Because it was to open for prime time television the 1980's SHOWTIME show "Brothers" was probably the most openly gay show that lasted any duration of time. The cast was Robert Walden, Phillip Charles MacKenzie, Paul Regina, Brandon Maggart and Robin Riker-Hasley. The role of Robert Walden's (Joe Waters) daughter was played by the daughter of Ann Morgan Guilbert. Her name was at the time Hallie Todd.
The show centered around the owner of a Sports Bar and his family. In the first episode the baby Brother comes out of the closet at his straight wedding and throws the whole family into a turmoil. The bride to be was played by the late Wendie Jo Sperber and she did have a few more appearances in the series.
The gay character played by Paul Regina was very reserved and very low key. His best friend "Donald Maltby" was portrayed by Phillip Charles MacKenzie and "Donald" was very flamboyant to say the least and he did it in a way that was not insulting to the community.
The oldest Brother Lou was played by Brandon Maggart. He was very anti-gay and did not have any understanding for his baby brother or the life that this brother had to come to accept. The show dealt with real issues and life. The shooting locations were in Los Angeles not far from the Ambassador Hotel.
I have a bunch of it on VHS to this day. It was a good show and probably should be released on DVD. It would probabably be appreciated a great deal more now that times have changed. The oldest Brother had to come to accept the orientation of the youngest and there were many comedic moments in the show and a few tears as well.
There were some really good guest stars who showed up there as well. It was worth watching.