TV series
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Brash humor and genuine emotion make up this original series revolving around the lives, loves, ambitions, careers and friendships of a group of gay men and women living on Liberty Avenue in contemporary Pittsburgh, PA. The show offers an unapologetic look at modern, urban gay and lesbian lives while addressing the most critical health and political issues affecting the community. Sometimes racy, sometimes sensitive and always straight to the heart.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Queer as Folk is available to stream on DirecTV On Demand, Paramount+, Paramount+ (Via Amazon Prime), Paramount+ (Via Apple TV), YouTube TV, Fubo, and Pluto TV in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play, Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Brash humor and genuine emotion make up this original series revolving around the lives, loves, ambitions, careers and friendships of a group of gay men and women living on Liberty Avenue in contemporary Pittsburgh, PA. The show offers an unapologetic look at modern, urban gay and lesbian lives while addressing the most critical health and political issues affecting the community. Sometimes racy, sometimes sensitive and always straight to the heart.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Michael throws a surprise 10th anniversary party for Melanie and Lindsay but the evening doesn't quite turn out as planned. Justin's stay in Hollywood is extended, in turn affecting his relationship with Brian. At Ted's suggestion, Brian invests his Kinnetik profits in a new venture.
Directed by Kelly MakinWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel LipmanGuest stars Harris Allan, Peter MacNeill, Adam J. Harrington
Episode 2
Brian re-opens Babylon but the party boys have disappeared. Justin returns to Pittsburgh after the studio pulls the plug on "Rage." Michael decides to pursue custody of his daughter, Jenny Rebecca. Behind closed doors, Ted pursues a new look after a recent fling turns out to be a chubby chaser. Emmett lands a role in front of the camera as Pittsburgh's resident "Queer Guy" on the local news.
Directed by Michael DeCarloWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Del Shores, Del ShoresGuest stars Adam J. Harrington, Kathryn Greenwood
Episode 3
Brian and Michael grow further apart as Brian struggles to save Liberty Avenue from gentrification and Michael embraces domestic life. The street may never be the same when Debbie decides to retire from the diner and newcomer Loretta Pye takes over.
Directed by Michael DeCarloWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Brad Fraser, Brad FraserGuest stars Peter MacNeill, Rosie O'Donnell
Episode 4
Brian remains steadfast in his belief that marriage is the death of a relationship. Debbie has a difficult time accepting her role as a lady of leisure – especially when she discovers that Loretta has stolen her act including the button-clad vest right down to the wisecracks. Ted decides to undergo an extreme makeover.
Directed by Kelly MakinWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Michael MacLennan, Michael MacLennanGuest stars Harris Allan, Peter MacNeill, Stephanie Moore, Rosie O'Donnell, Santiago Garcia
Episode 5
Debbie tries to let Loretta down easy. Brian must refrain from sex after he contracts syphilis. Hunter has to deal with the aftermath of his classmates and their parents discovering how he got HIV. Ted regrets having plastic surgery. Justin and Daphne discuss the possibility (or impossibility) of Brian embracing domestic life. Michael, Melanie, and Lindsey are forced to reevaluate their parenting arrangement when the fight over JR reaches its climax.
Directed by Chris GrismerWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Shawn Postoff, Shawn PostoffGuest stars Harris Allan, Makyla Smith, Rosie O'Donnell, Ashley Evelyn Bell
Episode 6
Brian's reign as hottest man at Babylon is challenged by the new stud, Brandon. Although a huge success as the "Queer Guy," Emmett faces a challenge of his own when he realizes he's been hired as a clown for the network's ratings. Ted, a new man after his cosmetic surgery, has an opportunity for revenge on an old flame. Ben and Michael attempt to help Hunter lift his spirits and get back to school. Bored as a lady of leisure, Debbie finds herself back at the diner.
Directed by Alex ChappleWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Del Shores, Del ShoresGuest stars Harris Allan, Peter MacNeill, Ryan Scott Greene, Jefferson Brown
Episode 7
Proposition 14 threatens same sex couple's rights while Brian deals with the threat of Brandon's presence in his world. Justin's decision to move out of Brian's loft creates a rift between Brian and Michael. Ted struggles to remember he's with Troy only in order to exact revenge. Lindsay decides to give her parents a chance and moves back home with her son, Gus.
Directed by Thom BestWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Shawn Postoff, Shawn PostoffGuest stars Sherry Miller, Maggie Huculak, Clinton Walker, Ryan Scott Greene, Michael Torontow
Episode 8
Justin lands himself in jail for standing up against Proposition 14 and his own father. Brian and Brandon work their way down the list of the ten hottest guys in their competition to determine the real stud of Babylon. Ben grieves Hunter's departure. Melanie and Lindsay attempt an in-house separation while Emmett's stalker reveals himself.
Directed by Kevin InchWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Michael MacLennan, Michael MacLennanGuest stars Sherry Miller, Peter MacNeill, Matt Battaglia, John Furey, Ryan Scott Greene, Kate Zenna
Episode 9
The gang fights against Proposition 14. Michael and Brian still aren't speaking to each other while Lindsay and Melanie's in-house separation heats up. Drew finally comes out. Ted begins his quest for his Mr. Right.
Directed by David WellingtonWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Brad Fraser, Brad FraserGuest stars Sherry Miller, Peter MacNeill, Matt Battaglia, Kate Zenna
Episode 10
Cyndi Lauper makes a guest appearance as Babylon plays host to the Stop Prop14 Benefit – an event that changes everyone's lives.
Directed by Kelly MakinWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Del Shores, Del ShoresGuest stars Sherry Miller, Peter MacNeill, Matt Battaglia, Rae Ellen Bodie, Kate Zenna
Episode 11
Brian re-evaluates his priorities after the bombing of Babylon. Michael continues to recover in the hospital, and a Liberty Avenue vigil for the victims ends in chaos.
Directed by David WellingtonWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Brad Fraser, Brad FraserGuest stars Harris Allan, Sherry Miller, Peter MacNeill, Matt Battaglia, Stephanie Moore
Episode 12
Brian and Justin are getting married! Melanie and Lindsay plan on moving the family to Canada – to raise Gus and Jenny Rebecca in a country where they won't be humiliated because of their parents' sexual orientation. Ted may have finally found his Mr. Right. Emmett catches Drew with another man.
Directed by John FawcettWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Michael MacLennan, Michael MacLennanGuest stars Harris Allan, Sherry Miller, Peter MacNeill, Matt Battaglia
Episode 13
Brian and Justin prepare to marry, but realize they are both denying themselves who they are and call the wedding off. Lindsay and Melanie move to Canada with Michael's blessing. Michael's asked to represent the Committee for Human Rights. Ted sees his relationship with Tad for what it really is. The beat of Babylon continues...
Directed by Kelly MakinWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel LipmanGuest stars Dean Armstrong, Harris Allan, Makyla Smith, Sherry Miller, Peter MacNeill, Stephanie Moore, Ryan Scott Greene, Tate Taylor
Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026
Gale HaroldBrian Kinney
Randy HarrisonJustin Taylor
Hal SparksMichael Novotny
Peter PaigeEmmett Honeycutt
Scott LowellTed Schmidt
Sharon GlessDebbie Novotny
Alec McClureChris Hobbs
Thea GillLindsay Peterson
ShowtimeUnited States
Showtime NetworksUnited States
Temple Street ProductionsCanada
Warner Bros. TelevisionUnited States
