Apple Originals docuseries Visible: Out on Television has debuted on Apple TV+. The five-part series examines the history of LGBTQ representation on TV. It blends archival footage with new interviews with stars including Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah Winfrey, Anderson Cooper, Don Lemon, and others.
Check out a trailer below.
Visible: Out on Television debuts on Apple TV+
The five-episode series follows a roughly chronological timeline. The first, titled “The Dark Ages,” looks at how the 1970s began to show positive portrayals of LGBTQ people for the first time. The second, “Television as a Tool,” shows how activists began using television as a tool for change after the Stonewall Uprising. Episode three, “The Epidemic,” examines how television raised awareness of HIV/AIDS. Episode four, “Breakthroughs,” covers Ellen DeGeneres’ coming out on TV in 1997. Finally, “The New Guard” depicts how the younger generation are now leading the charge for new types of inclusivity and gender/sexuality representation television.
Episodes range between 50 minutes and 1 hour 12 minutes in length. Ryan White and Jessica Hargrave created the series. It is narrated by Neil Patrick Harris, Margaret Cho, Lena Waithe, Margaret Cho, and Asia Kate Dillon.
Apple has been a champion of LGBTQ issues
Apple has been very active when it comes to promoting LGBTQ issues and inclusivity. Notably, Tim Cook was the first CEO at his level to come out publicly as gay. (Before he did this, Cook spoke privately with Anderson Cooper, who features in this new series). Last year, Cook was awarded the “Champion Award” from LGBTQ educational organization GLSEN in recognition of his ongoing fight for LGBTQ rights.
Apple has also frequently leant its name to supporting legislation promoting LGBTQ equality.
Which shows are you enjoying on Apple TV+ right now? If you’re not a subscriber, you can check it out for $4.99 per month. You also get a free year if you purchase a new Mac, iPhone, Apple TV or iPad.
