In a recent episode of the talk show “Conan O’Brien,” renowned author Malcolm Gladwell made an intriguing observation about the groundbreaking sitcom “Will & Grace.” According to Gladwell, the show shattered traditional norms and broke every rule associated with portraying homosexuality on television.
Gladwell mentioned a TV scholar named Bonnie da who analyzed the portrayal of women’s issues in Hollywood. She argued that even though shows like the “Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Rhoda” were considered feminist, they still adhered to implicit rules about women’s success. In these shows, female characters were only allowed to succeed in a man’s world and were often childless and not in relationships. This raised the question of whether these shows were truly pro-feminist or merely perpetuating the idea that women must sacrifice family life to achieve success.
Similarly, Gladwell noted that Hollywood had a specific set of rules when it came to addressing gay topics. Homosexuality was always depicted as a problem to be solved, with the gay character isolated without a community or a relationship. Sex was often abstracted, and the gay character was never the center of the narrative but rather remained on the fringes of modern life. Gladwell referenced a book by a film scholar that revealed how almost every film from the 1940s to 1980s featuring a gay character depicted them meeting a tragic end.
Enter “Will & Grace,” the sitcom that defied all these rules. Will’s gayness was never portrayed as a problem; he was never seen as peripheral but instead occupied the center of the show. He had a community, including his best friend Jack and various boyfriends, and his problems were not related to his sexuality but were instead just part of his neurotic nature. By presenting a gay character who didn’t conform to stereotypes, the show revolutionized the portrayal of homosexuality on television.
Gladwell went on to praise “Will & Grace” as a truly revolutionary show that rewrote the rules of television. For viewers who were accustomed to problematic portrayals of gay characters, the show offered a refreshing perspective. By depicting a gay character with relatable problems, living in an apartment in New York just like everyone else, “Will & Grace” challenged the preconceived notions of what it meant to be gay on TV.
In Gladwell’s opinion, “Will & Grace” is undoubtedly one of the most important television shows of the last 50 years. While he didn’t specify its exact rank, he suggested that it deserves recognition alongside iconic shows like “Archie Bunker” and “60 Minutes.” Conan O’Brien, the host of the talk show, jokingly placed his own show in the top three, showcasing the lively banter between the two.
Overall, Gladwell’s insightful discussion shed light on the impact of “Will & Grace” and its revolutionary portrayal of homosexuality on television. By breaking free from the limitations imposed on gay characters, the show paved the way for more authentic and inclusive storytelling.
