Back in 1981, a NBC sitcom was unveiled that was supposed to feature the first openly homosexual lead character on TV. The show was entitled Love, Sidney and the star was Tony Randall.However, as news leaked out about the show's premise, an uproar of opposition began and NBC ended up playing down the homosexual element completely. In fact, Sidney's homosexuality (if it actually even remained a part of his character) was never depicted in the program.
Still, the initial design of the series was never forgotten. Therefore, homosexual activists still remember it fondly as a milestone. But the general public never found it likeable. It had poor ratings and limped through just two seasons.
I wonder what Sidney would think about the pink-hued TV lineup just 25 years later, one in which 35 openly homosexual characters star in 22 network series?
Here's Robert Knight with more info and comments.
