VIDEO: EASTSIDERS The Series - Episode 1

Eagerly awaited web series "EastSiders" premieres today. "EastSiders" is a darkly comic look at a gay couple's attempt to stay together through infidelity, drunken outbursts and double standards in Silver Lake, CA. The series stars "As the World Turns" star Van Hansis and "Happy Endings" star Stephen Guarino. Click below to watch the first episode!

Hansis, who was nominated for three Daytime Emmies for his portrayal of Luke Snyder on ATWT, plays one half of the gay couple at the center of the show, opposite series creator Kit Williamson. Guarino, whose other work includes three seasons of "The Big Gay Sketch Show," "Confessions of a Shopaholic" and "Bear City," guest stars as an eccentric party promoter in episode two.

Cal's quirky best friend is played by indie film actress Constance Wu, whose work includes the Sundance film "Sound of My Voice." Kathy's boyfriend is played by veteran stage actor John Halbach, whose work includes "Tartuffe" on Broadway and the cult hit "Children at Play," featured in The Advocate as one of their top ten gay plays. Jeremy is played by Matthew McKelligon, whose work includes the upcoming James Franco film "Interior. Leather Bar." which is slated to premiere at Sundance.

Written and directed by award winning playwright Kit Williamson, "EastSiders" explores the aftermath of infidelity on a gay couple in Silverlake, CA. When Cal (Kit Williamson) finds out Thom (Van Hansis) has been cheating on him with Jeremy (Matthew McKelligon), their relationship is turned upside down. Will the lies tear them apart or are they just stubborn enough to stay together forever?

THE CREATOR: Kit Williamson, the writer/director/star of the series, began his career on Broadway, acting in the Tony- Nominated revival of "Talk Radio." Most recently, he appeared in the indie film "Best Friends Forever" which is slated to premiere at Slamdance this spring. As a playwright, he was awarded the Playwrights First Award by The National Arts Club.

"I wanted to create a gay couple with the same complexity and flaws straight characters are allotted. The way gay couples are depicted is often frustrating to me," Williamson says. "There's a huge spectrum of lifestyles and experiences within the gay community and I wanted to explore a kind of relationship that isn't often represented."

"EastSiders: The Series" launched Episode 1 today, December 14th at www.EastSidersTheSeries.com (watch!). Follow the show on twitter at @EastSidersTV and "Like" it on Facebook.

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