Beautiful People

Beautiful People is a British comedy-drama television series that originally aired on BBC Two in the United Kingdom. After its successful run in the UK, the show was picked up by Logo Network in the United States, where it aired from 2008 to 2009. The show is based on the memoirs of Simon Doonan, the creative ambassador for Barneys department store in New York and the former window dresser of the high-end fashion industry. The memoir was adapted into a screenplay by Jonathan Harvey, a renowned British playwright.

The series revolves around the colorful young life of Simon Doonan (played by Luke Ward-Wilkinson and Mathew Horne), who grew up in Reading, England, in the 90s. He lives with his eccentric family comprised of his mother, Debbie (played by Olivia Colman), his father, Andy (played by Aidan McArdle), and his mostly blind Aunty Hayley (played by Meera Syal). The Doonan household is livened up by Simon’s extravagant best friend, Kylie Parkinson (played by Layton Williams), named so due to his obsession with Australian singer Kylie Minogue.

Beautiful People brings forward a uniquely heartwarming take on coming-of-age experiences. The series presents a 13 year-old Simon’s real-life exploits, as he battles ordinary teenager situations while simultaneously navigating and balancing his extravagant personality in an otherwise ordinary town. Simon’s amusing, and sometimes tumultuous, journey towards self-discovery is depicted alongside the surreal fantasy world in his imagination, which often cross-references popular culture of the late 90s and early 2000s.

The show masterfully exploits the comedic value of the vivid clash between Simon’s larger-than-life aspirations (mainly to escape Reading and live in 'glamorous' London) and his mundane surroundings. It explores not just Simon’s coming-of-age journey, but also the nuanced characters around him, like his unconventional family and friends. Their lives are marinated with drama, humour, and a little bit of chaos, making Beautiful People less of a straightforward sitcom and more of an eccentric narrative.

Simon's friendship with Kylie is a significant essence of the show. Their loving bond and shared dreams light up the screen and their interactions are humorous, flamboyant, and poignant after turns. Simon's family's acceptance of his unique personality and their unconditional love for him acts as a supportive emotional anchor in the storyline. While the show doesn’t shy away from addressing the complexities of Simon's sexuality as a young gay boy, it does so with sensitivity, humor, and honesty.

Olivia Colman shines brightly in her role as Simon's loving and resourceful mum, Debbie. She brings to life a complex character that handles the comic and dramatic beats of the scripts effortlessly. Other supporting cast members, notably Aidan McArdle as Simon’s hardworking, eternally confused dad, and Meera Syal as the barely sighted fun aunt, deliver commendable performances.

Beautiful People is unique in its approach to dealing with the protagonist's sexuality, straying away from the stereotypic and melancholic representation, and instead opting for a sensitive, respectful, and humorous portrayal. The charm of the show lies in its perfect blend of humor, drama, and surreal escapades. The sharp, witty sitcom style is complemented by delightful elements of fantasy and occasional melodrama.

On the technical side, Beautiful People stands unique with its production design re-creating the 90s ambiance with a punchy blend of vivid colors and edgy sets. The music score too is reflective of the personality of the show, including many recognizable pop tunes that take viewers on a nostalgic journey back to the late 90s and early 2000s.

In conclusion, with its humorous take on the autobiographical recollections of Simon Doonan, coupled with a heart-touching storyline, Beautiful People offers a truly entertaining viewing experience. It captures the essence of an eccentric family and a flamboyant teenage boy navigating the tricky path of adolescence and self-acceptance with sensitivity and delightful wit.