The Bisexual

The Bisexual is a fresh and innovative six-part comedic drama series that made its debut on Hulu in 2018 and was also aired on Channel 4 in the U.K. This original and distinctive series aims to dissect and discuss the intricacies of sexual orientation, raising some thoughtful questions about the fluidity of desire and the labels that society imposes on people.

The show is the creative endeavor of Iranian-American filmmaker Desiree Akhavan, who serves as the show's co-writer, director, and leading lady. It navigates the tangling and often turbulent journey of New Yorker Leila, played by Akhavan, as she grapples with her sexual identity upon moving to London. The story sets its foundations in the moment where Leila breaks up with her long-term girlfriend and business partner, Sadie, played by Maxine Peake.

Following this breakup, Leila decides she wants to date men, a revelation that mystifies her lesbian friends and forces her to confront her own fears and preconceptions. The narrative travels on Leila's rollercoaster of discovery as she negotiates the treacherous territory of modern dating and sexuality, courageously confronting both sides of the sexual spectrum.

The series' tone is refreshingly unpatronizing in its exploration of bisexuality. It succeeds in normalizing conversations around sexual fluidity, bolstering genuine understanding and empathy, while also providing hearty laughter thanks to its sharp wit and brilliant comedic timing. The show doesn’t shy away from its protagonist's flaws, thus shining a light on the human faults and insecurities that make us all relatable.

The Bisexual also significantly touches upon the divide that can sometimes lurk within the LGBTQ+ community, via the character of Leila. It doesn’t shy away from robustly exploring prejudices against bisexuality, even within communities of other sexual minorities, and adds a layer to the narrative that’s often unseen in typical TV shows.

The series also offers a well-rounded cast of characters. There's Sadie, proud of her lesbian identity and left reeling from the confession of her ex, as well as Leila's flatmate, Gabe, played by Brian Gleeson. Gabe is a floundering intellectual and a straight white man, who conjures depth and humor as he tries to navigate the complexities of modern dating. It’s through such characters that the series manages to weave a tapestry of metropolitan life, complete with its chaos, confusion, and charm.

Further, the British backdrop adds an extra dimension to the series. The realities of living in London, with its mix of gloomy weather, historical charm intermingled with contemporary lifestyle woes create an engaging backdrop for the storyline and characters to develop, making The Bisexual as much a show about the city as it is about sexuality.

Moreover, the show's direction ensures that it handles its sensitive themes with a delicate touch. The choice to avoid overplayed stereotypes and dramatic plot lines privatizes the individual human experience, sits in stark contrast to more sensationalized depictions of the LGBTQ+ experience on television, and fills an important void in the representation of bisexuality.

The Bisexual is not your typical romantic comedy. It is an important piece of social commentary told through relatable personal dilemmas, charming London backdrops, astute humor, and authentic performances. Its straightforward and sincere approach to uncovering the mindset of a bisexual woman amidst her self-realisation process is an indication of the leaps and bounds of progression in contemporary television. The series breaks barriers and transcends uncharted territories while maintaining an intriguing storyline, thereby making it a stimulating watch for all, regardless of their personal experiences or sexuality. It examines the concept of bisexuality and by extension, the human experience of identity and discovery, with an acuity that is exemplary.