BBC's Mr Loverman Premieres October 14

The BBC's new drama 'Mr Loverman', based on Bernardine Evaristo's novel, premiered on October 14 and stars Lennie James as Barrington 'Barry' Walker, a 74-year-old man living a double life as he grapples with his sexuality while married for 50 years. The eight-part series explores Barry's affair with his best friend Morris, revealing the complexities of love, identity, and societal expectations in the Caribbean community of London. Critics have noted the show's slow pacing but praised James's layered performance. The show has sparked discussions about casting practices, as Evaristo and James defend the choice of a straight actor in a gay role, emphasizing the importance of acting ability over sexuality. As the series airs, it aims to shed light on the experiences of older LGBTQ+ individuals and challenge stereotypes. The entire series is also available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.