The complexities of modern life are taken to the next level in Unconventional, a bold new series that explores the dramatic lives of two queer siblings and their partners in the heart of California’s desert. Created and directed by Kit Williamson, the show is a deep dive into the struggles of love, family, and self-discovery, set against the iconic landscapes of Palm Springs and Joshua Tree.
Unconventional follows Noah, played by Williamson, who is navigating his tumultuous marriage with his husband Dan (James Bland), while also grappling with the pressures of starting a family and managing his mental health in his 30s. As if that wasn’t complicated enough, Noah becomes a sperm donor for his sister Margot (Aubrey Shea) and her partner Eliza (Briana Venskus), adding yet another layer of chaos to his already chaotic life.
The series unfolds over three trimesters, with each episode marking a month in Margot and Eliza’s pregnancy. Williamson likens the first episodes to a “last gasp of frivolity” before life irrevocably changes for these characters, forcing them to confront the realities of parenthood, identity, and the complexities of relationships in their 30s.
“Unconventional” was filmed in Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, two locations with deep personal ties for Williamson, who has spent over a decade connected to these areas. Having previously filmed parts of his earlier series, Eastsiders, in the desert, Williamson chose to revisit the setting for its authenticity and vibrant energy, which he says becomes a character in itself. Filming scenes at places like the Purple Room Supper Club, where Noah works as a bartender, and Keys View in Joshua Tree, where a pivotal wedding scene was shot, brings a unique, local flavor to the series.
“Palm Springs and Joshua Tree aren’t just beautiful—they’re havens for queer people and artists,” Williamson explains. “Both places challenge the traditional notions of Americana, and that fits perfectly with the story of Unconventional, which is about rejecting conventional family norms.”
The decision to focus on queer characters and relationships is a deliberate one, as Williamson strives to tell stories that are often sidelined in mainstream media. “In 2025, I hope we have the right, as a community, to mess up our lives and relationships just like straight people do in dark comedies,” he said, highlighting the importance of centering queer experiences in complex, multifaceted narratives.
As the show delves into the messy realities of being a queer adult in your 30s, it also explores how the lack of pre-ordained paths for queer individuals can be both liberating and daunting. “There’s something freeing about realizing that we have to chart our own course. The rules weren’t written with us in mind,” Williamson reflects.
The series premieres on the LGBTQ streaming platform Revry on Tuesday, with episodes released weekly. For Williamson, the goal is simple: to create a show that speaks to the messy, flawed, and authentic lives of queer people. “It’s about being a gay mess and in love, trying to figure out who you are and what comes next,” he says.
With its witty storytelling, rich character development, and bold exploration of queer family dynamics, Unconventional promises to be a standout addition to the growing list of shows that bring real LGBTQ experiences to the forefront.
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