Queer As Folk
You know you want it.
Brash humor and genuine emotion make up this original series revolving around the lives, loves, ambitions, careers and friendships of a group of gay men and women living on Liberty Avenue in contemporary Pittsburgh, PA. The show offers an unapologetic look at modern, urban gay and lesbian lives while addressing the most critical health and political issues affecting the community. Sometimes racy, sometimes sensitive and always straight to the heart.
Seasons
1. Premiere
Air Date: 2000-12-03
After a night out at the club Babylon with Michael, Emmett and Ted; Brian picks up a cute guy named Justin for a night of fun, but afterwards coldly rebuffs Justin's attempts to see him again. Michael also gets lucky taking home a hunk only to be happily interrupted for a trip to the hospital after Brian learns that Lindsay and Melanie have had a baby boy, Gus.
2. Queer, There and Everywhere
Air Date: 2000-12-03
Michael stays in the closet at work, which causes some problems with an interested co-worker while at the same time he struggles with feelings of jealousy over Brian's relationship with Justin.
3. No Bris, No Shirt, No Service
Air Date: 2000-12-10
Lindsay and Melanie have a bris for their new baby Gus, which Brian decides to miss until Michael convinces him otherwise. Brian decides to crash the party and put his parental foot down. Justin seeking to regain the attention of Brian decides to make himself noticed at Babylon. Meanwhile, Brian's involvement as the father of Gus causes some relationship strain between Lindsay and Melanie. Michael attempting to continue his straight act, runs into a co-worker in front of the gay bars. Also, Ted finally gets lucky with a guy who he's been denying the advances of all night, but ends up with devastating results.
4. Ted's Not Dead
Air Date: 2000-12-17
While Ted lies in a drug-induced coma, Brian learns he's named the executor of his friend's living will. Also, Justin's mother suspects the truth about her son's sexuality and Michael and Emmett try to remove incriminating evidence from Ted's apartment but discover Ted's longtime crush on Michael.
5. Now Approaching... the Line
Air Date: 2001-01-07
Michael fends off the romantic interest of a female coworker who doesn't know he's gay and instead dates a handsome chiropractor, while Brian is propositioned by a potentially lucrative client of his firm. Meanwhile, Justin struggles to repair his fractured relationship with his mother Jennifer.
6. The Art of Desperation
Air Date: 2001-01-21
Michael's new chiropractor boyfriend gets into a tug of war with Brian over Michael, as Ted recovers from his O.D. by dating Roger, a stable but overweight chorus director. Also, Justin meets Lindsay, who is impressed with his artwork.
7. Smells Like Codependence
Air Date: 2001-01-28
Debbie meets Dr. David; Michael and Dr. David spend a weekend in the country; Justin's father learns the truth and decides to send Justin away to school; Brian's emotional hold on Michael and dislike for Dr. David intensifies.
8. Babylon Boomerang
Air Date: 2001-02-04
Justin's father attacks Brian outside Babylon; Michael gets a promotion at work; Justin moves in with Brian.
9. Daddy Dearest (Sonny Boy)
Air Date: 2001-02-11
Michael decides to break up with Dr. David, who surprises Michael by asking him to move in with him; Lindsay and Melanie ask Brian to relinquish his parental rights to Gus; Emmett becomes addicted to cyber-sex.
10. Queens of the Road
Air Date: 2001-02-18
Dr. David pressures Michael to move in with him; Brian's loft is burglarized; Justin runs away to New York City; Lindsay and Melanie begin to drift apart.
11. Surprise!
Air Date: 2001-02-25
Michael ends the relationship with Dr. David; Ted and Emmett get tested for AIDS; Brian throws Michael a surprise 30th birthday party and outs Michael to his co-worker; Emmett makes a pact with God.
12. Move It or Lose It
Air Date: 2001-03-04
Michael and Dr. David enjoy their new-found domestic bliss; Emmett joins a "conversion therapy" group; Lindsay and Melanie continue to fight about Brian, finances and their future; Ted becomes very sexually active.
13. Very Stupid People
Air Date: 2001-03-11
Brian sleeps with a co-worker who then files a complaint against him; Emmett continues to try to go straight; Melanie finds solace from Lindsay in the arms of another woman.
14. A Change of Heart
Air Date: 2001-03-18
Brian is named in the sexual harassment suit and turns to Melanie for legal advice; Emmett starts dating a woman in his continuing attempt to go straight; Michael lies to David about seeing Brian.
15. The Ties That Bind
Air Date: 2001-04-01
Lindsay leaves Gus in Brian's care on the weekend of the Leather Ball. Michael is nervous about meeting David's son. Ted takes a walk on the wild side. Brian comes out to his father after he learns that Jack has cancer.
16. French Fried
Air Date: 2001-04-08
Michael and Dr. David disagree about finances; a strange Frenchman moves in with Lindsay and Gus causing a stir; Justin is suspended from school.
17. Solution (How TLFKAM Got Her Name Back)
Air Date: 2001-04-15
David and Michael host a high-society fundraiser, but Michael excludes the gang; Lindsay and Guillaume prepare for the big day; Justin continues to be harassed at school.
18. Surprise Kill
Air Date: 2001-04-22
Brian discovers David at the baths; Justin finds out his parents are getting a divorce; Ted reconnects with Blake; a hunk from Babylon hits on Michael.
19. Good Grief!
Air Date: 2001-04-29
In the throes of a hot session Brian gets upsetting news; Daphne asks Justin to be her first time; Ted wants Blake, despite his crystal meth addiction.
20. The King of Babylon
Air Date: 2001-06-10
Who will be crowned King of Babylon? An innocent trip to the mall lands Vic in jail; Brian is beaten at his own game.
21. Running to Stand Still
Air Date: 2001-06-17
Brian is chosen 'Ad person of the Year' and encouraged to take his talent to the Big Apple; Vic appears in court to plead his case; Blake gets a job; David's ex-wife's divorce takes him to Portland.
22. Full Circle
Air Date: 2001-06-24
Brian turns 30; Michael and David prepare for their move to Portland; Ted faces the truth about Blake; Justin and Daphne attend their prom where a big surprise awaits; On his way to the airport, Michael receives a call from Brian.
1. Home Is Where the Ass Is
Air Date: 2002-01-06
Suffering post-trauma after the bashing, Justin can't remember the fateful night and Brian can't forget it. Lindsay pops the question to Melanie at her sister's wedding. Michael returns to Pittsburgh just as Chris Hobbs is sentenced.
2. All Better Now
Air Date: 2002-01-13
Justin is unable to process Chris Hobbs' attack, or to accept physical contact, despite Brian's best efforts. Ted is fired for surfing porn at work. Michael and Emmett take jobs as naked waiters. This time, it's Melanie who proposes to Lindsay.
3. Hypocrisy: Don't Do It
Air Date: 2002-01-20
Will Brian accept a Hero Award for saving Justin? Ted's favorite author, Howard Bellweather, is in town to protest Brian's award while collecting his own. Emmett's working for fabulous men who seem like the politically correct characters of the new gay TV drama, "Gay as Blazes!" Michael wants to reconnect with Brian at the comic convention.
4. Pride
Air Date: 2002-01-27
Brian, Michael, Justin, Emmett, Ted, Lindsay, Melanie and Debbie all overcome various obstacles to show their PRIDE in Pittsburgh's annual parade.
5. ...Wherever That Dream May Lead You
Air Date: 2002-02-03
Having lost hand control from his bashing, Justin's quits art school (he's lost the fine motor skills needed to hold a brush.) Michael decides to quit the Big Q and risks all to buy a comic book store. Ted ditches his new accounting job to start his own porno website.
6. Mixed Blessings
Air Date: 2002-02-10
Justin and Brian negotiate their relationship – it's not like your parents! Ted's new business flourishes thanks to Emmett. Could one of Michael's first customers turn out to be the love of his life? Lindsay can't stand Ted's dirty little business. Melanie shares a dirty little secret of her own.
7. The Leper (Hath the Babe Not Eyes?)
Air Date: 2002-02-17
Michael decides to continue dating HIV positive Ben, despite the objections of Brian, Ted, Emmett, and his mother, Debbie. Lindsay and Melanie struggle to get money for their wedding from Lindsay's parents. Success on Ted's porno website is swelling Emmett's... ego.
8. Love for Sale
Air Date: 2002-03-03
Michael tries to forget Ben by re-entering the dating scene. Justin has an encounter with a boy closer to his age than Brian. Emmett is surprised when he meets his secret admirer – very surprised.
9. Accentuate the Positive
Air Date: 2002-03-10
Michael fights to get Ben back in his life – he has to prove he can handle the HIV positive situation. Brian is introduced to his mother's minister – but they've already met (not in church). Ted has a really hard time dealing with some performance enhancing drugs.
10. Priorities, Please! (Beat the Time)
Air Date: 2002-03-17
Michael mourns the death of his comic book hero, Captain Astro, while Debbie finds a real life murder victim behind the diner. Emmett helps George to enjoy himself. Melanie & Lindsay are inspired by the contents of Lindsay's Granny Faye's secret letters.
11. The Wedding
Air Date: 2002-03-31
It's time for Lindsay and Melanie's wedding! It promises to be a day of beauty and love, provided they can overcome the many obstacles fate throws in their path. Brian, Emmett, Ted, George, Vic, Debbie, Michael, and Justin all pitch in to make sure they succeed.
12. One Degree of Brian Kinney
Air Date: 2002-04-07
Michael has trouble dealing with the news that his new boyfriend Ben once slept with his best friend Brian. Debbie needs to do something about the dead boy found behind her diner. She impresses Detective Horvath with her sleuthing. Ted gets a shot at being accepted by the elite A-Gays of Pittsburgh.
13. It's Because I'm Gay, Right?
Air Date: 2002-04-14
Divina Devore, Pittsburgh's very own drag queen is back in town! She dated Debbie 30 years ago, and (s)he looks a lot like Michael. Justin becomes a go-go dancer at Babylon to earn money for school. Melanie and Lindsay struggle to get Gus accepted for preschool.
14. The Dangers of Sex and Drugs
Air Date: 2002-04-28
Justin's making too much money as a go-go dancer to care about his suffering schoolwork. George offers to take Emmett on a world tour! Detective Carl Horvath returns to the diner, to ask Debbie out on a date.
15. Rage Against This Machine
Air Date: 2002-05-05
Michael and Justin join forces to create their own comic book. Emmett is barred from speaking at George's funeral. Melanie and Lindsay enlist Leda to help renovate their attic.
16. You Say It's Your Birthday! I Couldn't Care Less!
Air Date: 2002-05-12
Brian ignores Justin's birthday, so Melanie and Lindsay take him to a violin concert – where he meets the gorgeous and talented Ethan. Michael's surprise party for Ben is a disaster. Ted falls for Luke – he seems perfect, but can he accept Ted's career in porn?
17. You Can Leda Girl to Pussy
Air Date: 2002-05-26
Brian has to cancel plans with Justin to impress his new boss at work. Emmett receives a VERY generous gift from the late George. Melanie and Lindsay fight off the dreaded Lesbian Bed Death.
18. Sick, Sick, Sick
Air Date: 2002-06-02
Michael's worst fears come true when Ben is hospitalized. Justin wishes Brian was more romantic – like Ethan. Emmett considers a million-dollar offer to keep his relationship with George a secret.
19. Bowling for Equality
Air Date: 2002-06-09
Michael is tempted to expose Justin's affair with Ethan to Brian. Ted's become immune to porn. Melanie and Lindsay ask Leda to leave. Bowling Showdown: Cops vs. Queers!
20. Out with a Whimper
Air Date: 2002-06-16
RAGE GAY CRUSADER: Issue #1. Michael and Justin's comic is ready to come out, and Brian's throwing a massive release party at Babylon. Justin is forced to choose between Brian and Ethan. Ben's going away for six months, but only with Michael's blessing. Ted's in love – with Emmett!
1. Mad Dog Kinney
Air Date: 2003-03-02
Michael and Justin face uncertainty over the future of their comic book, "Rage." Brian doesn't seem to care that Justin chose Ethan over him - at least initially. Ted and Emmett explore the possibilities of a relationship. Mel and Lindsay talk about having another child.
2. House Full of Children
Air Date: 2003-03-09
Having left Brian, Justin must find a way to pay for school; much to Lindsay's surprise, Melanie expresses her desire to have another baby. Emmett discovers a loophole in his relationship with Ted in order to honor a previously arranged liaison.
3. Doctors of Dickology
Air Date: 2003-03-16
Brian lends his expertise to the Center's "Carnivale" fundraiser and considers Lindsay and Melanie's sperm-donation request. Ted and Emmett divulge priceless gay-man secrets to Deb, who's nervous about intimacy with Carl. Ben's former partner dies.
4. Brat-Sitting
Air Date: 2003-03-30
Lindsay and Melanie ask Michael to father their second child. Brian's accused of molesting his nephew. Ted loves having Emmett in his heart - but his condo's another story.
5. There's Nothing Noble About Being Poor
Air Date: 2003-04-06
Brian wins Police Chief Stockwell's mayoral race account much to his friends' dismay. Ethan is offered representation after the Heifetz competition. Melanie and Lindsay try for a second child thanks to Michael's donation.
6. One Ring to Rule Them All
Air Date: 2003-04-13
With Brian's help Stockwell takes the lead in the polls. Ted readies Jerk-at-work.net for any surprise police raids. Michael confronts Ben about his steroid use; Ethan gives Justin a surprise performance.
7. Stop Hurting Us
Air Date: 2003-04-20
Ted is out on bail and begs Brian to talk to Stockwell on his behalf. Justin confronts Ethan. Melanie is pregnant, much to everyone's delight. Ben promises to stop using steroids.
8. Hunt(er) for Love
Air Date: 2003-04-27
Michael and Ben help out a young hustler. Justin begins an internship at Vanguard and a quest to win Brian back. Lindsay is blossoming in her new job at the gallery. Ted reacts to a sudden role-reversal with Emmett.
9. Big Fucking Mouth
Air Date: 2003-05-04
Woody's is closed down after an Amateur Strip Contest. Stockwell discovers Brian's gay. Ted's humiliated when he tends bar at one of Emmett's soirees. Melanie promises Lindsay she'll work less during her pregnancy, then lands the case of a lifetime.
10. Uncle Ben
Air Date: 2003-05-18
Brian and Justin clash over Stockwell; Ted takes a dangerous detour on his way to a weekend getaway. Melanie finds Michael's "doting dad" routine annoying. Hunter the street hustler calls in a favor from Ben.
11. Poster May Lead to the Truth
Air Date: 2003-05-25
Brian is fired when he's caught undermining Stockwell's campaign. Ben and Michael tell Hunter he's positive. Ted's tempted to go to his first White Party with his new "friends."
12. Drugs, Sex and Lies
Air Date: 2003-06-08
Brian investigates the death of Dumpster Boy based on a tip from Hunter. Emmett is furious when Melanie and Lindsay insist Ted's an addict. Ted asks Emmett to share his experience.
13. Tweaked-Out, Fucked-Out Crystal Queen
Air Date: 2003-06-15
Hunter collects evidence tying Dumpster Boy's murderer to Stockwell. Justin risks expulsion when he refuses to apologize for his anti-Stockwell posters. Emmett confronts Ted about his drug use.
14. The Election
Air Date: 2003-06-22
Brian risks everything to bring down Stockwell on the eve of the election. Ted finally hits rock bottom. Hunter's mother arrives to take him away from Ben and Michael. Lindsay learns of Melanie's superstitions about getting through her first trimester.
1. Just a Little Help
Air Date: 2004-04-18
After spending all his money getting Stockwell defeated, Brian is at a crossroads about his future; Michael and Hunter return home to face the custody hearing.
2. Stand Up for Ourselves
Air Date: 2004-04-25
Brian starts his own ad agency; Ted graduates from rehab with Blake by his side; Michael and Emmett go on a retreat; Justin decides to join a gay vigilante group.
3. Starting a Whole New Life
Air Date: 2004-05-02
Justin finds himself risking his life with the Pink Posse; Avoiding his friends, Ted finds work as a waiter; Vic decides to move in with Rodney, leaving Debbie alone.
4. Escalating Violence
Air Date: 2004-05-09
Justin finds Cody becoming too violent; Brian hires Ted at his new agency; Mel struggles with an important case; Hunter's social worker arrives unannounced.
5. How Far You Can Go
Air Date: 2004-05-16
Debbie feels left out of Vic's new life; Ben asks Michael for an honest opinion of his new book; Cody challenges Justin to confront his violent side.
6. Death in the Family
Air Date: 2004-05-23
Debbie and Vic have words over his new life, which ends in tragedy; Michael and Justin receive good news about 'Rage'; Brian is told some devastating news.
7. Preponderance of Death
Air Date: 2004-05-30
Debbie continues to be numb over Vic's death; Ted falls into old habits when Blake tries to break it off with him; Brian is diagnosed with testicular cancer.
8. Two Kinds of Lies
Air Date: 2004-06-06
Brian continues to keep his illness to himself; Debbie tries to re-connect with Horvath; Justin and Michael hear a pitch from a Hollywood producer about 'Rage'.
9. Have Some Balls
Air Date: 2004-06-13
Emmett gets mixed messages from a pro-football player; Jealous over Michael's success, Ben finds sympathy from a former student; Justin discovers Brian's illness.
10. The Snake in Paradise
Air Date: 2004-06-20
Brian continues to deal with radiation treatment; Ben is tempted when a former student shows interest in him; Sam and Lindsay struggle with their mutual attraction.
11. Gay or Straight? That's the Question
Air Date: 2004-06-27
Brian fund-raises for the gay center; Emmett and Drew continue their affair; Sam is ready to fight for Lindsay; Ben and Michael have suspicions about Hunter.
12. Irritation and Separation
Air Date: 2004-07-04
Brian participates in the Liberty Ride; Hunter tells Callie about his status; Emmett is unsure about his affair with Drew; Mel and Lindsay contemplate a separation.
13. Proposal of Two Kinds
Air Date: 2004-07-18
Preparations for the Liberty Ride get underway; Mel is confined to bed rest for the rest of her pregnancy; Justin is invited to Hollywood to pitch 'Rage'.
14. Liberty Ride
Air Date: 2004-07-18
Michael and Ben have trouble crossing into the U.S. as a married couple. Ted and Emmett get lost in the woods on the way to a 12-step meeting, while Brian takes a nasty fall and breaks his collarbone. Melanie goes into labor. 'Rage' is given the green light.
1. Move and Leave
Air Date: 2005-05-22
Michael throws a surprise 10th anniversary party for Melanie and Lindsay but the evening doesn't quite turn out as planned. Justin's stay in Hollywood is extended, in turn affecting his relationship with Brian. At Ted's suggestion, Brian invests his Kinnetik profits in a new venture.
2. Back in Business
Air Date: 2005-05-22
Brian re-opens Babylon but the party boys have disappeared. Justin returns to Pittsburgh after the studio pulls the plug on "Rage." Michael decides to pursue custody of his daughter, Jenny Rebecca. Behind closed doors, Ted pursues a new look after a recent fling turns out to be a chubby chaser. Emmett lands a role in front of the camera as Pittsburgh's resident "Queer Guy" on the local news.
3. Fags Are No Different Than People
Air Date: 2005-05-29
Brian and Michael grow further apart as Brian struggles to save Liberty Avenue from gentrification and Michael embraces domestic life. The street may never be the same when Debbie decides to retire from the diner and newcomer Loretta Pye takes over.
4. Hard Decisions
Air Date: 2005-06-05
Brian remains steadfast in his belief that marriage is the death of a relationship. Debbie has a difficult time accepting her role as a lady of leisure – especially when she discovers that Loretta has stolen her act including the button-clad vest right down to the wisecracks. Ted decides to undergo an extreme makeover.
5. Excluding and Abstemiousness
Air Date: 2005-06-12
Debbie tries to let Loretta down easy. Brian must refrain from sex after he contracts syphilis. Hunter has to deal with the aftermath of his classmates and their parents discovering how he got HIV. Ted regrets having plastic surgery. Justin and Daphne discuss the possibility (or impossibility) of Brian embracing domestic life. Michael, Melanie, and Lindsey are forced to reevaluate their parenting arrangement when the fight over JR reaches its climax.
6. Bored Out of Ya Fucking Mind
Air Date: 2005-06-19
Brian's reign as hottest man at Babylon is challenged by the new stud, Brandon. Although a huge success as the "Queer Guy," Emmett faces a challenge of his own when he realizes he's been hired as a clown for the network's ratings. Ted, a new man after his cosmetic surgery, has an opportunity for revenge on an old flame. Ben and Michael attempt to help Hunter lift his spirits and get back to school. Bored as a lady of leisure, Debbie finds herself back at the diner.
7. Hope Against Hope
Air Date: 2005-06-26
Proposition 14 threatens same sex couple's rights while Brian deals with the threat of Brandon's presence in his world. Justin's decision to move out of Brian's loft creates a rift between Brian and Michael. Ted struggles to remember he's with Troy only in order to exact revenge. Lindsay decides to give her parents a chance and moves back home with her son, Gus.
8. Honest to Yourself
Air Date: 2005-07-03
Justin lands himself in jail for standing up against Proposition 14 and his own father. Brian and Brandon work their way down the list of the ten hottest guys in their competition to determine the real stud of Babylon. Ben grieves Hunter's departure. Melanie and Lindsay attempt an in-house separation while Emmett's stalker reveals himself.
9. Anything in Common
Air Date: 2005-07-10
The gang fights against Proposition 14. Michael and Brian still aren't speaking to each other while Lindsay and Melanie's in-house separation heats up. Drew finally comes out. Ted begins his quest for his Mr. Right.
10. I Love You
Air Date: 2005-07-17
Cyndi Lauper makes a guest appearance as Babylon plays host to the Stop Prop14 Benefit – an event that changes everyone's lives.
11. Fuckin' Revenge
Air Date: 2005-07-24
Brian re-evaluates his priorities after the bombing of Babylon. Michael continues to recover in the hospital, and a Liberty Avenue vigil for the victims ends in chaos.
12. Mr. Right (Never Broke a Promise)
Air Date: 2005-07-31
Brian and Justin are getting married! Melanie and Lindsay plan on moving the family to Canada – to raise Gus and Jenny Rebecca in a country where they won't be humiliated because of their parents' sexual orientation. Ted may have finally found his Mr. Right. Emmett catches Drew with another man.
13. We Will Survive!
Air Date: 2005-08-07
Brian and Justin prepare to marry, but realize they are both denying themselves who they are and call the wedding off. Lindsay and Melanie move to Canada with Michael's blessing. Michael's asked to represent the Committee for Human Rights. Ted sees his relationship with Tad for what it really is. The beat of Babylon continues...
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Rating
8.2/10
Release Date
2000-12-03
Episodes
83 (5 seasons)
Status
Ended
Cast
Videos
Production Companies
Showtime Networks
Cowlip Productions
Tony Jonas Productions
Temple Street Productions