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
Suffering post-trauma after the bashing, Justin can't remember the fateful night and Brian can't forget it. Lindsay pops the question to Melanie at her sister's wedding. Michael returns to Pittsburgh just as Chris Hobbs is sentenced.
Directed by Alex ChappleWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel LipmanGuest stars Alec McClure, Makyla Smith, Sherry Miller, Marvin Ishmael, James Foster
Episode 2
Justin is unable to process Chris Hobbs' attack, or to accept physical contact, despite Brian's best efforts. Ted is fired for surfing porn at work. Michael and Emmett take jobs as naked waiters. This time, it's Melanie who proposes to Lindsay.
Directed by John GreysonWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel LipmanGuest stars Alec McClure, Makyla Smith, Sherry Miller, Lindsey Connell
Episode 3
Will Brian accept a Hero Award for saving Justin? Ted's favorite author, Howard Bellweather, is in town to protest Brian's award while collecting his own. Emmett's working for fabulous men who seem like the politically correct characters of the new gay TV drama, "Gay as Blazes!" Michael wants to reconnect with Brian at the comic convention.
Directed by Michael DeCarloWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Karen Walton, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Karen WaltonGuest stars Maggie Huculak, Clinton Walker
Episode 4
Brian, Michael, Justin, Emmett, Ted, Lindsay, Melanie and Debbie all overcome various obstacles to show their PRIDE in Pittsburgh's annual parade.
Directed by Kevin InchWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Michael MacLennan, Michael MacLennanGuest stars Alec McClure, Sherry Miller, Nancy Anne Sakovich, Lindsey Connell, Stephanie Moore
Episode 5
Having lost hand control from his bashing, Justin's quits art school (he's lost the fine motor skills needed to hold a brush.) Michael decides to quit the Big Q and risks all to buy a comic book store. Ted ditches his new accounting job to start his own porno website.
Directed by David WellingtonWritten by Efrem Seeger, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Efrem SeegerGuest stars Lindsey Connell
Episode 6
Justin and Brian negotiate their relationship – it's not like your parents! Ted's new business flourishes thanks to Emmett. Could one of Michael's first customers turn out to be the love of his life? Lindsay can't stand Ted's dirty little business. Melanie shares a dirty little secret of her own.
Directed by Bruce McDonaldWritten by Matt Pyken, Michael Berns, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Matt Pyken, Michael BernsGuest stars Makyla Smith
Episode 7
Michael decides to continue dating HIV positive Ben, despite the objections of Brian, Ted, Emmett, and his mother, Debbie. Lindsay and Melanie struggle to get money for their wedding from Lindsay's parents. Success on Ted's porno website is swelling Emmett's... ego.
Directed by Michael DeCarloWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Blair Fell, Blair FellGuest stars Don Allison, Pixie Bigelow, Nancy Anne Sakovich
Episode 8
Michael tries to forget Ben by re-entering the dating scene. Justin has an encounter with a boy closer to his age than Brian. Emmett is surprised when he meets his secret admirer – very surprised.
Directed by Alex ChappleWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Michael MacLennan, Michael MacLennanGuest stars Makyla Smith, Sherry Miller, Bruce Gray
Episode 9
Michael fights to get Ben back in his life – he has to prove he can handle the HIV positive situation. Brian is introduced to his mother's minister – but they've already met (not in church). Ted has a really hard time dealing with some performance enhancing drugs.
Directed by Bruce McDonaldWritten by Efrem Seeger, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Efrem SeegerGuest stars Lynne Deragon, Matthew Knight
Episode 10
Michael mourns the death of his comic book hero, Captain Astro, while Debbie finds a real life murder victim behind the diner. Emmett helps George to enjoy himself. Melanie & Lindsay are inspired by the contents of Lindsay's Granny Faye's secret letters.
Directed by Michael DeCarloWritten by Matt Pyken, Michael Berns, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Matt Pyken, Michael BernsGuest stars Peter MacNeill, Bruce Gray, Nancy Anne Sakovich
Episode 11
It's time for Lindsay and Melanie's wedding! It promises to be a day of beauty and love, provided they can overcome the many obstacles fate throws in their path. Brian, Emmett, Ted, George, Vic, Debbie, Michael, and Justin all pitch in to make sure they succeed.
Directed by Kevin InchWritten by Karen Walton, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Karen WaltonGuest stars Bruce Gray, Nancy Anne Sakovich
Episode 12
Michael has trouble dealing with the news that his new boyfriend Ben once slept with his best friend Brian. Debbie needs to do something about the dead boy found behind her diner. She impresses Detective Horvath with her sleuthing. Ted gets a shot at being accepted by the elite A-Gays of Pittsburgh.
Directed by Thom BestWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Michael MacLennan, Michael MacLennanGuest stars Sherry Miller, Peter MacNeill
Episode 13
Divina Devore, Pittsburgh's very own drag queen is back in town! She dated Debbie 30 years ago, and (s)he looks a lot like Michael. Justin becomes a go-go dancer at Babylon to earn money for school. Melanie and Lindsay struggle to get Gus accepted for preschool.
Directed by John GreysonWritten by Efrem Seeger, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Efrem SeegerGuest stars Sherry Miller, John Furey, Gary Beach
Episode 14
Justin's making too much money as a go-go dancer to care about his suffering schoolwork. George offers to take Emmett on a world tour! Detective Carl Horvath returns to the diner, to ask Debbie out on a date.
Directed by John FawcettWritten by Matt Pyken, Michael Berns, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Matt Pyken, Michael BernsGuest stars Peter MacNeill, Bruce Gray
Episode 15
Michael and Justin join forces to create their own comic book. Emmett is barred from speaking at George's funeral. Melanie and Lindsay enlist Leda to help renovate their attic.
Directed by Jeremy PodeswaWritten by Karen Walton, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Karen WaltonGuest stars Nancy Anne Sakovich
Episode 16
Brian ignores Justin's birthday, so Melanie and Lindsay take him to a violin concert – where he meets the gorgeous and talented Ethan. Michael's surprise party for Ben is a disaster. Ted falls for Luke – he seems perfect, but can he accept Ted's career in porn?
Directed by Bruce McDonaldWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Michael MacLennan, Michael MacLennanGuest stars Fab Filippo, Jason Knight
Episode 17
Brian has to cancel plans with Justin to impress his new boss at work. Emmett receives a VERY generous gift from the late George. Melanie and Lindsay fight off the dreaded Lesbian Bed Death.
Directed by David WellingtonWritten by Efrem Seeger, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Efrem SeegerGuest stars Fab Filippo, Nancy Anne Sakovich, Carlo Rota, Stephanie Moore, Judah Katz
Episode 18
Michael's worst fears come true when Ben is hospitalized. Justin wishes Brian was more romantic – like Ethan. Emmett considers a million-dollar offer to keep his relationship with George a secret.
Directed by Alex ChappleWritten by Matt Pyken, Michael Berns, Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Matt Pyken, Michael BernsGuest stars Makyla Smith, Fab Filippo, Carlo Rota
Episode 19
Michael is tempted to expose Justin's affair with Ethan to Brian. Ted's become immune to porn. Melanie and Lindsay ask Leda to leave. Bowling Showdown: Cops vs. Queers!
Directed by Michael DeCarloWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, Matt Pyken, Michael Berns, Efrem Seeger, Michael MacLennanGuest stars Peter MacNeill, Fab Filippo, Nancy Anne Sakovich
Episode 20
RAGE GAY CRUSADER: Issue #1. Michael and Justin's comic is ready to come out, and Brian's throwing a massive release party at Babylon. Justin is forced to choose between Brian and Ethan. Ben's going away for six months, but only with Michael's blessing. Ted's in love – with Emmett!
Directed by David WellingtonWritten by Ron Cowen, Daniel LipmanGuest stars Makyla Smith, Sherry Miller, Fab Filippo
Episode information updated Jul 24, 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
