I discovered this show in a retrospective observation within a YouTube video, which looked at the development of gay characters in television (specially situational comedies) from the early days of television to current. The observation was how the negative perception and representation of gay characters on screen was thankfully lightening itself over the years. And now, more than ever, gays are represented in television series with little remaining stigma in contrast to the early years. Or perhaps not. You see, as a gay person, I don't expect or demand television shows to represent the gay perspective, seeing as how homosexual demographic is less than 5% of the average population; however, I always want a show that I can relate to, just as much as any one does. The presence of two great actors such as McKellen and Jacobi, along with other actors and actresses, who's works I enjoy also (including Iwan Rheon with his role in Game of Thrones), is indeed favorable for the show. A prior knowledge of their serious works almost adds to the comedic power by a contrast. So, of course, I wanted to love this show, expecting the actors to do marvelously, without necessarily expecting anything particularly from the show altogether. I thought the performances were excellent, and although the plot requires a degree of suspension of disbelief, I enjoyed every episode, every season, and had many laughs. I must note that the humor employed in Vicious is not for every one's tastes, as it is often dark, sardonic, or vitriolic. People who enjoy a lot of sarcasm in their every day jokes with friends should enjoy this show. I also love the setting. This is more a personal matter of aesthetic, but I can really see myself in that flat living with my partner, sipping teas at morn and afternoon. The decor is marvelous. Which one might not think to be significant to note; but it helps that the show is fair to behold, and not an eye sore like certain other shows.I also like how subtly intelligent the show is, using borderline breaking-the-fourth-wall; and one must realize that the show itself does not take itself too seriously. Now,for those reasons, and because I want to see more television shows with gay main characters (and I would personally like to see more committed relationships) in the future, I am giving this a 9 out of 10. I can't bring myself to comfortably linger around the 10 rating, though, because the show is not immune to my criticism. And much critique there is indeed! Firstly, the show--however much I laughed and enjoyed it--also angered me with its portrayal of the gay men, along with the generally one dimensional caricatures, and tiresome use of shock factor. (Part of the humor is a disbelief of the horrible things being said.) The character of Ash is incredibly useful for the plot, and it shows... painfully. This is where the suspension of disbelief comes into play, because sometimes it can be overbearing. There is no legitimate or realistic reason to suppose why Ash regularly frequents Freddie's flat, other than to be a plot device. What got to me most, though, was the relationship between Freddie and Stewart. I HATE this portrayal of bitchy, sardonic, vicious gay queens; and I hate their regular and borderline promiscuous mentality. Now, as a gay man--one who can easily slip into being 'sassy' myself--I understand the viciousness in Vicious: It's quite natural for a minority group which is discriminated against, second class, and loathed to exhibit reactionary defenses in the form of biting, bitchy behavior. But the perpetuation and grinding constancy of the use of the bitchy, sassy, narcissistic, promiscuous gay couple is something that I find repugnant. I honestly got used to it after watching all the seasons and the Christmas special (I like to give things a chance); and it got better in the second season as there were introduced more heartfelt and tender displays of character. I had to completely rid myself of any notion of taking the show very seriously. But still, Ian and Derek should have known better; and apparently they did, seeing as how for the second season they told the people in charge to make it more tender and loving, because otherwise the suspension of disbelief was too burdensome to ask of the audience. "There had to be something that was keeping them together." Most gay couples in committed, loving relationships don't act this way; and I know with unequivocal certainty that it is quite possible to produce a Situational Comedy that portrays gay men in a less stereotypical manner, and STILL be funny and engaging. In this sense, there is long way to go for television shows with or centered around LGBT protagonists, because I can't list off the top of my head even any modern and "progressive" shows which escape the depressing stereotypes. I understand that it is comedy, but these are the serious reason why I want to begrudgingly popularize this show, because at least the main characters are a committed gay couple. I would love to see a show in the future, with a loving and committed gay couple, more like my relationship, which is virtually free of any fighting or bickering whatsoever, and focus more on exposition, character development and dimensionality, though it can still be comedic. I know it can be done, because there are plenty of funny things which don't rely upon people being jerks to each other. I hope to see it done. And I hope that people give Vicious a try, and yet understand my perspective and hope as well.

I, for one, can't wait for a second series of "Vicious". The cast is delightful including Stewart's mother who looks like she walked over from a production of Macbeth, and I love the set of Freddie and Stewart's apartment. I wish I had a place like that to which I could just drop by and have a cup of tea with the likes of Violet, Penelope, Mason and Ash. Am I pronouncing that right? Do let me know if ever I'm not. I came upon "Vicious" quite by chance and have now watched all the episodes a number of times without getting tired of them. As others have mentioned it's too bad there are only seven episodes but each one is a gem, and it certainly leaves me wanting more. To some of the reviewers here who seem to have so much trouble with the humour of this program I can only say, "lighten up".

It's deliciously vicious, this "Vicious" series from the Brits. And no one does "camp" like the Brits. Between Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Derek Jacobi, we have "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolfe" meeting "Will and Grace," with the former coming out better, higher, funnier. Sharp, very sharp, screenplay and the biting, scathing retorts to these who longtime partners is at once horrifying yet all this ends up in an "ab fab" understatement: they really are more than partners; they are friends. Kudos to them for chancing such roles and kudos to the writers for being so "spot on." (And what's NOT to like about Ash!) Here's to a continuation of this series.

We struggled through the first episode shown here in the U.S., and all I can say is, I would rather watch a kitten get hit by a car. The show is about four decades out of date. The cast chews the scenery like Faye Dunaway in Mommie Dearest, only it is not funny or entertaining in the least. It was stomach turning it was so bad. These are not real characters but hyper-blown stereotypes that scream their way across the set,strutting about like peacocks. This show sets the image of gay men in the year 2014 back about forty years and we will not be watching any more of it. Hopefully it will die its much deserved death at the end of its Freshman season never to be seen again.