Laughing your way out of the closet: Five of television's funniest coming-out scenes

*Note: This post originally ran on May 12th, 2008

For a lot of people, the coming-out process can include awkward silences, uncomfortable questions, and sincere but cringe-inducing attempts at acceptance. In other words, perfect fodder for comedy!

On Brothers & Sisters, Uncle Saul (played by Ron Rifkin) spent a lifetime in the closet, and after coming out to his sister and gay nephew in two very dramatic scenes, went the Three's Company route last night in coming out to the rest of the family. In a classic "misunderstanding", Saul mistakenly believed his nieces and nephews were talking about his gayness behind his back, and outed himself ... to the shock of his family. Yes, it was a creaky old plot device, but it worked, primarily because it was a complete 180 from his heart-to-heart with Kevin. See for yourself:

The inherent drama in coming out can be mined for truly memorable comedy. In this light, we've hand-picked five other moments when coming out of the closet has been used for comedic effect. Enjoy!

Absolutely Fabulous - "Serge is gay?"

We finally meet the long lost Serge, and Edina is ecstatic ... until she opens her mouth, and Serge realizes why he left in the first place.

Four more coming-out classics after the break!

The Catherine Tate Show - "Did you hear about our John?"

The skit that answers the question "Is there such a thing as too accepting?" When John comes out to his mother, he doesn't get the reaction he was expecting. What follows for poor John is hilariously embarassing, culminating in a very special Christmas gift. (Warning, some NSFW language herein)

Little Britain - "Daffyd comes out"

Homosexual gay Daffyd has finally decided to come out to his parents, who are strangely underwhelmed with the declaration. Poor Daffyd ... not only does he not get the shocked and horrified reaction he was hoping for, but it appears that he may not actually be "the only gay in the village". (Warning, more NSFW language ... British television!)

The Office - "Gay Witch Hunt"

This was the first episode of season three and is considered one of the best — if not the best — Office episode ever. In it, Oscar has reluctantly come out of the closet, and boss from hell Michael tries his appalling, excruciating best to diffuse the situation. (Note: The memorably uncomfortable kiss between Oscar and Michael occurs around 17:30 in the clip below):

Consenting Adult - 1985 made-for-tv movie

Finally, I'm including a clip that, unlike the others, in unintentionally funny. Consenting Adult was a 1985 tv movie with Martin Sheen and Marlo Thomas as the parents of a young man ... with a secret. Their son is played by one of my favorite 80's heartthrobs, Barry Tubb, who you may remember from The Legend of Billie Jean ("Fair's fair!"), his role as Wolfman in Top Gun, or the arty soft core classic Warm Summer Rain (which reminds me, I need to replace the worn-out vhs copy i have). As I recall, the movie wasn't that bad, but this promo for it is a gut buster, filled with ANGUISH!, TEARS!, and a narrator who does everything but declare, "It's every parent's worst nightmare!"

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