Welcome to Queerty’s latest entry in our series, Queerantined: Daily Dose. Every weekday as long as the COVID-19 pandemic has us under quarantine, we’ll release a suggested bit of gloriously queer entertainment designed to keep you from getting stir crazy in the house. Each weekend, we will also suggest a binge-able title to keep you extra engaged.
The Underrated: Sense8
Netflix unleashed this cult series back in 2015, the brainchild of trans filmmakers Lily & Lana Wachowski, along with Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski. A rocky production schedule doomed the show (which was slated to run an already-plotted 5 season arc) to only two seasons. Fortunately, fan outcry allowed Lana & Straczynski to return for a special wrap-up film.
Sense8 is a show made for the internet age. Around the world, a “cluster” of eight strangers begins to share each other’s thoughts, feelings and abilities without ever meeting. What first begins as a novelty soon turns dire, as the group comes into contact with other sensates who can monitor and read their thoughts. The eight also learns of a ruthless scientist–a sensate himself–called Whispers who wants to destroy every other sensate on Earth.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Calling Sense8 unusual understates the already obvious. As a show designed to be binged, some viewers might find the pace of the show and its sprawling cast of characters hard to keep up with. For those that can get on board, a rewarding mix of drama, mystery and action awaits, not to mention some terrific queer storylines involving the transgender Nomi (Jamie Clayton) and the closeted actor Leto (Miguel Ángel Silvestre). Scenes of the sensates making love–yes, all eight of them at once, fully nude–also keep things charged. Unusual, innovative and ultra-explicit, Sense8 is one of the best sci-fi shows of the past decade…and one of the queerest, too.
Streams on Netflix.
justinis
Jamie Clayton is transgender and Brian J Smith came out. So actual LGBTIQ actors in the show! As well as creators.
mudgeguy
This is possibly the best show ever to land on Netflix but be warned. Season one is a very slow burn and more like a 12 hour movie than a series. You only learn what happening at the same time the actors do. it’s my #1 Netflix recommendation.
Chris
For me, that was part of the beauty and the frustration. I wanted to know what was going on, but was kept in the dark Just like the characters. This made me connect with the characters in a way I wouldn’t have had if the show had been written in 3rd person omniscient. If fact, I doubt the show would have been a hit if we knew what was going on and we’re just waiting for the characters to catch up. The writing is genius and the characters are real and relatable.
Cam
A phenomenal show. Stick with the first episode, all will be explained. 🙂
Henreid
The preview gives me the impression that this show would be far too violent for me to enjoy. Oh, well…