Uncoupled: Gay Dating After 50

Michael (Neil Patrick Harris) has planned the perfect surprise 50^th birthday party for his husband of 17 years, Colin (Tuc Watkins), but just before walking in, Colin informs Michael that he has moved out of their Manhattan home to “figure things out”.  Devasted, Michael agrees to couples therapy, only to dominate the session.  Colin, who doesn’t express his feelings well, makes it clear in a text that he doesn’t believe there is any reason to continue the therapy and officially ends their relationship.  Michael believes that there is another man, only to find out that there is not, which actually hurt him more.  It means that Colin left solely to get away from Michael.  With his life falling apart, Michael must keep his Real Estate business afloat with partner Suzanne (Tisha Campbell) and navigate the scary waters of the gay dating when you are older.

Uncoupled is a new Netflix romantic comedy series written by Darren Star and Jeffrey Richman premiering on July 29^th, 2022.  The show takes a lighthearted look at the effects of a long-term relationship ending and how people deal with the emotional fallout. Set in Manhattan and dealing with affluent characters, the show is less “laugh-track” sitcom and more drama with comedic undertones.  There are some very touching moments interspersed amongst the witty banter and clever dialogue.  It is not clearly stated in the first two episodes, what exactly caused Colin to decide to leave.  The fact that he was turning 50, most likely contributed, but it is also alluded to, that Michael is a bit overbearing and self-centered.   Colin is unable to openly express himself leaving Michael with a frustrated feeling and no resolution.

The actors are all very good.  Neil Patrick Harris does a great job, as usual, playing the exuberant, fun loving gay man.  He has great comic timing, but aptly shows the hurt and tenderness under it all.  Marcia Gay Harden who plays Claire, a client of Michael’s whose life is running in a similar path, shines as the bitter woman who needs to learn how to move on after years of loving and caring for someone.  The supporting actors are all well cast, and the characters are all likeable.  Although there is no real mystery in the plot, I am intrigued to find out what made Colin leave.  It is easy to make Colin out as the bad guy, for leaving they way that he did.  Was it truly just a midlife crisis or was he having an issue with Michael’s overwhelming personality not allowing him to be who he wanted to be. Hopefully future episodes resolve this, both for the audience and the characters.  I hope that throughout the series, the characters have a chance to grow and learn and don’t become stereotypical caricatures.