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Queer as Folk

Queer as Folk is the title of several related television series, best known as a 1999 British drama created by Russell T Davies and its 2000 American remake.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Queer as Folk is a television series franchise that originated with a British drama created by Russell T Davies, airing on Channel 4 in 1999 and 2000. It centres on the lives and relationships of gay characters, and its title comes from a northern English expression meaning roughly “there’s nothing as strange as people.” The franchise later expanded to include a U.S. adaptation (2000–2005) and a revival set in New Orleans (2022).

Original British series

The first Queer as Folk was a British drama created by Russell T Davies and broadcast on Channel 4 from 1999 to 2000. It portrays the lives of three gay men in Manchester, especially around the Canal Street area.

American remake

An American adaptation premiered in 2000 and ran until 2005 on Showtime. Set in Pittsburgh, it expands the ensemble cast to include five gay men, a lesbian couple, and Michael’s mother, becoming the best-known version for many viewers.

2022 revival

A new U.S. version of Queer as Folk was released on Peacock in 2022. It is set in New Orleans and centres on a diverse group of friends whose lives change after a nightclub shooting.

Cultural significance

The franchise is widely noted for explicit and direct depictions of gay life and relationships on television. It is often discussed as an important title in LGBTQ+ television history.

Key facts

  • The original Queer as Folk was a British television series that aired on Channel 4 in 1999 and 2000, created by Russell T Davies.
  • A U.S. adaptation premiered in 2000 and ran for five seasons on Showtime, set in Pittsburgh.
  • A separate U.S. revival was released on Peacock in 2022 and is set in New Orleans.
  • The title comes from a northern English expression meaning roughly “there’s nothing as strange as people.”
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Canadian context

The U.S. version was produced with Canadian involvement through Temple Street Productions and also aired in Canada on Showcase, making the franchise relevant to Canadian television audiences.

Frequently asked questions

Is Queer as Folk a single series or a franchise?
It is a franchise name used for the original British series, the U.S. remake, and the 2022 revival.
Who created the original Queer as Folk?
The original British series was created by Russell T Davies.
Where is the original series set?
The original series is set in Manchester, near Canal Street.
Where is the American remake set?
The 2000 U.S. remake is set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
When did the 2022 version premiere?
The 2022 U.S. revival premiered on 9 June 2022.
What does the title mean?
It comes from a northern English phrase meaning roughly that there is nothing as strange as people.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queer_as_Folk_(British_TV_series)
    Supports: Original British series dates, creator, setting, and Channel 4 broadcast.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queer_as_Folk_(US_TV_series)
    Supports: U.S. remake setting, ensemble characters, production details, and Canadian involvement.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/es/title/tt0262985/
    Supports: U.S. series dates and premise.
  4. Wikipedia — https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queer_as_Folk_(serie_televisiva_2022)
    Supports: 2022 revival, Peacock release date, New Orleans setting, and premise.
  5. Wikipedia — https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queer_as_Folk_(serie_televisiva_2000)
    Supports: Title origin from a northern English expression.