From left: Debra Messing, Eric McCormack, Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally
Way back in 1998, the popular sitcom, “Will and Grace,” established itself as one of the most successful TV series featuring gay characters in key roles.
There was initial criticism for the then daring move, but the show’s pithy humor made it a fun view even for straight viewers. It was the top-rated sitcom for adults (18-49 years old) from 2001 to 2005.
The show was credited with “improving public opinion of the LGBT community.” US Vice President Joe Biden even categorically declared, “The show probably did more to educate the American public on LGBT issues than almost anything anybody has ever done.”
“Will and Grace” focused on the relationship between Will Truman, a gay lawyer, and his best friend, Grace Adler, who owned an interior design firm. Also featured were their friends, Karen Walker, an alcoholic socialite, and Jack McFarland, a flamboyant gay actor.
Its most significant themes revolved around “the trials and tribulations of dating, marriage, divorce and casual sex.”
Despite its “empowering” success, however, it opted to conclude its storytelling while it was still popular in 2008.
This “grand exit” strategy worked well for the production, because its fans kept badgering NBC to give their favorite show a new lease on life.
Finally, after not quite 10 years of absence, “Will and Grace” will be gracing the 2017 TV season again.
The good news is that all of the original show’s leads will be playing their signature roles: Debra Messing as Grace, Eric McCormack as Will, Megan Mullally as Karen and Sean Hayes as Jack.
The big question now is, what will its new season come up with that won’t look like a rehash of its old episodes?
Its principal characters need to keep in step with the rapidly changing times.
For starters, will their new next-door neighbors be played by Neil Patrick Harris, Ricky Martin, Harvey Fierstein, RuPaul, Ellen DeGeneres, Linda Hunt, Rosie O’Donnell, Aiza Seguerra—and Caitlyn Jenner? Now that’s a neighborhood party we can’t afford to miss!