I moved from my small town to Essex in 1989 i moved into a house share with fellow student nurses and I clearly remember to this day the first Aids patient I cared for. A boy my age in an isolation room, we had to fully gown and mask up, his food was on disposable plates and cutlery. All had to go in inciterater. He got meningitis and was hemorrhaging. No visitors, no one knew he was there. I still see him in that dimly lit room with his red tears. They burned the mattress when he died. I've been a campaigner for many years with various lgbtq+ groups and have been vice chair of our local Pride for the last 2 years.
Thank you Stella . we owe so much to you and the medical staff who lived through those years. the first 2 episodes were just horrific to watch. but the approach changed as better information and knowledge developed-something i dont think the series really shows. i
I love that Russell gives a nod to the nurses portrayed and how they cared for us. At first the lack of knowledge and treatment was horrific. Eventually it evolved and almost always it was the nurses and their compassion that made the biggest difference - to the "us" that were patients and to the "us" that were their "family" visiting and caring for them, even when their blood family didn't.
Very proud to have been one of the people who occupied Manchester town hall in protest of HIV patienst being locked up. This program is very very good.
That's amazing. I've been researching HIV/Aids from both a sociopolitical and medical standpoint for about 10 years or so. I'm not in school or anything, I just wanted to know all I could about it because it's like nothing I've ever heard of before. I can't begin to imagine what that must've been like for you and your loved ones. I'm so very sorry you had to go through something so terrifying. I'm glad you're here to say you were there. Had I not been a very young child at the height of the crisis, I would've stood right there with you. ❤
Brandon, in case no one has ever said it: Thank you for your activism back then. I realize that your were fighting a battle in the moment, but the lasting impact you and your fellow activists had paved the way for the progress that has been made since.
I watched the entire show. A friend of mine lived those years and he s still alive (Hiv +). The show made me cry and the death of Colin was the pick for me.....cried for days!
I'm a 17 year old gay guy. My mom was in her 20s during the 80s, i watched this today and it has honestly broke my heart i must have cried at least 7 times. Thank you for exposing me to the hard hitting truth behind HIV. Thank you to everyone involved.
That's so cool. I love how this series entertained us (God, I couldn't stop crying after the last episode), but it's also really helpful for us to learn more about our history. The hard hitting truth was hard to take at times, wasn't it? Great that it gave you and all of us an insight into this time. Stay safe and well. 💪
Just watched the entire series on E4 and I can honestly say this is one of the best things iv seen in years! I cried I sobbed my heart out I laughed like a drain basically felt every kind of emotion there is.. brilliantly acted brilliant story highly addictive to watch... if this does not win a shed load of awards....then something is seriously wrong!! Thankyou Russel t Davies you delivered the goods again ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT.... IN FACT IM GUNNA WATCH IT ALL AGAIN IT WAS THAT GOOD X ENJOY SWEETHEARTS XXX
Heartbreaking and brilliant. I was an 18 year old student nurse in 1982 when I helped to care for the second HIV patient in the UK. My only gripe with the show was the first hospital depiction - nothing but kindness and compassion was shown to our patients and their partners and families at The Middlesex, likewise at St. Mary's, Paddington, who cared for the first patient. The doctors were ringing the US several times a day for advice in treatment and palliative care - everyone was in the dark. Such a pivotal moment for me as my empathy for all marginalised people kicked in, hard and fast. Thank you all for your amazing work in bringing this era to so many others too.
Thank you Julie. Im sure the intention was not to depict the nurses as uncaring but to remnid us-and the younger people who i hope watch this just what ignorance and prejudice-even among some doctors and nurses HIV and AIDS patients were subjected to in the early years. I was born in the middlesx hospital and had i been a few years older might have died there too. I am a year younger than you
The best drama I have ever seen on TV. Having lived through the era, it brought it all flooding back. I'm one of the lucky ones, I'm still here. I'm glad it's coming out on blu ray, as I'll watch this again and again in the future.
Russell T Davies has created the most incredible show - heartbreaking and uplifting in its own way. I loved it so much. Olly Alexander is brilliant in it x
Having been around in London when AIDS arrived I am looking forward to seeing how this relates to my experience of those times. My research on gay youth in England 1967-1990 has involved collecting stories from many lgbt people who were around then. For most of us, our lives were changed by HIV/AIDS. My book on this will be published this year by the Book Guild Ltd (Courage to Be: Gay Youth in England 1967-1990' by Dr Clifford Williams). Russell T Davies' work is excellent.
It’s amazing. I lost 11 friends to AIDS this series is very true,sadly. My friend Mike died of AIDS his father was an ultra conservative police officer. I visited Mike every day. He wanted to die in his home. I went one day and his house was empty. The neighbours told me he’d died the night before ,his hateful father had took his body and emptied the house in the middle of the night. I couldn’t find where he was going to be buried. Mike was my friend and we were each other’s family. I’m sobbing writing this,even though it was 26 years ago. Mike just vanished. I’m H.I.V negative I’m lucky that’s all. I miss you Mike and I’ll always love you. I hope your father died in agony and alone like he forced you to Phew that was hard to write I don’t know why I’ve even commented. 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔 Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you wake in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft starlight at night. Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. (Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there, I did not die!)
I didn’t live through the AIDS pandemic, I’m only 24, but I witnessed an uncle pass away with it. He looked just like Colin when he went and it was harrowing to relive that memory through this show. But beautiful too. I will be so proud to have lived in the era where HIV has been cured.
The best program ever , I’ve never been so affected by a show , I watched all five back to back , was glued to it , I’ve not cried so much in years , beautiful and sad , heartbreaking, hope it comes out on DVD , plus what a soundtrack
I didn't expect to be as affected by this show as I was. It broke my heart. Brilliantly written/directed/cast etc it was one of the best shows I've ever seen. And it made me feel so lucky that I wasn't old enough to be sexually active during those terrible years, because that's all it is - luck. The last thing to make me cry that hard was Beaches - so you're in excellent company! 😀
Completely blown away by this show, just binged it all. Growing up as a kid in the 80's I've always been very aware of HIV and AIDS , this had me in tears every episode. Fantastic cast and writing, this should win every award going!
There are not enough words to say just how perfect this series is. Everything from the writing, casting and music is beautifully done. I don’t think I’ve ever been so affected by a tv show; I watched it earlier on this week and I can’t stop thinking about it and all the beautiful young people we lost to this terrible disease. As a child of the 80s, I remember it all so clearly. Thank you to all involved, from the very bottom of my heart. Xxx
Me too, was going to watch the first episode and then before I knew it was sobbing at the end of episode 5. The use of music and occasional tv references made it perfect.
a beautiful heartfelt account of a life changing time in our lives . Compelling from start to finish . Special mention to Lydia , you are spellbinding in this epic mini series . Greetings from Sydney
I try to forget about what happened during those years. Those of us who lived through this and survived have strong memories of what happened. I lost many, many friends. We all lost many, many friends. Its painful to think about what happened. I will watch this drama. I want to watch it and I have watched the first two episodes on Channel 4. I will watch it all the way through but at the same time I will find it a struggle to watch. I know its 30-40 years ago, but it feels like it was only yesterday.
I'm so sorry to hear this. Nathanial Hall, one of the many fabulous actors on this series, said it's like they are reopening an unhealed wound. I can only imagine this is how you feel from watching this. So desperately sad.
I totally understand. I got through 30 minutes of the first episode and had to stop watching, after 40 years and it's still too fresh to watch. But I definitely will get back to it.
George Bennett. I was a teen in the 80's. Didn't really have any gay friends and live in a closeted area still so appreciated this show being made. I just remember adverts and blaming one section of society and all the misconception that you actually died of HIV. The press was truly awful in the 80's and sad that people who were suffering were just put away because of lack of compassion. Everyone were so uncomfortable with coming out, so no wonder many lived and still live a lie. I hope that we as a society are more aware. Take care.
Yep this was my youth as well . I , like Jill, shared an apartment with some Fabulous gay men. Also studied dance and worked in hospitality so they were a huge part of my early 20’s. This show has been so hard to watch as I am reminded of so many YOUNG, warm, brilliant, loving and vulnerable men whose lives became hell in an instant and who were gone far too soon.
I watched it a couple of days ago, and I remember living through this time of ignorance and was an intravenous heroin addict of sweet 16, hence it could have been me, I consider myself lucky to walk away having had HepB, and HepC to come out very many years later. That time, the ignorance and hate people getting their doors kicked in, and the front of their houses being marked up outside in red spray paint. I can't even think about this show without a tear or 2 coming to my eyes, as it was so beautiful, tragic and moving, and a very real reflection of events that were taking place in the UK at the time.
I have watched all 5 episodes and will watch them again. I was around during that time but not in London. Watching this makes me wish I had lived my life a bit like the people in the story but, at the same time, wonder if I had if I would have lived or died. I have all sorts of different feelings but found the series very moving - nothing like a good cry to show my enjoyment. It reminded me of Don't Ever Wipe Tears Without Gloves, a similar themed story in Swedish - another tear jerker. Both great shows.
We binged it last night and I have never cried so much at a TV programme or film. I full on wept and didn't sleep well last night as it's all i could think about. I learnt so much about the crisis. I couldn't even take comfort in saying "it's just TV" as it's real! Well done to everyone involved, it's so important to talk about and remember.
Same I cried several times especially last episode. Loved the little bits of humour to.. excellent actors should receive awards. Excellent directed , written and produced
This is such an amazing drama - the storyline, writing, casting, filmography, acting is just Stella. And provides a snapshot into the 80s that not everyone saw but which must not be forgotten. Thank you to all involved.
This show has had such a profound impact on me. I've felt a huge sense of loss, anger and sadness. Like Keeley says in the video, I also can't talk about this show without crying. Everyone needs to watch it.
I think everyone has done that 😂. I was up until 0430 and I was up at 7 with my ten month old! Lol. One of the best pieces of television I have ever seen.
I watched the first episode on C4 and then binged the rest that same night - I went to bed at about 2am and couldn’t sleep - I was just so moved. And then watching this today I ugly cried again. I totally understand Keeley’s reaction when talking about the show and the characters. I want to watch each episode again but it’s 9:25am and I’ll just look a big puffy-eyed mess for the rest of the day if I do!
As a 52year old man, brought back my youth in seconds, house bumps, lots of tears of how being gay as a young guy in the 80s....shocking how it was handled n treated 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
Like most who have watched the series, I went through almost every emotion possible. I remember this time so vividly and it captured it better than I could have ever imagined. The best thing I’ve seen for a long long time. Massive well done to all involved ❤️
A massive triumph of a show, funny, sad, poignant, educational. Rollercoaster of emotions, literally wept & laughed.. beautifully written & acted.. ThankQ, best watch in ages xx
I have watched the series twice now. The importance of the combined creative is immense. The teams behind and in front of the camera are excellent and so fit-for-purpose. I was 18 in 1984. This work celebrates many lives, and thank the gods it does!
I've just watched the hole thing in one sitting WOW how powerful was that, I feel in love with all the characters, and I really cried, I cried my eyes out, Well done to Russell T Davis and all the cast, just might watch it again, 😊
Great to hear Russel T Davis about this work. Remarkable series which I am watching week by week because I want the series to last as long as it can. Brilliant acting, harrowing stories told with love and humanity. It's been the most entertaining and informative British TV drama series I have seen for a long time. Fantastic to see the cast talk about their experiences.
In shock - my life 1980 to 1988 when I met my partner - I lost so so many friends it brought it all back. An educational archive of that bit of gay history- so not told and lacking to date. A must see for all young gay men - get off Grindr and grow up !
Best show I’ve watched in a very long time. Sad that shows like Bridgerton etc grab all the headlines. Don’t mind admitting, there were a few scenes that moved me to tears. Excellent.
Like the wonderful Keeley Hawes said, it's hard to talk about IAS without crying. Even watching this discussion made me cry. IAS just blew me away, not only because it was so moving and so relatable (I sometimes felt I was watching a film of my life), but also because these brilliant, brilliant actors made the characters so completely real and likeable (even though they weren't really all that nice some of the time, except for Jill). I think it is truly a masterpiece. And yes, the first British drama about the crisis.
Cried my eyes out so much I cried in heartbreak ,I cried happy tears in moments with them . I mean wow what a powerful beautiful series and the cast where absolutely fantastic. Well done but my god wow . I couldn’t stop watching ended up binge watching and finished it at 5am . It taught me so much an I’m a straight female , we have a family friend who is struggling with aids and it really hit home.
Such an accurate depiction of the world I lived in for the first few years of the 80’s as a young woman studying dance and working in hospitality. So many fabulous people, so much fun and love - followed by such pain and cruelty on the one hand, love and empathy on the other. Well done to creators, cast and crew.
Watching this series was such an emotional experience. I can't imagine what it was like to live through at the time, so thank you for providing us with this opportunity to watch.
Such a wonderful series that covered all the angles of lgbtqia life and struggles. It was the attitudes of the health professionals that shocked me. I was fortunate to move to London and do extensive outreach work with the gay and lesbian community around sexual health & substance misuse. I met many gay men who shared their HIV stories with me and counselled many. I feel grateful to have had those experiences. I definitely think this new generation still need education around sexual health and knowledge on what services are available. With the rise of apps & the chemsex scene these are conversations that need to be normalised. 🏳️🌈🎓👏🏾🎬❤️ It would be interesting to also hear how HIV affects lesbian women those stories are not being told, yet.
A huge shout out of gratitude to all of you that were involved in the production of It's a Sin. Beautifully written produced and acted. You all have every right to be proud of your work. I love especially that Nathaniel refers to his "chosen family" as that is exactly what we called ourselves back then. Most of my "family" didn't survive and it was bittersweet to be so vividly reminded of them and to hear the soundtrack of our lives and to remember the laughter and the tears. I must admit that I cried my eyes out over Colin who in my "family" was Tom - same sweetness and innocence and wonder. And episode 5 was OMG! I smell many nominations for this show but especially for Olly Keeley and Lydia. To borrow a phrase from your country, Well Done You!
The best TV. Incredibly moving, powerful, humbling, and educational. Indebted to Russel T Davies, and the whole team for this incredible production. Lost for words.
Absolute amazing emotional series ever. I loved the love they shared as friends and Colins mum was so lovely. I find it very difficult to see how a parent can turn their back on their own child. I grew up in that era, teens and 20s, and although not gay myself, I saw so many bad things, a friend losing his job in the police, when they found out he was gay and another friend losing her 3 year old son to his father (who had never bothered with him), because she came out after they split, her lawyer advising her not to admit to her sexuality, as she would have a better chance of keeping her son. And my lovely great uncle, who had lived a lie his whole life, with his partner of 40 years, getting driven out of their home by idiots who said they were dirty and infected, they moved to another area, only to die within a year of each other, both in their 80s. This series just highlighted how bad it was back then, even though it had been made legal , which in itself is mad. I hope things are much better now.
All the cast were very good, including Olly, but I was particularly impressed with Omari Douglas. I remember Olly’s character in Skins. The creepy yet captivating photographer.
One of the most powerful things Ive ever watched. Unreal. Also to note that Nicola has Mirror Hillsborough The Real Truth headline framed in the background. Thank you YNWA
I watched the final episode today, and I am still overwhelmed and sad, this is a mustsee really, for everyone. The amount of talent of the cast is limitless , I knew Olly Alexander is a very special talent, and Keeley Hawes is a great actress, but the one that blew me away was Callum Scott Howells , as Collin he is so natural, so phenomenal! Yes the series is tragic, but my lord, how fantastic!
It was brilliant & will haunt me for days. Thank you everyone for doing amazing work. I was invested in the characters & story from the very first scene to the last. Thank you again. Oh & whoever was able to get the green light on the Kate Bush song....extra kudos!
I love when something this good still happens on tv. Everytime something good comes out and i watch it i feel like nothing else is ever gonna be this good. But we still create. Can't wait for next great thing
It was the best tv series i have ever watched it made me cry made me laugh absolute tv magic. Should be more like this on tv. Binged watched it twice and will again acting on point music brilliant everything about it was just amazing. 👏🔥❤💙💚🧡💛💜
Heartbreaking, funny....this brilliantly written and excellent cast has made this series one of the best ever. Dispelled all the myths and ignorance surrounding HIV
lovely to see the cast chat. Great series - everything was wonderful and awful at the same time. But so much heart with Its a sin. People who dont know anything about this era will find this accessible. well done. please Make more wonderful shows Russell- big fan. Finally, I was like Rosco- i made a strong exit from from home and headed to London. lol
This is 1 of the best Tv dramas ive had the pleasure to watch amazing fun outrageous comedy the whole cast were brilliant but with a very real & important message touched my heart can't wait for more of this snapshot of life for our LGBT+ nonbrinary brothers and sisters mixed with humour & sadness simply just so good ill watch it over & over Love this show
A tour de force, powerful telling writing and fantastic empathetic performances from all such that we felt we were their friends too, and I choked up numerous times as we all have done. In particular, it had lots to tell us about the family - haven and prison, the one that you are born into and alternative ones that we make and choose which collided with and threatened those clinging to the Thatcherite ideal nuclear aspirational family (as brilliantly illustrated by Keeley Hawkes as Valerie). She kept up a conservative appearance, but made her own neurotic twisted reality a vicious suffocating denial of the reality of her son as he wanted to be. She literally kept others out, and other family models out, of her private family, literally keeping Jill and Roscoe out. It's a Sin is drama of the highest order, teaching us not just about the horror of and resistance to the AIDS crisis, but about our wider society. Bravo!
Russel T Davies, quite aside from his brilliant writing, must be one of the most engaging speakers I've ever listened to. I could listen to him talk about just about anything for ages.
I can't even begin to describe how much the series makes me happy, angry and sad. It's beautiful. But let me be clear. If anyone breaks the rules of science and uses that to hurt my friends, I will find you. Because that shit needs to stop. I love you all. xxx
If you liked the It's a Sin series, I highly recommend the Swedish miniseries Don't Ever Wipe Tears Without Gloves (Torka Aldrig Tårar Utan Handskar). Thematically it is very similar - about a group of gay friends affected by the AIDS epidemic. There is also, for example, a young boy who comes to a big city and starts enjoying "being gay", homophobia… It's in a slightly different mood, but it's also very good and it's very interesting to compare it with It's a Sin.
Whenever a drama is made regarding the 1980s era today, the programme creators don't quite get all of the trends quite right! That covers a wide range. It is their version of the 1980s!
Just watched the whole series. Really great! But what was so shocking that they mentioned at approximately 40:30 in the above interview ? Matt says something happens early on that he's never seen before. I was waiting for something shocking to happen in the series and saw nothing at all "shocking". Did I miss something?
I moved from my small town to Essex in 1989 i moved into a house share with fellow student nurses and I clearly remember to this day the first Aids patient I cared for.
A boy my age in an isolation room, we had to fully gown and mask up, his food was on disposable plates and cutlery. All had to go in inciterater. He got meningitis and was hemorrhaging. No visitors, no one knew he was there. I still see him in that dimly lit room with his red tears.
They burned the mattress when he died.
I've been a campaigner for many years with various lgbtq+ groups and have been vice chair of our local Pride for the last 2 years.
Thank you Stella . we owe so much to you and the medical staff who lived through those years. the first 2 episodes were just horrific to watch. but the approach changed as better information and knowledge developed-something i dont think the series really shows. i
You're beautiful
I love that Russell gives a nod to the nurses portrayed and how they cared for us. At first the lack of knowledge and treatment was horrific. Eventually it evolved and almost always it was the nurses and their compassion that made the biggest difference - to the "us" that were patients and to the "us" that were their "family" visiting and caring for them, even when their blood family didn't.
Thank you
Very proud to have been one of the people who occupied Manchester town hall in protest of HIV patienst being locked up. This program is very very good.
I was horrified when I saw that, I know people were afraid but how barbaric
That's amazing. I've been researching HIV/Aids from both a sociopolitical and medical standpoint for about 10 years or so. I'm not in school or anything, I just wanted to know all I could about it because it's like nothing I've ever heard of before. I can't begin to imagine what that must've been like for you and your loved ones. I'm so very sorry you had to go through something so terrifying. I'm glad you're here to say you were there. Had I not been a very young child at the height of the crisis, I would've stood right there with you. ❤
Brandon, in case no one has ever said it: Thank you for your activism back then. I realize that your were fighting a battle in the moment, but the lasting impact you and your fellow activists had paved the way for the progress that has been made since.
Just watched the whole series. Wonderful and so moving. Cried my eyes out.
Aren’t you lucky.Do you know if the series will be on Netflix please?
@@kesfatih it’s on 40d
@@kesfatih get a VPN and watch on Channel 4 UK's 4 On Demand catch up service. The whole season is there
Nina it's on Ch4
I watched the entire show. A friend of mine lived those years and he s still alive (Hiv +). The show made me cry and the death of Colin was the pick for me.....cried for days!
I'm a 17 year old gay guy. My mom was in her 20s during the 80s, i watched this today and it has honestly broke my heart i must have cried at least 7 times. Thank you for exposing me to the hard hitting truth behind HIV. Thank you to everyone involved.
That's so cool. I love how this series entertained us (God, I couldn't stop crying after the last episode), but it's also really helpful for us to learn more about our history. The hard hitting truth was hard to take at times, wasn't it? Great that it gave you and all of us an insight into this time. Stay safe and well. 💪
Music and clubs were all better back in the 80/90’s.
@@simongreasley8643 the 80s music was so good.
What did your Mum think? Lovely comment btw.
Hats off to your mum she sounds great and the same age as me - I was in my 20's too.
Just watched the entire series on E4 and I can honestly say this is one of the best things iv seen in years! I cried I sobbed my heart out I laughed like a drain basically felt every kind of emotion there is.. brilliantly acted brilliant story highly addictive to watch... if this does not win a shed load of awards....then something is seriously wrong!! Thankyou Russel t Davies you delivered the goods again ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT.... IN FACT IM GUNNA WATCH IT ALL AGAIN IT WAS THAT GOOD X ENJOY SWEETHEARTS XXX
Heartbreaking and brilliant. I was an 18 year old student nurse in 1982 when I helped to care for the second HIV patient in the UK. My only gripe with the show was the first hospital depiction - nothing but kindness and compassion was shown to our patients and their partners and families at The Middlesex, likewise at St. Mary's, Paddington, who cared for the first patient. The doctors were ringing the US several times a day for advice in treatment and palliative care - everyone was in the dark. Such a pivotal moment for me as my empathy for all marginalised people kicked in, hard and fast.
Thank you all for your amazing work in bringing this era to so many others too.
Thank you Julie. Im sure the intention was not to depict the nurses as uncaring but to remnid us-and the younger people who i hope watch this just what ignorance and prejudice-even among some doctors and nurses HIV and AIDS patients were subjected to in the early years. I was born in the middlesx hospital and had i been a few years older might have died there too. I am a year younger than you
How lovely is Callum 😭 he seems so bowled over by the whole thing & happy. It’s so endearing! 🧡
I’ve never ever cried over a series, this made me bawl my eyes out at 4:03 AM
Me too .. I was a blubbering mess even thinking of it now
Same here
The best drama I have ever seen on TV. Having lived through the era, it brought it all flooding back. I'm one of the lucky ones, I'm still here. I'm glad it's coming out on blu ray, as I'll watch this again and again in the future.
Russell T Davies has created the most incredible show - heartbreaking and uplifting in its own way. I loved it so much. Olly Alexander is brilliant in it x
Having been around in London when AIDS arrived I am looking forward to seeing how this relates to my experience of those times. My research on gay youth in England 1967-1990 has involved collecting stories from many lgbt people who were around then. For most of us, our lives were changed by HIV/AIDS. My book on this will be published this year by the Book Guild Ltd (Courage to Be: Gay Youth in England 1967-1990' by Dr Clifford Williams). Russell T Davies' work is excellent.
Looking forward to reading your book mate x
Sounds fantastic. Do you have any social media or a mailing list so i can make sure i don't miss the book when it's out?
Savvy B I second this, let us know how we can keep up pre-release!
binge watched over night amazing
Me too mark absolutely brilliant and very addictive I'm gunna watch it again tonight x ATB XXX
INCREDIBLE SHOW
It’s amazing. I lost 11 friends to AIDS this series is very true,sadly. My friend Mike died of AIDS his father was an ultra conservative police officer. I visited Mike every day. He wanted to die in his home. I went one day and his house was empty. The neighbours told me he’d died the night before ,his hateful father had took his body and emptied the house in the middle of the night. I couldn’t find where he was going to be buried. Mike was my friend and we were each other’s family. I’m sobbing writing this,even though it was 26 years ago. Mike just vanished. I’m H.I.V negative I’m lucky that’s all. I miss you Mike and I’ll always love you. I hope your father died in agony and alone like he forced you to
Phew that was hard to write I don’t know why I’ve even commented.
💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
(Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!)
This is such a sad post. Mike was fortunate to have such a true friend x
So sad that story why gay people get hated 😢 i don't hate them
Thank you for sharing your story, Mike had a great friend in you x
this is so sad. How can you not love and support your own son is beyond me x
Thank you for sharing your story. I am so sad for you and of course Mike.
I didn’t live through the AIDS pandemic, I’m only 24, but I witnessed an uncle pass away with it. He looked just like Colin when he went and it was harrowing to relive that memory through this show. But beautiful too. I will be so proud to have lived in the era where HIV has been cured.
When was it cured?
It hasn’t been cured yet...
"I will be" is key here, Allen and Kris. Andrew is looking to the future. He's not saying it has been cured. When it is, he will be.
No cure as yet, through medication people can now survive with it
This series touched me more than I could have ever imagined. Happy, funny, sad, strong, vulnerable, but most of all.... truthful.
The best program ever , I’ve never been so affected by a show , I watched all five back to back , was glued to it , I’ve not cried so much in years , beautiful and sad , heartbreaking, hope it comes out on DVD , plus what a soundtrack
It will be available on dvd later 🤗
I didn't expect to be as affected by this show as I was. It broke my heart. Brilliantly written/directed/cast etc it was one of the best shows I've ever seen. And it made me feel so lucky that I wasn't old enough to be sexually active during those terrible years, because that's all it is - luck. The last thing to make me cry that hard was Beaches - so you're in excellent company! 😀
Me too. Kept it together until the end when Jill kissed his hand.
Hi same here was a kid in the 80's just grateful I wasn't an adult back then
Completely blown away by this show, just binged it all. Growing up as a kid in the 80's I've always been very aware of HIV and AIDS , this had me in tears every episode. Fantastic cast and writing, this should win every award going!
There are not enough words to say just how perfect this series is. Everything from the writing, casting and music is beautifully done. I don’t think I’ve ever been so affected by a tv show; I watched it earlier on this week and I can’t stop thinking about it and all the beautiful young people we lost to this terrible disease. As a child of the 80s, I remember it all so clearly. Thank you to all involved, from the very bottom of my heart. Xxx
Bawled my bloody eyes out towards the end of episode five. Such an INCREDIBLE series!! 😍
Me too, was going to watch the first episode and then before I knew it was sobbing at the end of episode 5. The use of music and occasional tv references made it perfect.
a beautiful heartfelt account of a life changing time in our lives . Compelling from start to finish . Special mention to Lydia , you are spellbinding in this epic mini series . Greetings from Sydney
I try to forget about what happened during those years. Those of us who lived through this and survived have strong memories of what happened. I lost many, many friends. We all lost many, many friends. Its painful to think about what happened. I will watch this drama. I want to watch it and I have watched the first two episodes on Channel 4. I will watch it all the way through but at the same time I will find it a struggle to watch. I know its 30-40 years ago, but it feels like it was only yesterday.
I didn't live through this and it was a tough watch so I can't imagine how you must feel ❤️
I'm so sorry to hear this. Nathanial Hall, one of the many fabulous actors on this series, said it's like they are reopening an unhealed wound. I can only imagine this is how you feel from watching this. So desperately sad.
I totally understand. I got through 30 minutes of the first episode and had to stop watching, after 40 years and it's still too fresh to watch. But I definitely will get back to it.
George Bennett. I was a teen in the 80's. Didn't really have any gay friends and live in a closeted area still so appreciated this show being made. I just remember adverts and blaming one section of society and all the misconception that you actually died of HIV. The press was truly awful in the 80's and sad that people who were suffering were just put away because of lack of compassion. Everyone were so uncomfortable with coming out, so no wonder many lived and still live a lie. I hope that we as a society are more aware. Take care.
Yep this was my youth as well . I , like Jill, shared an apartment with some
Fabulous gay men. Also studied dance and worked in hospitality so they were a huge part of my early 20’s. This show has been so hard to watch as I am reminded of so many YOUNG, warm, brilliant, loving and vulnerable men whose lives became hell in an instant and who were gone far too soon.
Great to hear from the cast and creators about their experiences making the show. I’m really looking forward to this. Thank you, BFI, for this Q&A.
Thank you Russell for this important piece of television.
I watched it a couple of days ago, and I remember living through this time of ignorance and was an intravenous heroin addict of sweet 16, hence it could have been me, I consider myself lucky to walk away having had HepB, and HepC to come out very many years later. That time, the ignorance and hate people getting their doors kicked in, and the front of their houses being marked up outside in red spray paint. I can't even think about this show without a tear or 2 coming to my eyes, as it was so beautiful, tragic and moving, and a very real reflection of events that were taking place in the UK at the time.
Me too I was in my teens when this was happening. I binged watched it and it had me in floods of tears
Such a heartbreaking and moving series, it will stay with me for a very long time.
I have watched all 5 episodes and will watch them again. I was around during that time but not in London. Watching this makes me wish I had lived my life a bit like the people in the story but, at the same time, wonder if I had if I would have lived or died. I have all sorts of different feelings but found the series very moving - nothing like a good cry to show my enjoyment. It reminded me of Don't Ever Wipe Tears Without Gloves, a similar themed story in Swedish - another tear jerker. Both great shows.
I've never cried so much and now I want more.
We binged it last night and I have never cried so much at a TV programme or film. I full on wept and didn't sleep well last night as it's all i could think about. I learnt so much about the crisis. I couldn't even take comfort in saying "it's just TV" as it's real!
Well done to everyone involved, it's so important to talk about and remember.
Same I cried several times especially last episode. Loved the little bits of humour to.. excellent actors should receive awards. Excellent directed , written and produced
I'll never be over this show - Olly Alexander is transcendent.
This is such an amazing drama - the storyline, writing, casting, filmography, acting is just Stella. And provides a snapshot into the 80s that not everyone saw but which must not be forgotten. Thank you to all involved.
loved this . Watched the whole series. Broke my heart , by the end was sobbing . Brilliant
Thank you again channel 4 and a huge thanks to Russel T Davies. Very powerful
This show has had such a profound impact on me. I've felt a huge sense of loss, anger and sadness. Like Keeley says in the video, I also can't talk about this show without crying. Everyone needs to watch it.
I planned on watching one episode but instead stayed up all night and finished the whole series.
Me too, Friday overnight and cried at the end. The use of music was incredible and the references to TV as well
I think everyone has done that 😂. I was up until 0430 and I was up at 7 with my ten month old! Lol. One of the best pieces of television I have ever seen.
Me too.
I watched the first episode on C4 and then binged the rest that same night - I went to bed at about 2am and couldn’t sleep - I was just so moved. And then watching this today I ugly cried again. I totally understand Keeley’s reaction when talking about the show and the characters. I want to watch each episode again but it’s 9:25am and I’ll just look a big puffy-eyed mess for the rest of the day if I do!
Excellent production. Very raw and emotional in parts. This story needed to be told. Thank you
As a 52year old man, brought back my youth in seconds, house bumps, lots of tears of how being gay as a young guy in the 80s....shocking how it was handled n treated 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
Like most who have watched the series, I went through almost every emotion possible. I remember this time so vividly and it captured it better than I could have ever imagined. The best thing I’ve seen for a long long time. Massive well done to all involved ❤️
Watched the whole thing and I'm still getting over it. It's great but incredibly harrowing.
A massive triumph of a show, funny, sad, poignant, educational. Rollercoaster of emotions, literally wept & laughed.. beautifully written & acted.. ThankQ, best watch in ages xx
I have watched the series twice now. The importance of the combined creative is immense. The teams behind and in front of the camera are excellent and so fit-for-purpose. I was 18 in 1984. This work celebrates many lives, and thank the gods it does!
What an amazing and moving piece of tv never seen anything like it and don’t think I ever will again!
Watched it 2 times now. Its just brilliant!🤩❤️😭
I loved the whole series and cried and laughed. It was amazing. And so educational. I loved the close bond of the friends. Well done and thank you x
I've just watched the hole thing in one sitting WOW how powerful was that, I feel in love with all the characters, and I really cried, I cried my eyes out, Well done to Russell T Davis and all the cast, just might watch it again, 😊
Absolute fucking masterpiece of a show. It deserves all the awards. Congrats to everyone involved.
Binged in 3 days... last episode i just silently cried. Absolutely amazing
Great to hear Russel T Davis about this work. Remarkable series which I am watching week by week because I want the series to last as long as it can. Brilliant acting, harrowing stories told with love and humanity. It's been the most entertaining and informative British TV drama series I have seen for a long time. Fantastic to see the cast talk about their experiences.
Cried my eyes out, wonderful drama
Awww steven please dont cry like me2😢😢
Wonderful! The best thing I’ve watched, ever! Thank u for telling this story.
Just watched the 5 part series and couldn't stop crying on those who lost their lives.
I've done an overnighter watching the whole series. Such great performances from a great cast and great stories. Really got to me. Well done guys :)
this was brilliant. The ending had me in tears. Amazing characters and storyline
Absolutely brilliant series! Wonderful writing and beautifully portrayed by the cast, thank you all for creating a masterpiece x
In shock - my life 1980 to 1988 when I met my partner - I lost so so many friends it brought it all back. An educational archive of that bit of gay history- so not told and lacking to date. A must see for all young gay men - get off Grindr and grow up !
Best show I’ve watched in a very long time. Sad that shows like Bridgerton etc grab all the headlines. Don’t mind admitting, there were a few scenes that moved me to tears. Excellent.
Like the wonderful Keeley Hawes said, it's hard to talk about IAS without crying. Even watching this discussion made me cry. IAS just blew me away, not only because it was so moving and so relatable (I sometimes felt I was watching a film of my life), but also because these brilliant, brilliant actors made the characters so completely real and likeable (even though they weren't really all that nice some of the time, except for Jill). I think it is truly a masterpiece. And yes, the first British drama about the crisis.
Cried my eyes out so much I cried in heartbreak ,I cried happy tears in moments with them . I mean wow what a powerful beautiful series and the cast where absolutely fantastic. Well done but my god wow . I couldn’t stop watching ended up binge watching and finished it at 5am . It taught me so much an I’m a straight female , we have a family friend who is struggling with aids and it really hit home.
Such an accurate depiction of the world I lived in for the first few years of the 80’s as a young woman studying dance and working in hospitality. So many fabulous people, so much fun and love - followed by such pain and cruelty on the one hand, love and empathy on the other. Well done to creators, cast and crew.
Watching this series was such an emotional experience. I can't imagine what it was like to live through at the time, so thank you for providing us with this opportunity to watch.
Such a wonderful series that covered all the angles of lgbtqia life and struggles. It was the attitudes of the health professionals that shocked me. I was fortunate to move to London and do extensive outreach work with the gay and lesbian community around sexual health & substance misuse. I met many gay men who shared their HIV stories with me and counselled many. I feel grateful to have had those experiences. I definitely think this new generation still need education around sexual health and knowledge on what services are available. With the rise of apps & the chemsex scene these are conversations that need to be normalised. 🏳️🌈🎓👏🏾🎬❤️ It would be interesting to also hear how HIV affects lesbian women those stories are not being told, yet.
A huge shout out of gratitude to all of you that were involved in the production of It's a Sin. Beautifully written produced and acted. You all have every right to be proud of your work. I love especially that Nathaniel refers to his "chosen family" as that is exactly what we called ourselves back then. Most of my "family" didn't survive and it was bittersweet to be so vividly reminded of them and to hear the soundtrack of our lives and to remember the laughter and the tears. I must admit that I cried my eyes out over Colin who in my "family" was Tom - same sweetness and innocence and wonder. And episode 5 was OMG! I smell many nominations for this show but especially for Olly Keeley and Lydia. To borrow a phrase from your country, Well Done You!
The best TV. Incredibly moving, powerful, humbling, and educational. Indebted to Russel T Davies, and the whole team for this incredible production. Lost for words.
Absolute amazing emotional series ever. I loved the love they shared as friends and Colins mum was so lovely. I find it very difficult to see how a parent can turn their back on their own child.
I grew up in that era, teens and 20s, and although not gay myself, I saw so many bad things, a friend losing his job in the police, when they found out he was gay and another friend losing her 3 year old son to his father (who had never bothered with him), because she came out after they split, her lawyer advising her not to admit to her sexuality, as she would have a better chance of keeping her son. And my lovely great uncle, who had lived a lie his whole life, with his partner of 40 years, getting driven out of their home by idiots who said they were dirty and infected, they moved to another area, only to die within a year of each other, both in their 80s.
This series just highlighted how bad it was back then, even though it had been made legal , which in itself is mad.
I hope things are much better now.
This was absolutely stunning thank you so much for this panel ! Thank you so much for this tv show
If Olly dosnt get awards for his acting I’m gonna start a war lol Olly for a singer is absolutely incredible.
He was acting before singing, see Skins, Series 2 Channel 4, 2008 👍
All the cast were very good, including Olly, but I was particularly impressed with Omari Douglas.
I remember Olly’s character in Skins. The creepy yet captivating photographer.
One of the most powerful things Ive ever watched. Unreal. Also to note that Nicola has Mirror Hillsborough The Real Truth headline framed in the background. Thank you YNWA
Last year, Ever and Ever was the best drama on television. This year it’s going to be It’s a Sin. Thank you, Russell Davies.
Really enjoyed this interview, thank you. Nice to see so many cast and crew and sensitive questions from the chair.
I watched the final episode today, and I am still overwhelmed and sad, this is a mustsee really, for everyone. The amount of talent of the cast is limitless , I knew Olly Alexander is a very special talent, and Keeley Hawes is a great actress, but the one that blew me away was Callum Scott Howells , as Collin he is so natural, so phenomenal! Yes the series is tragic, but my lord, how fantastic!
It was brilliant & will haunt me for days. Thank you everyone for doing amazing work. I was invested in the characters & story from the very first scene to the last. Thank you again. Oh & whoever was able to get the green light on the Kate Bush song....extra kudos!
Watched the lot on Monday, absolutely brilliant but broke my heart 💔. Fantastic cast xx
I love when something this good still happens on tv. Everytime something good comes out and i watch it i feel like nothing else is ever gonna be this good. But we still create. Can't wait for next great thing
Remarkable drama. I'm on my 3rd binge. I've cried so much.
One of the best series I’ve ever watched
Amazing , watched the whole season twice love Olly x
44:12 wait so why are we not getting 20 episodes? this show is sooo good and heartbreaking but it was so short. they could touch on so much more 😭😭
It was the best tv series i have ever watched it made me cry made me laugh absolute tv magic. Should be more like this on tv. Binged watched it twice and will again acting on point music brilliant everything about it was just amazing. 👏🔥❤💙💚🧡💛💜
Heartbreaking, funny....this brilliantly written and excellent cast has made this series one of the best ever. Dispelled all the myths and ignorance surrounding HIV
lovely to see the cast chat. Great series - everything was wonderful and awful at the same time. But so much heart with Its a sin. People who dont know anything about this era will find this accessible. well done. please Make more wonderful shows Russell- big fan. Finally, I was like Rosco- i made a strong exit from from home and headed to London. lol
Recently finished watching the show and loved it!
Watched 4 of theses last night going to watch the rest tonite fantastic
This is 1 of the best Tv dramas ive had the pleasure to watch amazing fun outrageous comedy the whole cast were brilliant but with a very real & important message touched my heart can't wait for more of this snapshot of life for our LGBT+ nonbrinary brothers and sisters mixed with humour & sadness simply just so good ill watch it over & over Love this show
A tour de force, powerful telling writing and fantastic empathetic performances from all such that we felt we were their friends too, and I choked up numerous times as we all have done. In particular, it had lots to tell us about the family - haven and prison, the one that you are born into and alternative ones that we make and choose which collided with and threatened those clinging to the Thatcherite ideal nuclear aspirational family (as brilliantly illustrated by Keeley Hawkes as Valerie). She kept up a conservative appearance, but made her own neurotic twisted reality a vicious suffocating denial of the reality of her son as he wanted to be. She literally kept others out, and other family models out, of her private family, literally keeping Jill and Roscoe out. It's a Sin is drama of the highest order, teaching us not just about the horror of and resistance to the AIDS crisis, but about our wider society. Bravo!
The Plié - I was gone 🥲
Russel T Davies, quite aside from his brilliant writing, must be one of the most engaging speakers I've ever listened to. I could listen to him talk about just about anything for ages.
I can't even begin to describe how much the series makes me happy, angry and sad. It's beautiful. But let me be clear. If anyone breaks the rules of science and uses that to hurt my friends, I will find you. Because that shit needs to stop. I love you all. xxx
My God, Russell seems like an absolutely gorgeous person!
Watched all the series in one go last night and i loved it so well done all the actors and actresses.
Absolutely brilliant show. Fantastic cast amazing Russell T Davies. I love Colin x
Just watched the last episode 😢😢😢you ALL deserve a award well done 👍👍👍👍
If you liked the It's a Sin series, I highly recommend the Swedish miniseries Don't Ever Wipe Tears Without Gloves (Torka Aldrig Tårar Utan Handskar). Thematically it is very similar - about a group of gay friends affected by the AIDS epidemic. There is also, for example, a young boy who comes to a big city and starts enjoying "being gay", homophobia… It's in a slightly different mood, but it's also very good and it's very interesting to compare it with It's a Sin.
Loved this it made me cry in places - one massive style error though, everyone in the 80's was either peroxide blonde or had highlights in their hair!
Whenever a drama is made regarding the 1980s era today, the programme creators don't quite get all of the trends quite right! That covers a wide range. It is their version of the 1980s!
I mean, I don’t think everyone did 😁
I would have watched a hundred episodes
Fantastic series which I had to binge watch! What an incredible cast.
Not Keeley Hawes making me cry UGH-gain!
Just watched the whole series. Really great! But what was so shocking that they mentioned at approximately 40:30 in the above interview ? Matt says something happens early on that he's never seen before. I was waiting for something shocking to happen in the series and saw nothing at all "shocking". Did I miss something?
It was when Ash told Ritchie he needed a good clean ‘down below’ gay sex on tv is normally sanitised .
Roller coaster - absolutely brilliant!!