When The Disappointments first appeared in 2018, it quickly stood out for something rarely seen on screen an honest, funny, and emotional look at gay men navigating life after 50.
Created, directed, and starring Rich Burns, the digital series explores what happens when dreams don’t quite turn out the way they were planned. Instead of focusing on youth culture, the show shines a spotlight on friendship, aging, and the messy process of reinventing yourself.
For many viewers, that authenticity is exactly why the series resonates.
A Story About Friendship First
At its core, The Disappointments is about chosen family.
The show follows Ray a silver fox screenwriter trying to survive in Los Angeles while struggling with career uncertainty and personal loss. Supported by his younger partner Dwight, Ray slowly reconnects with longtime friends Gary and James, who are navigating their own midlife crossroads.
Together, they face health scares, missed opportunities, and emotional baggage — but also the humor and warmth that comes with enduring friendships.
This focus on mature LGBTQ+ friendships makes the series stand out in a space often dominated by younger stories.
From Indie Project to Award-Winning Series
After launching a crowd-funding campaign in 2018, the series officially premiered on YouTube in 2021 and later earned a Humanitas Prize, highlighting its emotional depth and storytelling quality.
Fans have waited years for new episodes, and now Season Two brings the entire cast back continuing the story after a dramatic cliffhanger.
According to Burns, the new season goes deeper into the characters’ careers, relationships, and personal growth while introducing new faces and bigger stakes.
Season Two Release Details
Season Two premieres on YouTube with weekly episodes, giving viewers a chance to reconnect with Ray, Gary, and James as they navigate new opportunities and new challenges.
Meanwhile, updated “Director’s Cut” versions of Season One have been released, featuring restored scenes and expanded emotional moments, offering both new and returning fans a richer experience.
🌍 Why This LGBTQ+ Series Matters
While many LGBTQ+ stories focus on early adulthood, The Disappointments explores something rarely seen: what comes next.
The show tackles:
- Career struggles later in life
- Aging in LGBTQ+ spaces
- Long-term friendship dynamics
- The humor found in disappointment
This makes it one of the few series that genuinely reflects the experiences of gay men over 50 a demographic often missing from mainstream streaming content.
❓ FAQs (SEO Snippet Optimized)
What is The Disappointments about?
The series follows a group of gay friends in their 50s dealing with careers, relationships, and midlife challenges while supporting each other through humor and heartbreak.
Where can I watch The Disappointments?
The series is available to stream on YouTube, including updated Director’s Cut episodes.
Who created The Disappointments?
The show was created and directed by Rich Burns, who also stars as the lead character Ray.
Why is this LGBTQ+ series different?
Unlike many shows, it focuses on older LGBTQ+ characters and explores friendship, aging, and personal growth with honesty and humor.
⭐ Final Thoughts
The Disappointments proves that stories about aging, friendship, and second chances can be just as compelling and often more relatable than anything centered on youth.
With humor, heart, and real emotional stakes, it’s a rare LGBTQ+ series that reminds viewers that life doesn’t stop at 50 it simply gets more honest.