We Are Uncoupled From Neil Patrick Harris’ Netflix Series
Netflix is quickly becoming known for pumping out sugary, binge-worthy series that hook new subscribers and then subsequently cancelling these shows after a season or two. News from the platform reveals that Darren Star’s series Uncoupled featuring Neil Patrick Harris will join that legacy, reports The Independent.
WE HAVE SO FEW SHOWS FOR LGBTQIA+ FOLK
Darren Star has helmed some of the most culturally recognisable series of our era; Sex And The City, Beverley Hills 90210, Emily In Paris and, for its short run, Uncoupled. Star’s series are arguably glitzy dramas that are designed for metropolitan viewers who want quick and easy fun. Though Darren Star’s shows don’t shy away from gay characters, Uncoupled was the first to hero gay culture in the protagonist role.
In this fun, saccharine Netflix drama, Neil Patrick Harris plays a 40-something gay man in New York who experiences a breakup with his long-term partner played by Tuc Watkins. Now newly-uncoupled, NPH must navigate the modern gay dating scene which I’m sure most of us know can be… unforgiving.
Receiving moderate reviews after the release, Uncoupled hit Netflix’s Top Ten Most Watched chart and has generally positive feedback from audiences. In the days before streaming, this would be enough to land any show a second season – but Netflix’s brutal sink or swim approach means that Uncoupled landed on the chopping block, reports The Independent.
Despite its shortcomings, Uncoupled did provide LGBTQIA+ representation in a uniquely honest way. Mentions of Grindr, poppers and casual sex are plentiful; given time, the showrunners would have hopefully had more to offer.
Fans of the series are vocal about their disappointment over the cancellation. One Twitter user says, “Hey Netflix – what the hell? Uncoupled was a great show that absolutely deserved a second season. Please reconsider your terrible decision to cancel it. Please!”
DNA OPINION
Whatever your opinion on Uncoupled, it’s never a bad thing to see LGBTQIA+ representation in the mainstream. Given time to build an audience and flesh out other elements of queer culture, the show could have been something special. NPH playing gay is always welcome and playing opposite powerhouse actors such as Tisha Campbell and Marcia Gay Harden, it is a shame to lose another gay series while Darren Star’s decidedly straight Emily In Paris is renewed for its fourth season.
