In terms of making gay “lifestyles” more palatable to American suburbanites, Will & Grace was a success, albeit a problematic one.
When Will & Grace debuted, it brought queer culture — or at least a version of it — to mainstream America.
But unlike shows such as Queer as Folk, RuPaul’s Drag Race and, to a certain extent, Looking, which are targeted primarily towards gay viewers, Will & Grace was and is very intentionally peddled to a straight audience.
Will & Grace debuts Thursdays at 8/7c this Fall on NBC.