The Best Gay TV is in Europe

What works? Since the show is called Clara Sheller, it isn’t surprising that it focuses more on Clara’s storyline than JP’s. But in the first season we not only see JP start to explore life as a gay man, but also fall in love for the first time. And even though he’s in his 30’s, his first time being in love prompts him to behave more like a teenager than an adult, something to which many gay men can relate.

Frédéric Diefenthal w/ Cyril Descours (left) & Diefenthal (right)

What is the outlook? The show only aired one six-episode season back in 2005, but after a three-year break it returns this September with two additional “seasons” in the works (European TV operates differently than US television with much shorter seasons and extended breaks). Alas, all of the parts have been recast and JP will now be played by Patrick Mille. The show has reportedly been picked up for a U.S. remake that would bring a welcome addition to the ranks of gay characters on American television.

Hotness: 6/10
Romance: 6/10
Originality: 7/10

Emmerdale

What’s it about? Set in the fictional village of Emmerdale located in West Yorkshire, England, the soap opera is quite similar to EastEnders and Coronation Street as it follows the lives and loves of its local citizens.

Who is gay in it? The show did have two gay characters, Paul Lambert (Matthew Bose) and Jonny Foster (Richard Grieve), as well as the bisexual Grayson Sinclair (Christopher Villiers). However, recent developments have apparently left Paul as the only gay in the village.

Mathew Bose (left) & Richard Grieve

What is the storyline? Paul and Jonny had a civil partnership only last March. However, Jonny recently left Emmerdale after losing trust in Paul due to an earlier affair with Grayson. Furious over Grayson’s role in ending his relationship, Paul physically assaulted Grayson, but when no one in the village was willing to testify to having seen Paul attack Grayson, the ostracized home wrecker elected to leave Emmerdale.

Christopher Villiers (left) and Bose

What works? The out Bose reportedly disapproved of his character’s sleeping with Grayson thereby wrecking his relationship with Jonny. Bose, as well as many viewers, apparently believed such behavior was atypical of the popular character. And while it is certainly true that conflict is drama, it is unfortunate that yet another bisexual character was portrayed as a conniving, manipulative liar.

What is the outlook? Paul has appeared only sporadically since his break up with Jonny, including only one appearance in June and two in July. Unless the show’s writers give Paul something to do, the character could disappear entirely.

Hotness: 4/10
Romance: 6/10
Originality: 5/10

El Cor de la Ciutat (The Heart of the City)

What’s it about? A Spanish version of Coronation Street set in Barcelona.

Who is gay in it? High school students Max (Bernat Quintana) and Enric (Jordi Parés) are teenage boyfriends in an on-again/off-again relationship. Edu (Albert Riballo) is an older gay man with a partner and is friends with the teens. Other gay characters also appear.

Bernat Quintana (left) and Jordi Parés

What is the storyline? After coming out to his initially homophobic stepfather, Max goes after Enric, the guy of his dreams. The two eventually become boyfriends, though the relationship is problematic especially when they decide to make it open.