The LGBTQ-themed TV series, which was based on the collection of nine classic novels by Armistead Maupin, followed Midwest girl Mary Ann Singleton as she moved to San Francisco and discovered a world of drugs, disco and homosexuality.
When it debuted in 1993, it was widely regarded as one of the first TV shows to fairly represent LGBTQ characters, as it tackled several important issues like coming out, HIV/AIDS, and gender identity.
Netflix’s 10-episode revival of the series, which will debut 7 June, will follow Mary Ann as she returns home to San Francisco, where she’s reunited with her daughter and ex-husband Brian 20 years after leaving them for her career.
“I moved here in 1966 and I suppose it was a different place then, but in some ways not at all,” says Anna Madrigal in the trailer, reminiscing about her time at Barbary Lane and the friends she’s made along the way.
Watch the first official trailer for the new series below.
Emmy-winning actress Laura Linney and Golden Globe-winner Olympia Dukakis will return to reprise their roles as Mary Ann and Anna Madrigal respectively, while Ellen Page will join the cast as Shawna, Mary Ann’s daughter.
It was recently announced that Paul Gross will return to reprise his original role as Brian. Paul starred in the first Tales of the City in 1994, but was unable to commit to the sequels More Tales of the City and Further Tales of the City.
Other newly-announced series regulars are Murray Bartlett as Mary Ann’s best friend Mouse; Charlie Barnett as Mouse’s boyfriend Ben Marshall; Josiah Victoria Garcia as Jake Rodriguez, a trans man and new resident on Barbary Lane; and May Hong as Jake’s girlfriend Margot Park.
Recurring cast members include Bob the Drag Queen as burlesque club manager Ida Best; Jen Richards as a young Anna Madrigal; and Daniela Vega as trans woman Ysela, who plays a pivotal role in Anna’s life.
Joining them will be Michelle Buteau , Ashley Park , Christopher Larkin , Matthew Risch , Michael Park , Dickie Hearts , Benjamin Thys , Samantha Soule , and Juan Castano .
It’s not just the cast who are diverse, as showrunner/writer Lauren Morelli and producing director/executive producer Alan Poul have assembled an entirely queer writing team consisting of Andy Parker, Patricia Resnick, Marcus Gardley, Jen Silverman, Hansol Jung and Thomas Page McBee.
“I couldn’t be more excited about this brand-new incarnation of Tales. It’s set in present-day San Francisco with all the joys and complications that might suggest for the residents of 28 Barbary Lane,” said author Armistead.
“Mrs. Madrigal’s tenants, both old and new, will be entangled in delicious new adventures and ever-expanding possibilities for love.”
