Darren Star Doesn’t See Uncoupled As A Story ‘About Gay Characters’ – /Film

While the story of “Uncoupled” focuses primarily on Michael, a real estate agent in New York City that is thrust back into the gay dating scene after Colin (Tuc Watkins), his boyfriend of 17 years, dumps him. Despite the specific and unique nature of the topic at hand, Star explains that this concept is not a new one. Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can feel lost navigating the ever-changing dating scene, especially if they are no longer in a long-term relationship. Ultimately, argues Star, this universal experience is why “Uncoupled” feels as natural as it is.

“It doesn’t mean that straight people aren’t going to find the same emotional resonance for them and their lives,” he said. “Sometimes, the more specific you can make a story, the more universal it becomes.”

Michael’s recent separation isn’t the only one that viewers follow in the series. One of the storylines is his burgeoning friendship with a client named Claire (Marcia Gay Harden), who was recently dumped by her husband. Together, the two find an unlikely connection in the shared experience of sudden heartbreak, becoming stronger in the process.

“[That theme is] a big reason why we wanted a character like Claire in there, but also just to widen out the world,” Star explained. “I wanted to draw that parallel, but also be able to tell somebody else’s story because breakups are just — they’re universal.”

“Uncoupled” is now streaming on Netflix.