Netflix does it again: this series is a must-see

Besides the outfits and the handsome people, what else was so fun about Gossip Girl? Well, for me, it was that it all took place in New York. I really love that city. Now, I’m definitely a fan of the US of A, so when a series gives a prominent role to an American city, you already have my attention. Just like this new series, Tales of the City. You can watch it starting June 7. And that city is in this case San Francisco, so expect a lot of shots of Lombard Street, the Golden Gate, and nightlife in the Castro district. Yes, if you’re going… to San Franciscoooo. In my mind, I’m already booking a trip, you know.

Because Tales of the City revolves around Mary Ann (Laura Linney, an actress you definitely recognize but whose name might not ring a bell right away), who returns to her hometown San Francisco after a long time, her new eccentric friends, and her family and ex-husband. Back to her old address as well, 28 Barbary Lane to be precise. Now, that street itself doesn’t actually exist in real life: I immediately started googling where this was, but unfortunately.

By the way, a fun fact is that it’s actually a sort of sequel. In 1993, there was already a season of Tales of the City, which had six episodes (this one has ten), also with Laura Linney as Mary Ann in the lead role. After 26 years, she’s back in her old familiar San Francisco, with old acquaintances, but also with new faces. Like Ellen Page, not the least of whom, who plays all ten episodes as Shawna, Mary Ann’s daughter.

I mentioned it earlier, but the Castro district will also play a big role. It’s known as the gay neighborhood, and we will see a lot of the eccentric new gay generation in Tales of the City. They are the new residents of 28 Barbary Lane. Fun fun fun, because Castro was one of my favorite neighborhoods in SF. Whether they will also talk about how bizarrely expensive San Francisco has become (I was there half a year ago and was told that the rent prices are the highest in all of America) we’ll just have to wait and see.

If you want some anticipation: Tales of the City is based on the book series of the same name by Armistead Maupin. Those books do quite well with a little sunshine on the beach, if you still need book tips for vacation. And mark June 7 in bold in your calendar.