McKenna, who cherish an admirable relationship for seventeen years while living in New York City. Their togetherness ends when Colin breaks up with Michael without even offering a reason. The latter opens a new chapter of his life after his former boyfriend moves on from his life, trying to find love again in his 40s with the help of his best friends Billy Burns, Stanley James, and business partner Suzanne Prentiss.
The show successfully depicts the nuances of midlife dating, friendships, and the contemporary gay experience. Captivated by it, we have compiled a list of shows that deserve a look after watching the Neil Patrick Harris-starrer.
7. Divorce (2016-2019)
The comedy-drama show ‘Divorce’ revolves around Frances and Robert Dufresne, a married couple who deals with their divorce after the latter discovers that his wife has an affair. Featuring Sarah Jessica Parker and Thomas Haden Church, the series progresses through the events that unfold after the protagonists decide to move forward with their divorce. Like Michael and Colin, Frances and Robert are a middle-aged couple confronting separation in New York City. The drawn-out divorce proceedings also remind us of the long time Michael gets stuck with his attachment with Colin, even after their breakup when he goes out with other men.
6. Vicious (2013-2016)
The British sitcom ‘Vicious’ revolves around Freddie Thornhill and Stuart Bixby, who have been in a relationship for nearly fifty years. They frequently entertain guests in their Covent Garden flat, and the series progresses through the intricacies of their relationship that has lasted for decades. ‘Uncoupled’ and ‘Vicious’ offer distinct perspectives of same-sex relationships- the couples in both shows have been together for many years, and they both deal with the complications of being together for such a period. Like Michael and Colin, who entertain Stanley, the Jonathans, and Billy, Freddie and Stuart are part of an appealing social group.
5. Men of a Certain Age (2009-2011)
‘Men of a Certain Age’ is a comedy series that follows three friends named Joe, Owen, and Terry, who are in their late 40s; the trio confronts the harsh realities of middle age and deals with midlife crises together. Like Michael, Colin, and their friends in ‘Uncoupled,’ the protagonists of the show attempt to make sense of their middle-aged existence. Furthermore, similar to how Michael, Billy, and Stanley extend their support to each other, the trio of Joe, Owen, and Terry make each other’s life easier. We can even consider Billy as a gay counterpart of Terry, an unmarried man who seeks much younger dates.
4. Will & Grace (1998-2020)
The hit sitcom ‘Will & Grace’ centers around the lives of gay lawyer Will Truman and his straight friend Grace Adler, progressing through appealing events in their lives. Like ‘Uncoupled,’ the show prominently focuses on a gay man living in New York City who deals with several personal concerns while cherishing a successful legal career. Moreover, Will and Grace’s endearing relationship reminds us of Michael’s companionship with Suzanne. If you wish to watch the depiction of gay life in New York City before the invention of Grindr, this 18-time Primetime Emmy winner is arguably the best choice.
3. Sex and the City (1998-2004)
‘Uncoupled’ is basically a gay version of the popular romantic series ‘Sex and the City.’ From the co-creator of ‘Uncoupled,’ the series revolves around the iconic group of Carrie Bradshaw, Samantha Jones, Charlotte York, and Miranda Hobbes, following their romantic, sexual, and professional lives, friendships, and other relationships. ‘Sex and the City’ and ‘Uncoupled’ are set in New York City, both depicting the intricacies that govern forming and sustaining love against the backdrop of the Big Apple. In addition, the four female friends are guaranteed to make one think of Michael, Billy, and Stanley as well.
2. Looking (2014-2015)
‘Uncoupled’ depicts the life and love experiences of three gay friends based in modern-day New York City, whereas the comedy-drama show ‘Looking’ portrays the similar experiences of another trio of gay friends based in modern-day San Francisco. It chronicles the lives of Patrick Murray, Agustín Lanuez, and Dom Basaluzzo, who navigate gay relationships, careers, and families like Michael, Stanley, and Billy in ‘Uncoupled.’ The series also explores the changes that dictate the experiences of the new generation of gay men like ‘Uncoupled,’ which explores the transitions in the gay dating scene.
1. Queer as Folk (2000-2005)
Based on the eponymous television series by Russell T Davies, the drama series ‘Queer as Folk’ prominently revolves around the lives of Brian Kinney, Justin Taylor, Michael Novotny, Emmett Honeycutt, and Ted Schmidt- five gay men who live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, exploring their relationships. While ‘Uncoupled’ centers around the gay community of New York City, this show centers around the gay community of Pittsburgh. Although, both series depict the nuances and characteristics of several types of gay relationships in detail.
Read More: Is Uncoupled Based on a True Story?