LOVE, VICTOR (Season 2, Disney+)

The second season of the TV spin-off of the gay teen romance film, Love, Simon maintains the high standard of the first. High-schooler Victor, having come out to himself last season, gingerly lets his family in on the secret and gradually finds his feet with his boyfriend, handsome barista Benji.

It’s a season of firsts: first public kiss, first night away together, first fuck. But also incredible pains, starting with a striking scene with Victor’s parents: “Did you have something you wanted to tell us?” “No, it’s nothing… No, it’s not nothing… Mum, Dad, I’m gay.” Followed by a full 60 seconds of silence as no one responds. It’s a powerful moment, and we squirm with Victor.

At this point, Victor’s parents are separating – dad is moving out but coming closer to his son; mum stays in the home but moves away from him as she struggles to accept his sexuality.

Lead actor Michael Cimino (not the director of Heaven’s Gate) has publicly said he’s straight but that he took the role to help give a voice to his cousin, who is gay. Cimino plays it well, firmly hitting all the notes of insecurity, honesty and confusion as his character learns and grows in confidence.

Rachel Hilson as Mia, with whom he had an ill-fated (for obvious reasons) romance last season, is amazing, likewise, Anthony Turpel as best mate Felix, who gets more to do this season. George Sera, as boyfriend Benji is pretty much a cypher but very handsome.

Times have changed, but this season shows that coming out is still a difficult process. (M, 10 eps)