When Logo launched almost exactly a year ago it joined here! TV and the now-dark Q Television in raising the hopes of gay men and lesbians that TV would finally reflect the diversity of their lives. Like so many things, expectations outpaced results as the three GLBT networks struggled to find their feet and their voices. Most of the criticism thus far has been that the gay networks have provided too little original programming, instead relying on recycled movies and television shows.

Recent announcements at both here! TV and Logo, however, indicate that's changing.

Both of the two remaining gay networks have produced some original content already. Noah's Arc made a big impact for Logo both as the network's first scripted drama, and because it was the only show on television about black gay men. Here! also made a splash with their unabashedly sudsy Dante's Cove and has since added original movies like the lesbian-themed In Her Line of Fire.

Logo has additionally aired a number of unscripted shows and documentaries, including Transgeneration, The Ride: Seven Days to End Aids, and Round Trip Ticket. Here! gave John Waters the opportunity to delve into some of his favorite cult movies with his special, Movies That Will Corrupt You. The network also gave comedian Kate Clinton the chance to showcase her comedic chops.

But these shows, while fine in their own right, do not a network make. More is needed if gay and lesbian viewers are really expected to stick around while cable networks like Bravo unabashedly go after LGBT eyeballs with shows like Project Runway, Top Chef, Queer Eye, the upcoming reality series Work Out, and the just released Outzonetv.com.

Both Logo and here! appear to understand this. Logo has considerably upped their commitment to original content with the launch of one new reality series, and the announcement that four more new shows have been greenlit for production. Here! TV is also in production on a new television drama and another new movie.

Starting last night, and for the next five weeks, Logo will be airing U.S. of ANT, a reality show chronicling the journey of openly gay comedian ANT as he criss-crosses the country visiting out of the way places that don't usually come to mind when one thinks of the wo rd “gay-friendly”.

The premiere episode took place in Montana's wide-open “Big Sky Country” where ANT found a surprisingly diverse and open contingent of queer folks. ANT is a quick wit and engaging, not to mention fearless. Few gay men would march down the streets of various Montana towns asking passersby where to find the gay hangouts. On the other hand, none of the locals seemed the least bit fazed by his quest.

Best of all, the show avoided taking on the condescending tone often found when big city gays venture into the boondocks to visit their supposedly less sophisticated country cousins.

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