HBO: Still Looking for a Good Show? Try it Out

Tomorrow (January 19th) HBO premieres Looking, a series that some may call the gay version of Girls or Sex in the City. 

HBO sells the new series this way:

'Looking' offers up the unfiltered experiences of three close friends living -- and loving -- in modern-day San Francisco. Friendship may bind them, but each is at a markedly different point in his journey: Patrick (Jonathan Groff) is the 29-year-old video game designer getting back into the dating world in the wake of his ex's engagement; aspiring artist Agustín (Frankie J. Alvarez), 31, is questioning the idea of monogamy amid a move to domesticate with his boyfriend; and the group's oldest member -- longtime waiter Dom (Murray Bartlett), 39 -- is facing middle age with romantic and professional dreams still unfulfilled.

The trio's stories intertwine and unspool dramatically as they search for happiness and intimacy in an age of unparalleled choices -- and rights -- for gay men. Also important to the ‘Looking' mix is the progressive, unpredictable, sexually open culture of the Bay Area, with real San Francisco locations serving as a backdrop for the group's lives. Rounding out the ‘Looking' world are a bevy of dynamic gay men including Kevin (Russell Tovey), Lynn (Scott Bakula), and Richie (Raul Castillo), as well as a wide-range of supporting characters like Dom's roommate Doris (Lauren Weedman), Agustín's boyfriend Frank (O.T. Fagbenle), and Patrick's co-worker Owen (Andrew Law).

 Emily Nussbaum in The New Yorker review Looking and had this to say:

“Looking” is a stealth breakthrough, if only because it treats its highly specific circle of gay men with warmth and playfulness, viewing their struggles as ordinary, not outrageous.

The show has quite a cast and should offer some contrast to many of the buddy stories on TV.  Think of it as Entourage in San Francisco.

Update:  I have enjoyed the few episodes I have had a chance to watch.  Some critics have called the show boring, but maybe that is a triumph for the series since every gay story does not need to be a parade attracting attention to itself.  This is not The New Normal, which makes this show watchable.  And I guess others agree since Looking has been picked up for a second season, unlike The New Normal.