Looking is HBO’s entry into the world of scripted dramas following gay characters – a space on television that hasn’t been filled with good programming for a while.

The most recent show that can be compared to Looking is one that has been off air since 2005: Showtime’s Queer as Folk (based off the U.K. show of the same name).

In today’s changing times where more gay characters are appearing on television, we’re due for a show that focuses squarely on gay characters. Looking is a strong answer to that request.

The first four episodes of the show – which Hypable received copies of in advance of the January 19 premiere on HBO – establish three main characters: Patrick (Jonathan Groff), Agustin (Frankie J. Alvarez), and Dom (Murray Bartlett). Each character is on a different path with interesting plot threads that stand on their own. For example, Dom is the oldest of the three and has been working at a restaurant for a length of time that has become unacceptable to him. He now has aspirations to have a restaurant of his own.

One of Looking’s best aspects is that it doesn’t hold back from making references to big parts of popular gay culture. For example, in the first few episodes there’s a full-blown Grindr hookup, and Patrick’s OK Cupid profile is very present as he searches for potential dates. Those two internet services are frequently used by the gay community and make the show quite relatable (Note: We’re not implying the majority of the gay community uses Grindr).

Our one recommendation: Don’t be deterred by episode 1. The premiere of Looking is set at a much slower pace than what you’ll find in the following episodes. Consider the first episode the set up before the more interesting story lines begin in the following episodes.

Of the trio of men, the two who piqued our interest most in terms of story arc are Patrick and Dom. Both have interesting threads that should keep our attention through the end of season 1.

Looking season 1 premieres Sunday, January 19 on HBO and airs after new episodes of Girls season 3. Speaking of the Lena Dunham drama, the “gay version of Girls” comparisons made by the public so far are not fair, because there’s no doubt that the show stands on its own and should be well-received by the gay community and its supporters.

The first season only has an eight episode order, and we have a feeling that by the end of this we’ll be desperate for more.

See a trailer for Looking below: