The 2022 reboot of Queer as Folk arrived with high expectations – reviving a franchise that had already broken barriers twice before. The two prior launches (in the UK in 1999 and in the U.S. in 2000) were groundbreaking for the time, and this Peacock series aimed to reimagine the cultural touchstone for a new generation. Created by Stephen Dunn, the show shifted its setting to New Orleans and focused on a diverse group of queer friends navigating the aftermath of a devastating nightclub shooting—an unmistakable echo of real-life events like the Pulse massacre in Orlando.
A Bold Attempt at Reinvention
Unlike its predecessors, the reboot wasn’t just about coming out stories or navigating gay identity in isolation. It broadened its lens to include disability, race, gender identity, addiction, and parenting—all while unapologetically centering the queer experience. The show featured characters such as Mingus, a nonbinary teen exploring performance and identity, and Brodie, a returning son trying to find purpose in his chaotic world.
The casting was notably inclusive, featuring trans, nonbinary, and disabled actors playing characters that reflected their own lived experiences. That authenticity helped differentiate the series from other attempts at queer representation on television, which too often veer into tokenism or oversimplification.
Critical Praise But Quiet Cancellation
Critics generally applauded the reboot’s ambition and emotional weight. It tackled timely subjects like queer trauma, family estrangement, and chosen communities with sensitivity and bold storytelling. However, despite its cultural relevance and the goodwill of the LGBTQ+ community, Peacock canceled the series in September 2022—just three months after its June premiere.
Stephen Dunn announced the cancellation via Instagram, thanking fans and cast members while calling the opportunity “the most creatively fulfilling experience of my life.” For many fans, the abrupt end felt like a gut punch, especially given how few shows on mainstream platforms focus on LGBTQ+ lives with such honesty and nuance.
The Streaming Math Problem
Behind the scenes, the show’s downfall likely came down to metrics. With the streaming industry in flux—studios tightening budgets and prioritizing “sure things”—the pressure to deliver immediate, measurable hits is more intense than ever. Despite its cultural value and positive reviews, Queer as Folk may not have generated the viewer numbers Peacock needed to justify a second season.
It’s a familiar story: shows like The Wilds, Genera+ion, and Work in Progress—all celebrated for their queer storytelling—were also axed before hitting their stride. It raises broader concerns about the sustainability of LGBTQ+ content in a market that often favors short-term engagement over long-term impact.
Honoring the Legacy of a Game-Changer
The Queer as Folk reboot carried the weight of two legendary series on its shoulders. Russell T Davies’ original 1999 UK version was groundbreaking for its candid, often raw portrayal of gay life in Manchester. The 2000 Showtime remake brought that spirit stateside, pushing boundaries and paving the way for more queer visibility in American media.
The 2022 version was never meant to be a replica—it was a spiritual successor that acknowledged its roots while carving out new ground. It embraced the realities of 2020s queer life: fluid identities, systemic injustice, and the scars left by violence. In that sense, it did what Queer as Folk has always done—held up a mirror to the LGBTQ+ experience, even when it was uncomfortable.
What’s Next?
While no new Queer as Folk projects have been announced, creator Stephen Dunn has expressed interest in continuing to tell LGBTQ+ stories through other avenues. Meanwhile, Russell T Davies—who helped launch the franchise—is returning to form with a new series, Tip Toe, set to air on Channel 4 in the UK. It’s a five-part drama centered around escalating tensions between neighbors in Manchester, once again touching on the social issues shaping queer life today.
As for fans of the original U.S. version, there’s a growing call for a 20-year reunion or revival. While nothing has been confirmed, the anniversary presents a timely opportunity for Showtime—or another platform—to revisit one of its most iconic properties.
In the end, Queer as Folk may have been canceled, but it certainly wasn’t silenced. Like the community it portrays, the show’s spirit endures—in every story, every scene, and every fan still hoping for more.
Key Takeaways
- The 2022 “Queer as Folk” reboot was canceled by Peacock after just one season, with no plans for continuation.
- The series centered on a group of friends in New Orleans dealing with a tragedy and finding support in their community.
- Creator Stephen Dunn announced the cancellation via Instagram in September 2022, just months after the show’s June premiere.
Development and Production Insights
The 2022 Peacock reboot of “Queer as Folk” underwent significant behind-the-scenes work to create a fresh take on the iconic series. The creative team prioritized authentic representation while honoring the original show’s legacy.
Casting Choices
The casting process for the 2022 reboot focused on inclusivity and authentic representation. Unlike previous versions, the new series featured a diverse cast including transgender and nonbinary actors playing corresponding roles. Fin Argus was cast as Mingus, a drag performer whose life changes after the Babylon shooting.
Jesse James Keitel portrays Ruthie, while CG plays Shar, a nonbinary professor navigating parenthood. Johnny Sibilly took on the role of Noah, a successful lawyer dealing with trauma.
The production team made deliberate choices to cast actors from communities they represent, avoiding the problematic casting decisions of earlier versions. This approach allowed for more nuanced storytelling and authentic queer experiences on screen.
Filming Locations
The 2022 reboot shifted the setting from Pittsburgh to vibrant New Orleans, creating a distinctive visual backdrop for the series. The city’s unique culture and LGBTQ+ community offered rich storytelling opportunities.
The production team rebuilt the Babylon nightclub set as a central location where much of the show’s action unfolds. The devastating shooting at Babylon became a pivotal narrative point, mirroring real-world LGBTQ+ venue tragedies.
New Orleans’ distinctive architecture and character played a crucial role in establishing the show’s atmosphere. From colorful homes to energetic street scenes, the location became almost a character itself.
Filming in authentic queer spaces helped ground the series in reality while honoring the community it portrays.
Creative Direction
Stephen Dunn, as creator and executive producer, approached the reboot as a reimagining rather than a remake. His vision centered on expanding the narrative to include more diverse queer stories while maintaining the original’s unflinching honesty.
The creative team chose to explore trauma through the Babylon shooting storyline, allowing the series to examine community resilience and healing. This decision generated mixed reactions from viewers and critics.
The show expanded its focus beyond gay men to include transgender, nonbinary, and disabled characters, reflecting the broader LGBTQ+ community.
Dunn and the writers incorporated more intersectionality than previous versions, addressing race, disability, and gender identity alongside sexuality. The creative direction purposefully moved away from the white-centric narratives of earlier iterations to present a more authentic portrayal of queer life in 2022.
Cultural Impact and Reception
The 2022 reboot of “Queer as Folk” has made significant waves in television by expanding representation beyond the original series. It has provoked discussions about intersectionality within the LGBTQ+ community and media representation.
Representation and Community Response
The new “Queer as Folk” has been praised for its diverse casting and storytelling approach. Unlike the earlier versions, the 2022 reboot prominently features people of color and includes underrepresented identities within the queer community. As one search result notes, “people of color are decidedly in the majority” in this iteration.
Critics and viewers have responded to the show’s commitment to “intersectionality,” a term explicitly referenced in the series itself. The reboot addresses issues like HIV/AIDS through a contemporary lens while acknowledging the history of queer representation in media.
The series has been compared to other 2022 LGBTQ+ content, with reviewers noting its different approach. While some recent queer media has been more self-contained, “Queer as Folk” deliberately reaches for broader representation.
Some viewers have noted that despite its progressive elements, the show maintains certain narrative flaws present in the original series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many viewers have questions about the Queer as Folk 2022 reboot series. The show generated significant interest but also left fans wondering about its future, cast details, and connections to the original series.
Will there be a second season of the Queer as Folk reboot series?
Unfortunately, there will not be a second season of Queer as Folk. Peacock canceled the series after just one season. In September 2022, series creator Stephen Dunn announced the cancellation on Instagram.
This decision disappointed many fans who had connected with the reimagined version of the groundbreaking series. Despite positive reception from the LGBTQ+ community, the streaming platform decided not to continue with additional episodes.
Who are the cast members for Queer as Folk 2023?
Since the show was canceled after its 2022 season, there is no cast for Queer as Folk 2023. The 2022 reboot featured a diverse ensemble cast including Jesse James Keitel, who played a prominent role.
The character Ruthie was loosely based on writer and executive producer Jaclyn Moore, who is also transgender. The series was praised for its inclusive casting and authentic representation of LGBTQ+ characters.
What are the latest developments for Queer as Folk in 2024?
As of March 2024, there are no new developments regarding Queer as Folk. The series remains canceled with no announced plans for revival or continuation on other platforms.
Some cast members have moved on to other projects, but the fanbase continues to discuss the show online. No spin-offs or related content have been announced in connection with the franchise.
How does the ‘Still Proud’ theme integrate into the narrative of Queer as Folk?
The ‘Still Proud’ theme was central to the 2022 reboot, especially following a traumatic event at a nightclub that mirrors real-world tragedies. The series explored how the community maintains pride and resilience even after experiencing trauma.
This theme manifested through characters rebuilding their lives and supporting one another. The show portrayed various aspects of queer resilience, often with emotional moments that some viewers described as reminiscent of a soap opera but with “decent acting, and written by queers.”
What is the relationship between the original Queer as Folk and its recent reboot?
The 2022 version is a reimagining of the groundbreaking British series that first aired in 1999. While it honors the legacy of both the UK original and the 2000-2005 US adaptation, it tells new stories with different characters.
Stephen Dunn’s reboot maintains the mature and edgy content that the original series was known for. However, it updates the narrative for contemporary audiences and addresses current LGBTQ+ issues and experiences.
Can you provide details about the filming locations for Queer as Folk 2022?
The 2022 reboot of Queer as Folk was primarily filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana. This location provided a vibrant backdrop that differed from the Pittsburgh setting of the previous American version.
The city’s unique culture and diverse neighborhoods played an important role in the storytelling. Notable scenes include romantic moments that some viewers described as “cheesy” but fitting with the show’s dramatic style, such as a memorable kissing scene in the rain.
