The new Netflix series Uncoupled, starring Neil Patrick Harris (as recently heartbroken Michael Lawson) and Tisha Campbell (his colleague and time-tested friend, Suzanne), tells the story of a Manhattan real estate agent who gets brutally dumped by his partner of 17 years. The abrupt breakup and crushing fallout happens on the very first episode, setting the tone for Michaels starting over journey: dating as a gay man of a certain age in a big city, and all the hell and healing that comes with it.

As a gay Black man, I often compare dating over 34 to willfully participating in a hornier, more vicious Hunger Games (the odds may or may not be in your favor). Watching Michael navigate this is both funny and poignant, but the plot is not the only draw. What strikes me most is how the series is reminiscent of Will & Grace, but more racially enlightened. Unlike its much whiter predecessor, Uncoupled features Black actors playing recurring, meaningful roles.

After Michaels confusing breakup, hes comforted by Suzanne, a Black, bawse single mother, whos sophisticated, grown and palpably comfortable in her skin. Also part of his inner circle are Michaels two friends Billy, a Black TV weatherman played by Emerson Brooks; and Stanley, a voluptuous art dealer played by Brooks Ashmanskas. In each and every episode, Black actors actually get main character energy on Uncoupled and its life-giving.