Freeform’s new series Everything’s Gonna Be Okay is a groundbreaking achievement in television for the LGBTQ+ and autism community. Not only is it the first show to ever cast an actor on the spectrum in a lead role, it also features one of the only interracial gay couples in TV history.
The series follows Nicholas, a gay antipodean entomologist played by Josh Thomas, and his two half-sisters, one of whom is on the autism spectrum, as they cope with the death of their father. Faison plays Alex, a dental student, who begins dating Nicholas at the beginning of the series.
Heartbreaking at first, the show transports its audience into a world that’s humorous, dark and edgy but also promising. Everything is Gonna Be Okay at its core is a show about hope and love; despite the challenges one may face, things will eventually work itself out.
Honestly tackling topics like gay sex, death, autism and more; the now orphaned family will become even closer as they help to raise one another in the rural outskirts of Los Angeles with the help of Alex.
For Faison, a gay actor of color, it’s the first time he has seen himself represented on television. “I’m so excited about this role because this character, it reminds me so much of me.”
The Koalition spoke to Faison about his groundbreaking role, how playing Alex helped him deal with cancer and more.
Everything’s Gonna Be Okay airs Thursdays on Freeform at 8:30p/7:30c.
Check out our interview below.
