Q-Force (TV series)

Last updated

Q-Force
Genre
Created by
Written byGabe Liedman
Voices of
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producers
  • Gabe Liedman
  • Todd Milliner
  • David Miner
  • Michael Schur
  • Sean Hayes
Production companies
Distributor NBCUniversal Television Distribution
Release
Original network Netflix

Q-Force is an upcoming adult animated comedy series on Netflix. [1] [2] [3] In April 2019, Netflix ordered 10 episodes of the series, with Gabe Liedman as a showrunner, along with Sean Hayes, Todd Milliner, and others as executive producers. [4] It is scheduled to be released on September 2, 2021. [5] [6]

Contents

Premise

This series is about a group of undervalued LGBT superspies, and is centered on a gay secret agent who is like James Bond, Steve Marywhether (also known as Agent Mary), as they try to prove themselves on personal and professional adventures. [7] [8] [9] [10] One day, Mary decides to prove himself to the American Intelligence Agency (AIA), solve a case, and get the approval of the agency, but they have to add a new member to their team, a straight guy. [11] [12]

Voice cast and characters

Production and release

Hayes and Milliner had been considering the idea for the series for some time. Milliner called a spy TV series tough to make and Hayes said that they were thinking how to get such a series, and have it animated, while having "the fun parts of a James Bond film." He added that animation allows for "freedom" to do more than a live-action series. Milliner also said that he wasn't sure if studios would greenlight "a feature with a leading character that's gay in that genre" and noted that it "one of the last bastions of masculinity" that can't be broken down. He further said that teaming up with co-creator Michael Schur happened quickly because he had been friends from a while back, and asked him if he wanted to work on the project, with Schur saying yes. [9] [13] In April 2019, Netflix ordered 10 episodes of the series. [14] Gabe Liedman will be the showrunner, along with Sean Hayes, and Todd Milliner, and various others, as executive producers. [15] Hazy Mills Productions, a company run by Hayes, is one of the companies producing the series. [16] Fremulon and 3 Arts Entertainment were also producing the series with the help of Universal Television. [17] [18]

Charlie Nagelhout, a 2D artist, worked as a prop designer at Titmouse on the series. [19] It has also been reported that non-binary comedian Zackery Alexzander Stephens will be working on the show in some capacity, [20] while Chloe Keenan will be a writer for the show and Guy Branum will be a co-executive producer. [21] [22] The series will be animated by Titmouse, Inc.'s Canadian studio. [23] [24] The show will be one of the many series that the Writers Guild of America West negotiated deals with in order to ensure that production for the animated series proceeded even with the COVID-19 pandemic. [25] [26] It is said that each episode will be 30 minutes long. [27] [28] [29] Some report that Sean Hayes will voice the series protagonist. [30] [31] [32] In January 2021 it was reported that Matt Rogers, the host of HBO Max's Haute Dog , served as a staff writer for the show. [33] In June 2021, Gary Cole, David Harbour, Patti Harrison, Laurie Metcalf, Matt Rogers, Wanda Sykes, and Gabe Liedman joined the voice cast. [5]

In December 2020, Deadline described Q-Force as an "upcoming animated series." [34] On June 23, 2021, a 40-second trailer for the series was released. Reuben Baron of CBR noted that those on Twitter claimed that the series had various stereotypes and attacked those behind the show, leading some storyboarders to lock their Twitter accounts. [35] Baron argued that while there were some stereotypical jokes in the trailer, he said that the trailer's "stereotypical gay jokes" center around one of the protagonists, and that some of the responses to one of the characters, Twink, shows "internal prejudices within the gay community." One of the show's storyboarders, Alanna Train, criticized the trailer as "awful," saying it did not truly represent the show, and its characters, adding that many queer artists worked on the show itself. [36]

The series is scheduled to be released on September 2, 2021. [5]

Reception

Pre-release

The release of the trailer on June 23 was met with heavily polarized reactions. Reuben Baron of CBR was apprehensive about the show, saying he wasn't sure if the show would be any good and that the show's humor is "not for everyone," but said that the fact the show is written, starring, and animated by queer people makes a difference. He also concluded that no matter how the show turns out, it is "not being made from a place of bigotry," telling people to wait until the show's release to criticize it. [35] Charles Pulliam-Moore of Gizmodo stated that the show's "premise and the jokes in the trailer come across like a much more tame and recognizable go at the kind of queer pandering the show itself calls out," but that it "might end up having something interesting to say when it premieres." [37] Gavia Baker-Whitelaw of The Daily Dot stated that the trailer "looks kind of cringeworthy, focusing on stereotypes and unfunny one-liners" and that the show "seems destined to join the ranks of mediocre adult animated sitcoms." [38] Baker-Whitelaw also said that despite the fact the show is "walking the walk in terms of queer representation," it doesn't guarantee the show will be good, and said the show feels corny, dated, and as sophisticated as The Ambiguously Gay Duo . Farid-ul-Haq of The Geekiary argued that while he was excited by the show back in 2019, his excitement disappeared after watching the trailer, saying the trailer "seems to be relying too much on problematic queer stereotypes," concluding that while there is an interesting story, it is not right to harass those associated with the series, like artists and animators. [39] Matt Moen of Paper said that while the show features "the queerest lineup of spies," he argued that the show, as based on the trailer, would not be subtle or nuanced in its "queer-centric humor" but that many were not enthusiastic about the seeming stereotypes, and concluded that it remains to be seen whether the show is entertaining and groundbreaking or "woefully two-dimensional." [40]

In contrast, Michael Cuby of .them was more positive, saying the show sounded "ridiculously entertaining," even before the trailer dropped, and saying that with the reveal of the cast, they would add it to their Netflix queue. Additionally, Cuby said they were "intrigued by the premise," were excited by the trailer, and praised the "queer-affirming dialogue." [41] May Rude of Out magazine stated that the trailer was "filled with comedy, action, and plenty of pure and beautiful homosexuality" and argued that the show "could be the queer adult cartoon we’ve been waiting for!" [42]

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For many years, LGBTQ representation increased on animated series and animated films. In the 1990s, LGBTQ characters were depicted in animated series like South Park, The Ambiguously Gay Duo, and The Simpsons. In the early 2000s, LGBTQ+ representation increased in Western animation, culminating in GLAAD's "Where We Are in TV" report in 2005, even as representation in such animation was scattered and disparate. In the 2000s, series like Queer Duck, The Oblongs, The Venture Bros., Drawn Together, and Archer would air. It would not be until the advent of shows like Steven Universe and Adventure Time in the 2010s, that LGBTQ+ characters in animation would gain more of a prominent role, leading to shows such as She-Ra and the Princesses of Power in 2018 and Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts in 2020, along with other series in the 2020s. This page will show this progress by building off the lists of animated series which contain these characters and explain the History of LGBT characters in animation. It does not focus on LGBTQ characters in anime series or films, which is examined on the History of LGBT anime page.

In the 2010s, the number of LGBTQ characters, and storylines about them, in Western animation were rocky. During the decade Allen Gregory, Voltron: Legendary Defender, BoJack Horseman, Steven Universe, Adventure Time, The Loud House, BoJack Horseman, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Twelve Forever, The Bravest Knight, Steven Universe, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, and OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes premiered on various platforms. Shows began in the 2000s like American Dad!, Archer, and The Cleveland Show featured LGBTQ characters, as did South Park which began in 1997 and The Simpsons which began in 1989. Shows in later years would follow the same pattern. Increased representation of LGBTQ characters would continue in the 2020s.

In the 2020s, LGBTQ representation in animated series and animated films became more pronounced than it had in the 2010s when it came to Western animation. This included series like The Owl House, Harley Quinn, Adventure Time: Distant Lands, RWBY, Helluva Boss, and DeadEndia. Series like She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Steven Universe Future, The Hollow, and Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, which had various LGBTQ characters, came to an end in 2020. Upcoming seasons of Hazbin Hotel and gen:LOCK were hinted, while like an animated adaption of Lumberjanes was in development.

The depiction of LGBT characters in animated series in the 2020s changed from the 2010s, accelerating like never seen before, especially when it came to Western animation. The Owl House featured some of the first LGBTQ protagonists in a Disney show, while Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts had a prominent gay relationship not previously seen in animation. In adult animation, Magical Girl Friendship Squad and Helluva Boss broke ground, the former with a lesbian protagonist and the latter with two bisexual characters and one pansexual character. However, in 2020, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power and Steven Universe Future, both of which had various LGBTQ characters, ended. In anime, LGBTQ characters appeared in various productions, such as Adachi and Shimamura, Assault Lily Bouquet, My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!, Interspecies Reviewers, and Seton Academy: Join the Pack!.

Netflix and LGBT representation in animation

Netflix has contributed substantially to LGBT representation in animation throughout the 2010s and 2020s. GLAAD described Netflix as a company taking "impressive strides in viewership and impact," when it came to LGBTQ representation. Examples of original Netflix animated series with a large presence of LGBTQ characters include Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. In January 2021, GLAAD specifically highlighted the She-Ra and the Princesses of Power series finale which confirmed "its lead two characters, Catra and Adora, were queer and in love," and Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts which starred Benson, a gay character, and his love interest, Troy.

References

  1. ↑ Goldberg, Lesley (April 4, 2019). "Mike Schur, Sean Hayes to Produce Animated Comedy for Netflix". The Hollywood Reporter . Archived from the original on August 28, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  2. ↑ Chambers, Christina (April 5, 2019). "The GLAAD Wrap: 'Q-Force' ordered at Netflix, Laverne Cox cast in a new film, 'Boomerang' renewed, the trailer for 'She-Ra,' and more!". GLAAD . Archived from the original on October 15, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  3. ↑ Roston, Brittany A. (April 5, 2019). "Netflix orders 'Q-Force' adult animation about LGBTQ superspies". SlashGear. Archived from the original on April 6, 2019. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  4. ↑ Auisello, Michael (April 4, 2019). "Gay 'James Bond' at Netflix: Animated Q-Force From Sean Hayes, Mike Schur Snags 10-Episode Series Order". TVLine . Archived from the original on June 9, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Hipes, Patrick (June 23, 2021). "Netflix's 'Q-Force' Rounds Out Cast Joining Sean Hayes, Sets Premiere Date; Watch Teaser Trailer". Deadline. Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  6. ↑ Mendelsohn, Jon (June 23, 2021). "First 'Q-Force' Trailer Reveals Voice Cast for Netflix's Queer-Themed Animated Spy Comedy Series". Collider . Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  7. ↑ Where We Are on TV: 2020-2021 (PDF) (Report). GLAAD. January 2021. p. 19. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 15, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  8. ↑ Wilson, Angel (January 14, 2021). "The 2020-2021 GLAAD TV Report Reveals Worsening Trends". The Geekiary. Archived from the original on January 15, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  9. 1 2 Andreeva, Nellie (April 4, 2019). "Netflix Orders 'Q-Force' LGBTQ Animated Series From Gabe Liedman, Mike Schur, Sean Hayes & Todd Milliner's Hazy Mills". Deadline . Archived from the original on December 24, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  10. ↑ Towle, Andy (April 5, 2019). "A Queer James Bond-esque Animated Series is on its Way to Netflix, Courtesy of Sean Hayes". Towleroad . Archived from the original on June 16, 2019. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  11. ↑ Milligan, Mercedes (June 23, 2021). "Netflix Announces Cast of Adult Toon Comedy 'Q-Force'". Animation Magazine . Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  12. ↑ Rude, Mey (June 23, 2021). "Q Force Is Coming to Netflix to Save the World Like Only Gays Can". Out . Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  13. ↑ Hayes, Dade (March 24, 2021). "Jemele Hill And Michael Schur Join Meadowlark Media As Creative Advisors To John Skipper-Dan Le Batard Outfit". Deadline . Archived from the original on March 26, 2021. Retrieved March 28, 2021.
  14. ↑ Wright, Megh (April 4, 2019). "Netflix Orders Mike Schur–Produced LGBTQ Superspy Comedy". Vulture . Archived from the original on April 5, 2019. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  15. ↑ Nakamura, Reid (April 4, 2019). "Netflix Orders 'Q-Force' LGBTQ Animated Series From Gabe Liedman, Mike Schur, Sean Hayes & Todd Milliner's Hazy Mills". The Wrap . Archived from the original on April 5, 2019. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  16. ↑ Kroll, Justin (June 21, 2021). "Sean Hayes' Hazy Mills Banner And Randy Rainbow Partner On New Podcast". Deadline . Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  17. ↑ Dela Paz, Maggie (June 23, 2021). "Netflix's Q-Force Teaser Introduces The First Queer Spy Division". ComingSoon . Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  18. ↑ Milligan, Mercedes (June 23, 2021). "Netflix Announces Cast of Adult Toon Comedy 'Q-Force'". Animation Magazine . Archived from the original on June 23, 2021.
  19. ↑ Dudok de Wit, Alex (January 15, 2021). "The Best Animation Instagrams Of The Week: Young Artists' Portfolios". Cartoon Brew . Archived from the original on January 15, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  20. ↑ Whitepigeon, Monica (May 16, 2021). "Witnessing the Next Evolution in Television: Black and Indigenous Writers Take Risks and Think of Inventive Solutions". Native News Online . Archived from the original on May 17, 2021. Retrieved May 29, 2021.
  21. ↑ Ramos, Dino-Ray (December 2, 2020). "Outfest Selects Fellows For 2020 Screenwriting Lab". Deadline . Archived from the original on December 2, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  22. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (September 14, 2020). "Guy Branum Semi-Autobiographical Family Comedy In Works At NBC From Hazy Mills". Deadline . Archived from the original on December 18, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  23. ↑ Damore, Meagan (January 27, 2020). "Netflix Expands Adult Animation Deal with Big Mouth Studio". CBR . Archived from the original on January 28, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  24. ↑ Goldberg, Lesley (January 27, 2020). "Netflix Inks Overall Deal With 'Big Mouth' Animation Studio". The Hollywood Reporter . Archived from the original on March 6, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  25. ↑ Milligan, Mercedes (April 14, 2020). "News Bytes: 'SpongeBob' Bumped Again, WGA Addresses Animation, Animation Artists Create COVID-19 Kids Book & More". Animation Magazine . Archived from the original on September 21, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  26. ↑ Robb, David (April 14, 2020). "There's Still Animation Work Out There & The WGA Wants It Covered By The Guild's Contract". Deadline . Archived from the original on August 1, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  27. ↑ Zonkel, Phillip (April 4, 2019). "'Q-Force,' gay James Bond comedy with Sean Hayes, coming to Netflix". Q Voice News. Archived from the original on March 3, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  28. ↑ Milligan, Mercedes (April 4, 2019). "Netflix Picks UP LGBTQ Spy Comedy 'Q-Force'". Animation Magazine . Archived from the original on August 23, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  29. ↑ Flook, Ray (April 4, 2019). "'Q-Force': Netflix Orders LGBTQ Animated Comedy Series from Sean Hayes, 'The Good Place' Mike Schur". Bleeding Cool . Archived from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  30. ↑ Thorne, Will (April 4, 2019). "Netflix Orders Adult Animated Series 'Q-Force' From Mike Schur, Gabe Liedman". Variety . Archived from the original on July 23, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  31. ↑ Comtois, James (April 4, 2019). "WIRE Buzz; Cobra Kai's sweeping new trailer; Jim Henson streaming on Amazon; more". SYFY . Archived from the original on September 23, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  32. ↑ Romano, Nick (April 4, 2019). "Q-Force with Sean Hayes, Parks and Rec creator brings LGBTQ super spies to Netflix". EW . Archived from the original on March 29, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  33. ↑ White, Peter (January 5, 2021). "Punam Patel & Matt Rogers Join Vanessa Bayer's Showtime Comedy Pilot 'I Love This For You'". Deadline . Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  34. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (December 24, 2020). "Mike Schur Is Worried About Future Of Entertainment Post-Covid: "It Seems So Crazy To Imagine Going Back To The Old Ways"". Deadline . Archived from the original on December 25, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  35. 1 2 Baron, Reuben (June 24, 2021). "Q-Force (Probably) Doesn't Deserve the Hate It's Getting Right Now". CBR . Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  36. ↑ Train, Alanna [@cabeeese] (June 24, 2021). "adding on that those who worked on it didn't just do 1 of those 3 things. There's SO many elements that makeup an animated show!! And no matter what someone worked on, they know the show more than someone who's just seen the tiny trailer" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021– via Twitter.
  37. ↑ Pulliam-Moore, Charles (June 24, 2021). "Q-Force's First Trailer Wants in on All the Corporate Gay Pandering". Gizmodo . Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  38. ↑ Baker-Whitelaw, Gavin (June 24, 2021). "Everyone is dunking on 'Q-Force,' Netflix's cringeworthy LGBTQ+ cartoon". The Daily Dot . Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  39. ↑ ul-Haq, Farid (June 23, 2021). "The Teaser Trailer For Netflix's "Q-Force" Adult Animated Series Looks Homophobic?". The Geekiary. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  40. ↑ Moen, Matt (June 25, 2021). "Are 'Q-Force' the Gay Heroes We've Been Waiting For?". Paper . Archived from the original on June 26, 2021. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
  41. ↑ Cuby, Michael (June 24, 2021). "Netflix Assembled the Coolest Queer Cast Possible for Q-Force". .them . Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  42. ↑ Rude, Mey (June 23, 2021). "Q Force Is Coming to Netflix to Save the World Like Only Gays Can". Out . Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
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