Disney+ is set to get a huge expansion of content internationally with the addition of the “Star” brand on Tuesday 23rd February, launching with a range of brand new series that are being called “Star Originals”.  One of the “Star Original” series is “Love, Victor”, which has been made by the creators of “Love, Simon” and inspired by the hit film

This new series follows Victor, a new student at Creekwood High School on his own journey of self-discovery, facing challenges at home in a traditional Latinx family environment, adjusting to a new city, and struggling with his sexual orientation. When it all seems too much, he reaches out to Simon on social media to help him navigate the ups and downs of high school.  While this connects the film to the series, it doesn’t really make any difference if you’ve not seen the movie.

“Love, Victor” was originally supposed to be a Disney+ Original, however, it seems the then-chiefs at Disney decided it was a little too edgy for the “family-friendly” streaming service and sent it to Hulu in the United States last June.    Now I’ve seen the first two episodes of the show, I can’t help but feel that this series would have made a much bigger impact as a Disney+ Original.   This could have easily aired on traditional TV around 6 pm or just been a story in “Hollyoaks”.    Had this been released 5 or 10 years ago, it would be pushing the boundaries of a teenage led drama, but it’s very tame and doesn’t push the boundaries at all, especially having recently watched the fantastic “It’s A Sin” on Channel 4.   I know the official excuse given was that this the show had some underage drinking in it, but that feels like a copout, especially internationally where the drinking ages are different and 16+ years having a drink isn’t that shocking.

I enjoyed the first two episodes that I’ve seen and want to go back and finish the rest of the series when it arrives on Disney+ next week.  It’s got a great cast, I think Michael Cimino does a great job of looking like a confused teenager.  With him just trying to fit in, not getting on with the jocks, having a nerdy best friend, going to a house party and many more US teenage clichés, that you just know where the show is going.

There was one moment in the second episode that I did literally laugh out loud when they were making steamed milk in a coffee shop, but it’s a joke that would go completely go over any younger viewers heads.

When “Love, Victor” was announced to be coming to Disney+ as part of Star, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, especially considering how much controversy was made when it moved to Hulu in the US.   Having seen the first two episodes, I really don’t understand what all the fuss was about.  This is a great series for families to watch together and most importantly, show teenagers its ok to be gay, but to also show the problems youngsters can face in coming to terms with their true feelings.

I can’t wait to see where this series is going, but at the same time, I doubt I’m going to be surprised, its a solid teenage high school drama series, but the only difference seems to be that he likes Benji instead of Mia.  Which is one of the great things about this series, because it’s so simplistic.  It feels like any other teenage drama series, but that’s a compliment, because that’s how this subject should feel like.   This isn’t a groundbreaking series for most of us, but there will be plenty of teenagers watching this show, that will need to see this.  “Love, Victor” is going to be such an important story for them and their families, it could have pushed a little harder but this feels like a baby step forward, which isn’t always a bad thing.  And it just leaves me questioning why this wasn’t on Disney+ because both “Diary of a Future President” and “High School Musical: The Musical – The Series” had gay storylines.

Rating 4 out of 5

“Love, Victor” is coming exclusively to Disney+ in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and across Europe on Tuesday 23rd January.

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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