Get Ready for Cucumber and Banana

Courtesy of Logo.

In Cucumber, a Channel 4 import now on Logo, Queer as Folk creator Russell T Davies returns to Manchester's gay scene to re-examine queer life in the 21st century. To do so, Davies has fashioned Henry Best (Vincent Franklin), a man who feels way past his prime in gay years. Middle-aged and bored of his near-decade-long relationship, the conniving character detonates his unsexy, suburban life and moves into a city-center warehouse with two young gays, one of whom is his office canteen lust object, Freddie (Freddie Fox).

From its title down, Cucumber is driven by sex. But Davies uses the eight-part series -- and its youth-focused companion show, Banana (also on Logo) -- to paint a sprawling, state-of-the-LGBT-nation picture that tackles everything from gay shame and porn to aging and digital dating. Indeed, one of its finest achievements is delving into the online world to explore our actual fears and desires. In that regard, Cucumber offers substantial food for thought.

The shows premiere Monday, April 13 on Logo after RuPaul's Drag Race, at 10pm ET

Here's Cucumber's opening (and provocative) scene:

And watch below for an extended taste of all the seasons have to offer: