It's (Not) In His Kiss

What is it about?

This article suggests that although the number of representations of gay men on American television has increased, an examination of the ways intimacy operates within the series on which they appear has become equally important. Utilizing ABC’s Modern Family, and Happy Endings and NBC’s The New Normal, this essay argues that U.S. network television comedy in the twenty-first century obscures or refuses to show same-sex kisses on screen.

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Why is it important?

Using film and television stylistic analysis, the author argues the positioning of the camera and the spatial relationship between actors is not accidental and conveys critical information. Ultimately, the author suggests gay representation in American network television comedy retains a conservative approach to same-sex intimacy even as it continues to include gay characters in series in greater numbers.