Before the show came out, people had already decided whether they hate it or love it. I understand it, there’s so little gay representation on screen so there’s a lot of pressure on it. But it’s a pressure that we can’t possibly live up to. They want it to be something that it’s not going to be. And I read things sometimes by some people and I’m like, ‘You are insane. We’ve never said that’s what this show is. Why do you think it’s that show?’ Some people love it and some people hate-watch it and tweet about how much they hate it while watching the episodes, which to me is the act of a crazy person. Why would you do that? Just turn it off. So I find it a very strange concept and it’s very hard for us who work on Looking because we’re all from like a low-key background. We’re not TV execs… there’s so many gay people on the show. The heads of the department are gay; most of the actors are gay. Nobody ever mentions that. Isn’t it fantastic that there’s actually a show about gay people with gay people? So it’s frustrating sometimes because we’re all really pleased with the show and the truth is that’s a niche show in an already niche community. It’s a niche within a niche.”
— Andrew Haigh in an interview with IndieWire following the premiere of his latest film 45 Years
GeoffreyBridgman
I do not think it’s amazing that there’s a show with gay people. And as far as I could tell, this television program is mostly about willfully subjecting yourself to the sort of conversations that make you want to rip your hair out when you’re walking down the street. Those people are terrible.
Cam
Actually most of the complaints I read were that in the first season it was broad, and the writing was bad, and that none of the characters were likable.
Stache99
Yes. He’s 100% right. Seems like the same complainers here would comment every single time about how much they hate each and every episode. Never understood that.
pengwinofdoom
@GeoffreyBridgman: See, this is exactly the problem I have with shows like this. Haigh, along with people such as Lena Dunham and Ryan Murphy, need to realize that just because they have gay people in their show, or have progressive themes, it doesn’t mean that the show relies on ugly stereotypes or has terrible characters.
Paco
Telling people not to watch your show that is struggling to pull in decent ratings, isn’t a very good way to keep it from being cancelled.
I think they made it for an extremely narrow slice of gay men. So narrow that many don’t get the inside jokes. I certainly do not relate to it at all. I would like to see the Patrick character written out of the show or, at the very least, explain the reason for his child-like social skills so I can have some sympathy for him. If he were 21 and freshly arrived to S.F. from the farm, then his behavior would make sense.
redcarpet30
I will never understand the righteous indignation against this show. You may not like the characters but to consider them “terrible stereotypes harming the community” blah blah blah is a TOTAL overstatement. No one on the series is doing anything to make them terrible human beings. Perhaps annoying, perhaps frustrating, but nothing is happening that is so far from reality as to make it an offense to gay people everywhere.
If it is guilty of anything it is being boring, not misrepresenting gay men.
MarionPaige
in a previous article, the Looking production acknowledged that the advertising strategy for the show invited any and everyone to weigh in on whether the show was authentic gay. Groff’s character is horrible but it remains the focus of the show for some reason. Groff must have a huge penis.
sejjo
“Isn’t it fantastic that there’s actually a show about gay people with gay people?”
Yes, it is, but the show still has to be good.
Faulk
I never understood how people can hate something this much and can’t stop talking about it. If you don’t like the then for gods sake, just ignore it, and save us your comments.
I feel sorry for the crew, and i hope we will get 3rd season, eventhough i highly doubt it, cause the gays can’t stop bitching about it…
jwtraveler
People who watch a TV show faithfully and then incessantly talk about how much they hate it are really saying that they like the show but hate themselves.
robho3
This show is like a train wreak…. You know you should watch it but you can’t help yourself
jjose712
Well, i only watched an episode and frankly i never though an episode that happens on Folsom street fair could be so boring.
Unlikeable characters work better in literature.
Anyway he is right about hate watching, some people are beyond ridiculous, and with twitter some people think their opinion is really important (well, it’s not).
I think they chose to tell the stories in a pace that could work on an indie film, but it doesn’t work on a tv show.
Which is a pity because the show is full of good actors
ChgoReason
I don’t think the problem is that it’s a bad show, I think the show tries to over-explain as to why things are happening. They don’t allow the viewer to emerge in the world of Looking. For example, I remember in season 1 Patrick met up with his Mom at a wedding ceremony or something. And they talked and talked, which never happens in real life. Most people don’t say more than a few words at a time. But,we were suppose to believe that two dysfunctional adults would chit-chat about love and its’ trials? A resentful gay son and his overzealous mom no less. I really doubt that was crucial to the story and actually held it up back. Just give us the journey and keep with the mystery. Tell us what is happening, not why it is happening.
enlightenone
@Paco: ANDREW HAIGH Please read; you are “CRAZY” if you don’t and make necessary adjustments accordingly. It will make you a better writer:
“Telling people not to watch your show that is struggling to pull in decent ratings, isn’t a very good way to keep it from being cancelled.
I think they made it for an extremely narrow slice of gay men. So narrow that many don’t get the inside jokes. I certainly do not relate to it at all. I would like to see the Patrick character written out of the show or, at the very least, explain the reason for his child-like social skills so I can have some sympathy for him. If he were 21 and freshly arrived to S.F. from the farm, then his behavior would make sense.” – PACO
Conchalex
I think this is show is not only one the best gay shows ever, but also one of the best shows on TV right now. It’s full of great actors, the writing is great, some of the characters are unlikeable but I believe this is one the best things of the show: It’s about real people, and life is FULL of unlikeable people, with lives just as real as mine. I’m tired of unrealistic gay characters and plotlines like the ones that TV has done so many times so far, idealized/stereotyped gay men and women who are, most of the time, closeted and in the process of coming out, struggling with parental and or peer rejection.
I’m one of those who has been waiting for a long time for a show that depicts gay life in more realistic (albeit “boring”) way, and I have finally found it. And I totally agree with Haigh: People who declare to “hate” this show, but keep watching just so they can bitch about it every week, telling us how terrible everything that happens in it is sooooooo boring/awful, are just plain crazy. If you don’t like, just don’t watch it, and STOP BITCHING ABOUT EVERY EPISODE.
Captain Obvious
Rest assured I’m not hate watching, I was bored watching, and completely stopped watching.
When you start hate-watching you are expecting a show to improve and these people actually have the nerve to think hate-watchers are the crazy ones? Ok, Bert.
There are so few ways to make a gay show fail considering most of us are(or were at this point since it’s been a pretty good gay year so far) starved for gay content. Looking hit pretty much every mark on failure, starting with extremely vapid characters you can find in any big city “gay mecca”, the kind of people any well adjusted person would hope to avoid.
It’s a terrible show, they can keep trying to force it all they want, that’s something you can get away with on a cable network.
Next time try making a show that the rest of us can relate to and not just those still hiding in “gay meccas” unaware about the rest of the world. Most of us remained integrated into society and are *gasp* around people who aren’t gay.
Gay people don’t live in a bubble. Looking shows us in a vapid bubble. The creators of Looking can’t figure out why so many of us hate it, kinda like being stuck in a wet paper bag.
Mainstream shows are showing that gay people come in all flavors, colors, and moods. A cable network show that is supposedly aimed at us is extremely outdated and only shows one type of gay man. Pathetic. Keep hating on the “haters”, it won’t bring you more ratings.
Conchalex
I REALLY need to edit my last post…
Bubbleandsqueal
Dom’s Peri Peri Chicken Window.
Doris’s pesty faghag intrusiveness.
Agustin’s “art.”
Richie’s dull, humorless self-righteousness.
Patrick’s trivial compulsions.
Five Reasons (Among a Myriad Number) to Hate-Watch “Looking.”
Alan down in Florida
@Paco: ” I would like to see the Patrick character written out of the show or, at the very least, explain the reason for his child-like social skills so I can have some sympathy for him.”
If you were paying attention this week you would have seen Patrick’s reaction to Kevin’s morning after fry-up when we find out that, among other things, he used to be called Fatrick. Patrick is a FFB (formerly fat boy). Unless you have been a gay FFB you can’t imagine how much long term psychic damage is done when you don’t match the media image of gay men consists of cute twinks and buff body builders and underwear models.
I know this first hand. Because of the unrealistic media images which I in no way represented, I didn’t come out until my late 30s kicking and screaming because a friend pushed me out of my closet. 20 plus years later I am still fairly clueless at making my way through gay relationships – much like Patrick.
xzall
I think I get his point. People have over reacted to this show. Just look at the comments. They’re just characters in a TV show–they’re not you and they don’t have to be you.
Haigh is seeing the reality now. I don’t think there’s a single gay character that has ever been created on TV that hasn’t been savagely criticized by the gay community. The person is too queeny, too fem, too vapid, too white, too in shape, too fat etc. etc. etc. Even on How to Get Away with Murder you complain that the gay guy is too superficial, when that’s exactly what is character is supposed to be, superficial. Then you complain that the actor is not out enough. There may be a reason for that and it’s not that all gay themed shows are so awful. Gay people aren’t relaxed in their own skin.
There’s a very popular show called Empire that has one of the main characters killing his best friend and there’s a lot of ‘ghetto ‘ scenes with people shooting at each other. The black community is supporting this show because they know that this is just entertainment and doesn’t mean all black people are like that. Gay people haven’t reached this place where they can see a gay character on TV and not worry that people will think they’re like that.
CCTR
@ChgoReason: Don’t you think the show does more of the “what is happening” and less of the “why its happening”? I think that’s a huge reason why people are not liking it. It’s a glimpse into the lives of these flawed “non-fabulous” gay men living in San Francisco. So many formulaic tv shows (which Looking isn’t) includes lots of voice over narration explaining every feeling and motive behind each action. Or the show presents a situational conflict and resolution in one episode with the exception of the season finale. Or the show loads us down with moralistic lessons that send a message that you are interesting and likeable only if you have extraordinary good looks, an extraordinary job, or extraordinary super powers.
Beside people saying Looking is simply boring, many of the comments have to do with the “whys”… why does Patrick act so inexperienced, why are these guys even friends, why isn’t the circle of friends more ethnic/racially diverse, why are there no Asians, why is Augustine so crazy, why does the show look so dated? If anything the writers have not been answering those questions, maybe they have more this season than last.
People generally do say more than a few words to each other including dysfunctional family members especially under the influence of marijuana snacks and alcohol at a wedding which usually are a bit emotional. That scene with Patrick and his mother was indeed crucial to his story and journey and did answer some of the “whys” but after several episodes of showing his journey and leaving the viewer to wonder why.
Paco
@Alan down in Florida: I was under the impression that Patrick had been out and living in S.F. for some years already. Was I mistaken?
I think the creator of the show should be more concerned with people not talking about the show. At least some people are talking about it. I’m not a hater of the show. I see potential in the rest of the cast, just not Patrick. I am also waiting for the comedy in this “dramedy” to show itself. Unless Patrick is supposed to be the running joke of the show. I’m not really sure.
Cam
@Conchalex: said…. “I think this is show is not only one the best gay shows ever, but also one of the best shows on TV right now. It’s full of great actors, the writing is great, some of the characters are unlikeable but I believe this is one the best things of the show:”
_________________________
Ok, if you’re working for the production company and you’re going to come in here and try to sell the show, just don’t make it quite so obvious.
bnobil
Love love love this show! Just wished it where an hour long.
jason smeds
At this stage, they’d be lucky to get anybody to look at Looking.
OzJosh
Funny, but the comments by those “hating” the show were astoundingly consistent – unlikeable characters, clumsy dialogue, thin story – and made a whole lot more sense than Haigh’s dismissal of them. People decided whether to love or hate the show even before watching it, he says. Yeah, right.
DistingueTraces
The show offers a great many pleasures. Andrew Haigh has a true gift for the long, slow, naturalistic presentation of deepening intimacy. And given enough space, all the actors do beautiful work for him.
lauraspencer
Haigh says “So I find it a very strange concept and it’s very hard for us who work on Looking because we’re all from like a low-key background. We’re not TV execs… there’s so many gay people on the show.”
What does this mean?? “Low-key background”?? Maybe if the team involved in the show were a bit more high strung they would harder at making a better show. When you are given millions by HBO to make a TV show you might not want to go in to the job with a slacker mentality.
“We’re not TV execs…” well then maybe you shouldn’t be making a television show. Leave it to those people who do know how to make television.
And who cares that there are so many gay people on the show? I would rather watch a well written, entertaining show with all straight people on it.
TVbuff
I could not get passed the first episode of this series. Can I get a refund? We have a gay television here in Canada that also airs in Europe called BoyTown with a lower budget that I would rather watch that is filmed in Los Angeles. i believe the U.S can get it on dvd. https://outtv.ca/shows/boystown/
scotshot
I am so bored by this showI’ve never watched it.
scotshot
@scotshot: I am so bored by this show I’ve never watched it. So bored I didn’t bother to proofread my comment!
KiDAciDic
Just because you criticize a work of fiction doesnt mean you hate it. Hate is a very strong but often misused word by those dealing in absolutes and want to deny the fact that we judge things with multiple facets and potential. Showing gay men as mundane, and subdued might be rare in Western media but it doesn’t make for engaging entertainment. Adding to that, a gay character centered drama/show is pretty much nonexistent anywhere else on TV at the moment, you dont have many other options. I watch in hopes to catch that point when the show goes from an meandering exercise in “realistic” social interaction to something with stakes and tangible emotional highs and lows. It doesnt have to become a soap opera, or moral propaganda. This show simply doesnt fit in with the quality of other HBO shows, but it would be fantastic if it could.
ChgoReason
@KiDAciDic: Thanks. I expect much more from this network.
lykeitiz
@lauraspencer: Thank you!! I took away the same thing from those quotes. He pretty much answered why the show is so horrible. Can you imagine going to Starbucks, having your order totally screwed up, and the guy behind the counter saying “Hey, chill out, we’re all trying to be low-key back here. And it’s not like we’re baristas or anything.”
As you pointed out, when HBO hands you millions to do a show, viewers expect an HBO-quality show.
Kangol
@CCTR: Well no one ever said a single character on Noah’s Arc was “too white.” LOL I used to complain about how superficial that show was, but I really miss it now.
Double R
I saw a few episodes of the first season and was initially disinterested. Then, I watched the entire first season from the beginning. It really made a difference, the writing improved and the characters began to act more like people I know. Honestly, most of our gay lives are not too exciting so, of course, the show is dramatic at times in the way in portrays, sex and dating. It is so much better than Queer as Folk which was all about shock and unrealistic behavior. I just hope Looking gets extended for another season.
rndlhwtt60
I look forward to watching this show each week; got HBO specifically to watch it and usually watch each episode a couple of times. I seem to recall negative comments being made about QAF when it first started; one TV show can’t represent an entire segment of the population. I don’t watch ‘Modern Family’ although it’s a very well received show; I can’t connect with any of the characters nor do I like laugh tracks. I relate to, and can empathize with, the ‘Looking’ characters and stories. So keep ’em coming Mr. Haigh.
Wilberforce
It’s ok. The characters are typical ghetto queens, narrow and obsessed with being gay. That can get boring. But they are pretty, and the SF scenery is totally worth it.
ebaySF76
I think this show is a pretty accurate portrayal of this age group of gays in SF. I’m from the Bay Area and have many gay friends and acquaintances with very similar lives. The every day lives of most people are pretty boring and that is pretty much what this show is about. Most people just aren’t that interesting and this show proves it. I can’t say I love the show but I don’t hate it and I mostly watch because I like to see all of the places they film at that my friends and I frequently go. I will also say they better get an asian on stat if they really want to show the true SF gay scene.
onenuthing
For me, after watching WEEKEND, I had so much high hopes for the show – especially because there wasn’t a show on air that featured LGBT characters without the stereotypical slant. So I can say that after each episode, I leave a little bit more disappointed. I believe that the writing needs to drastically improve. I think that the writers/creators/directors are trying to be so different from other shows like Queer As Folk and the L Word, that the characters are becoming so unrecognizable and flat.
demented
Unfortunately a show creator freaking out because someone doesn’t like his show is a sign that the whole thing is very ego driven. He really shouldn’t alienate people who criticize his show. Sometimes people stick with a show or book series because they have hopes it will hook them in later. Pissing them off will just make them quit altogether.
@jjose712: I think you’re right. The difference is that in literature the author can show you how the character feels and how their thoughts work, so you empathize with them more.
Not to say unlikable characters CAN’T be pulled off in TV and movies, but it’s a lot harder, needs better actors and a sort of “map” to show where they are going and where they have been. Especially if they’re the protagonists.
As for “Looking, I don’t know why it’s the only show regularly covered. I mean, what about Transparent? And I know Empire isn’t really a “gay” show per se, but it has a main gay character.
BigRedEO
I don’t hate-watch it. I’ve never watched it. I had NO desire to watch a bunch of pretty, almost all white guys trying to find love. As if guys that look like that would have such a problem.
It reminds me of the MadTV sketch they did that parodied all teen TV shows called “Pretty White Kids With Problems”.
blasted
Idk, Saying things like, “You should be happy there is a show for gay people by gay people”, sounds like the nonsense they used to say when there was a black show that was on tv starring black people, made by black people. Not everyone likes tyler perry…
The Assumption is that 1. It’s going to be good for that fact. 2. that People will relate to it. That’s not always the case. For me “Looking” isn’t an interesting show, I’d much rather watch the Fosters, or rewatch Dtla or Queer… I’m still mad it didn’t get a second season as Folk, BBC’s In the Flesh, of Homoexotic BBC Sherlock Holmes (it’s just gay enough.. those long eye contact moments, will they won’t they). I don’t needs a show specifically about 1 type of person, or subject matter. If anything it makes the show boring to me. I like shows with diverse subject matter, complex characters, realistic themes.
I don’t live in the gay scene, gay cliche bubble. Although I am firmly grounded in gay issues, and politics the media for gay tv shows, movies, etc are all 1 note. Some poor cis gay white male with a well defined body and boy next store look trying to find love… blah blah blah. Or the Comedic minority sage gay sidekick saying things like “Girl!” *Headshake, eyeroll* eh!
I get that some people still watch the show, and hate it. Hey I made a deal to watch Game of Thrones with a friend in return he had to watch the BBC Misfits (which is an awesome show)… I hated every bit of Game of thrones and still watched all the seasons for that fact, I wouldn’t have. Also all my other friends wanted me to watch it because they love it and wanted my opinion on it. So I get it, but telling people not to watch it, idk.
blasted
@blasted: Dtla (still made it didn’t get a second season) *pasted that in the wrong place. Queer as folk (USA/BBC)
guyinnh
so glad i bothered to click on this article and read the comments. i thought i was the only one that didn’t care for this series. there is no nuance or complexity to this show (in stark contrast to the other great drama series HBO offers). that said i do think it accurately and appropriately depicts an unfortunate subset of gay culture, men whose lives are obsessively centralized around one theme: being gay. when i was in my early 20’s just coming out to the world i found myself in this catty, shallow lifestyle until i finally grew up and realized the world is a bigger place with more to offer. it is in that sense i do not think this show has any value to the gay community what-so-ever. if you want to showcase the rampant immaturity of a group of gay men and their narrow-minded world you have done so well. if this is the creative child of the gay production team you are so proud of i think it would serve you all well to leave san fransisco and step outside of your bubble. hate the show, nah, i just think its dumb.
nowliveit
It is valid if you do or do not like the characters, acting or plot. It is not the extreme characters of the major breakdown the doors QAF Series. This is a slice of a fictional gay life. And isn’t it good just to see a representation of our lives on TV? We have so few, still. Is not that a step forward for our community? Shouldn’t we celebrate that for a split second before turning on that well-practiced internalized gay hating on each other that does a good job at continuing the hatred we experience from prejudice and bigotry? Wise up. Create your own show it you don’t like what you see someone else doing. use your passion for productivity.
guyinnh
@nowliveit
“And isn’t it good just to see a representation of our lives on TV?”
is this a good representation of “our” lives on TV? if someone knew nothing about gay men and watched this show what exactly should we expect them to take away from it? i think this show only serves to reinforce negative stereotypes about gay men which unfortunately are true in too many circles. critique about one’s community is not internalized gay hating.
Maude
IMO, There’s nothing terrible about this show except it belongs in a past era.
Watching it is kind of like watching an old movie…..dated……., and most of what was interesting then, is old ‘news’ now.
CCTR
@Kangol: Oh how I miss that show! I agree it was a lot of superficial camp, but entertaining fun. Too bad it only lasted two seasons and a movie. Maybe they’ll make a sequel.
Cam
@blasted: said…. “Idk, Saying things like, “You should be happy there is a show for gay people by gay people”, sounds like the nonsense they used to say when there was a black show that was on tv starring black people, made by black people. Not everyone likes tyler perry…”
__________________
I know, and that is the exact response that the Actor who plays Cam on Modern Family gave when people pointed out that the gay couple not only never expressed affection but basically never came within 5 feet of each other.
He said that gays were lucky that there was a show with a gay couple. Yeah? Well F*ck You too!
lauraspencer
Haigh should be happy people are hate watching or watching for any reason at all. The ratings were never strong the first season and are even worse the second season.
The first 4 episodes of season two have scored .183, .195, .324 (season high) and most recent .192 !!! Season one’s highest rated episode had a .505
The audience the show found in season one apparently hasn’t come back for season 2. Less that 300k people are watching on average. To give perspective, reality shows like SISTER WIVES, BREAKING AMISH, REAL HOUSEWIVES get 4 to 5 times that audience.
HBO should put its money toward a new SEX & THE CITY movie.
ChgoReason
@CCTR: This show is not Six Feet Under! Bad casting and writing have made a mockery of this show… All gay guys dream of being in SF.! Why would this show start there?! Give us the journey
SFHarry
@Cam: Cam,
I love this show. I’m not sure why. Most people I have asked just plain don’t like it but I do. I wish it was an hour long (and guess what, I don’t work for the production company). I guess the thing I like about it is the voyeuristic aspect of it. I recognize many of the situations they are writing about and like seeing them reflected on the TV in a way I have never seen before.
Cee
People aren’t crazy because they watch and don’t like it.
They watch because it’s the only gay TV series on premium cable.
They watch in hopes that it’ll get better.
Cam
@SFHarry:
I think that the director, who also directed “Weekend” is used to a slower build, because that was used so effectively in his movie. I am not sure a half hour format is as easy for him to get that type of character development out of.
DavidTheLeo
I enjoy the show and my only wish is that it be for an hour in length. I really feel if the people who seem to find difficulty with it would just not tune in and let the show progress as it will.
Captain Obvious
@Cee: They act like this show invented hate-watching. There are people who hate-watched Will and Grace. I’ve hate-watched Glee since Season 3 only because I loved the original concept and like some of the characters.
It is what it is. Not sure why anyone would insult hate-watchers and lose even more ratings.
I can’t even hate-watch this show, it’s so boring I refuse to have it on my screen even as white noise while I’m on my computer.
Cam
@Captain Obvious:
The first season of Glee was kind of dark, and had some humor and the kids were quirky, even though the teacher was irritating the rest was very cool.
I’m surprised you made it to Season 3 before you started hate watching. lol
CCTR
@ChgoReason: No disrespect to you, but you are the one that suggested they “give us the journey and keep with the mystery”. I understand this show is not Six Feet Under and why would they attempt for it to be?
To say it is bad casting and bad acting is very subjective, because many would disagree.
All gay guys dream of being in SF? (hmmm maybe in the 1960s?) Not sure if that was sarcasm or not, but if it wasn’t I think the story you are Looking for might be found in the Wizard of Oz. Sorry that the writers and creators gave you a glimpse, although through fictional characters, that gay life in SF is not always the perfect land of Oz where magically “it gets better” for all gay men. I lived in SF for almost ten years and met many disgruntled and disillusioned gay men disappointed that their “gay dreams” did not come true in the gay land of SF. Looking is showing you that these characters’ gay journeys don’t end just because they are in SF. Living in SF as a gay man doesn’t necessarily make you anything but a resident. San Francisco can be a wonderful place to live as a gay man but so can a countless number of other cities.
chris
Just like Cucumber here in the UK I am afraid I think Looking fails because it does not represent and is riddled with cliches and anachronistic stereotypes.