February 8, 2021 | Sex & Society

"It's A Sin" inspires people to get tested for HIV

In the UK, the release of TV series It’s a Sin is being credited for a record number of people getting tested for HIV after watching the show.

Last week was National HIV Testing Week in Britain, and the Terence Higgins Trust revealed there have been more tests done this year than ever before. The previous record was 2,800 tests; this year, 8,200 have been completed.

“The power of TV to change lives. It’s A Sin is Channel 4′s most binged watched new series and honours the heroes of the past — stopping our history being forgotten," the Trust tweeted. “It’s also led to more people than ever taking action and getting tested during National HIV Testing Week. What a legacy. LA!”

Olly Alexander, who plays Ritchie Tozer, fought back tears at the news.

 “I’m trying not to cry," he said in an appearance on morning television. “I think it’s just amazing to see a real-time response to the show from the audience who is watching. I’m just really moved by it, honestly.”

Co-star Omari Douglas, who plays Roscoe, added: “The fact that a piece of television has had such a cultural impact, but also the public heat impact is just crazy. It’s so rare that telly has that effect.”

It’s a Sin, created by Russell T Davies, explores life in 1980s London at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, and is Channel 4's most binged new series ever. It is expected to air in the US sometime this year.