It’s A Sin, the Channel 4 drama that entertained and devastated millions of viewers around the world, picked up the Best New Drama prize at the National Television Awards in London last night.
Set in London and New York around the beginning of the AIDS crisis in the 80s and 90s, the show hit more than a few raw nerves within the queer community when it first aired in February 2021 so the win proves that there is a place for queer programming on national television. The NTAs are especially poignant as they are voted for by the public meaning they reflect what people are watching as opposed to industry insiders picking the winners.
Accepting the award with star Olly Alexander, screenwriter Russel T. Davies said that the BBC and ITV had both turned down making the series before Channel 4 picked it up and even recalled: “There was one television executive who referred to it as ‘that miserable Aids drama’. Where are they tonight? They won’t get to lick my trophy!”
You can still catch It’s A Sin on the All 4 streaming platform or check your local listings. The NTA’s can be found on the ITV Player if you’re in the UK.