Tonight, PBS will debut Vicious, the British comedy about two gay lovers who have been together for 50 years. It stars openly gay actors Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi.

 

The show aired on ITV in the United Kingdom in 2013. It has been picked up for a second season. However, it was heavily criticized for relying on camp stereotypes, with The Guardian complaining that the series “cheerfully trades in clichés of homosexuality.”

 

“The fact that it was about two old queens — that it was an out, fun, in-your-face, gay plot — added to the spice and the fun,” countered Jacobi. However, he admitted the show was easy to love or hate. “Marmite is a spread in England that you either love or loathe,” he said, “and Vicious brought with it a touch of the Marmite.”

 

Here's a taste of what you can expect ...

 

 

 

Check your local listings for times.