Most of the people that know me know I absolutely live for diverse representation on television. In fact, one of my most frequently visited websites is this Wikipedia page that lists dramatic television series with LGBT characters. I tend to be more drawn to the storylines if there are diverse characters involved, but I can be very picky on whether or not I like a show based on how accurately queer/mentally ill/POC characters are portrayed. For instance, "Shameless (US)" (Showtime) fell on my list of top favorite shows until they completely failed at portraying bipolar disorder. "The Get Down" (Netflix) jumped up on my list when they happily represented queer POC. For plenty of reasons, "Eyewitness" (USA Network) has appeared on my radar and completely taken over my life.
To start out with, the two main characters are gay teenage boys. One of them (Philip Shea) is very comfortable with his sexuality, and the other (Lukas Waldenbeck) is incredibly internally homophobic. The thing I appreciate most about Lukas' story is that there are no apparent external factors that led to his internalized homophobia. His father isn't verbally or physically aggressive and neither are his classmates - no one even suspects him of being gay. The only thing keeping him from coming to terms with his sexuality is his own mind. This is something not a lot of television portrays. Usually, the characters are getting physically beaten or verbally assaulted so they don't feel safe coming out. This gives a really nuanced view of internalized homophobia that is fresh and more relatable to queer teens who have no "real" (or, more accurately, more outwardly obvious) reason to be afraid of coming out.
Philip, on the other hand, is having trouble living in a town where being gay may not be accepted, though he does not actually know since the only point of view he has on the situation comes from Lukas. This creates an interesting dynamic between Philip and Lukas. Not to mention they witnessed a murder together, and they're covering it up so no one will find out that Lukas is gay - which honestly doesn't make much sense, but that's how Lukas sees it.
On top of all of this, Philip lives with foster parents Helen (local sheriff) and Gabe (veterinarian) who have never had teenagers in the house and are struggling to figure out how to take care of a child they barely know. Helen is introduced to the audience while she listens to an audio book on how to foster children, which is rarely (if ever) shown on television. Fostering children can be hard, and she is trying so hard to be a good mother. Both Helen and Gabe understand Philip's relationship with his biological mother, too, and allow him to talk to her even though the courts don't want him to (and despite the fact that Helen is a sheriff).
My favorite part of the show is that characters are allowed to mess up and be terrible people, and the show doesn't play the pity card. Sure, some people who watch the show may pity certain characters, but most of the time you are allowed to disapprove of the character for the time being - of course allowing for a possibility of redemption. Some very immoral things happen with Lukas, Philip, and Lukas' girlfriend Rose, and it can be hard to watch but it is a result of internalized homophobia and blind trust. Seeing the actual effects of internalized homophobia is so interesting to see portrayed on TV, especially if you know someone who has been through the same thing. You'll realize why people push others away and hurt people - because they don't know what to do because they cannot accept the way they feel.
Apart from the actual content of the show, the cast is absolutely amazing. They advocate for queer rights, support the It Gets Better project, are so comfortable with each other, and are basically one big unbelievable love-fest. Matt Murray, who plays a small-town cop that works for Helen, is pretty much the funniest person on the planet. The two main boys, James Paxton and Tyler Young, are ridiculously close and their girlfriends are so supportive of the show. They want the best for all queer people and they actively participate in their own fandom.
All in all, this show and this cast is amazing. It has made me think positively about the world when the world hasn't looked so great recently. I hope you give it a chance - it may make your life a bit better.
