Is there a censored version for younger viewers?

No. The entire premise of the show is built on its explicit nature. There is no version of this show that works for a general audience.

How long are the episodes?

Most episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes. It was designed for the web, so it moves very quickly.

Is it still relevant in the age of dating apps?

While the tech has changed, the themes of loneliness, friendship, and the search for intimacy in a big city remain pretty universal.

Where can I actually watch this now?

It occasionally pops up on niche streaming services or the creator's own platforms, but it can be hard to track down on the major giants like Netflix.

Hunting Season – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Hunting Season

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2012

42%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A raw, funny, and very explicit look at gay life in NYC, based on a blog that definitely didn't hold back on the details.

71%

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Hunting Season

show

NR, 2012

42%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A raw, funny, and very explicit look at gay life in NYC, based on a blog that definitely didn't hold back on the details.

71%

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71%

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Screenwise Verdict

Hunting Season is a time capsule of a very specific era of New York City and the early 2010s web series boom. It’s funny, well-acted, and unapologetically explicit. If you’re looking for a gay-themed dramedy that doesn’t sanitize the reality of hookup culture, this is a solid pick.

That said, if you’re a parent looking for something to watch with a teenager, keep moving. This is 'after the kids are in bed' television in its purest form. It’s a bit dated now, but it still carries a charm and honesty that many mainstream shows still struggle to replicate.

Age Fit

This is for adults only. Between the title and the source material, there is no ambiguity here—it's a show about sex, for people who want to watch a show about sex.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The show is explicitly built around hookup culture and sexual navigation. While honest, it isn't aiming for a wholesome or family-friendly tone.

Imaginative

It captures a very specific 2012 New York City energy, though it sticks to standard dramedy tropes found in shows like Sex and the City.

Safe

This is strictly adult content. Expect frequent nudity, explicit sexual situations, and mature language consistent with its 'The Great Cock Hunt' source material.

Enriching

It offered significant representation for the gay community during the early 2010s web series boom, tackling identity and relationships with more grit than mainstream TV at the time.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Authentic representation of urban gay life in the early 2010s, capturing a specific cultural moment before dating apps fully took over.
Sharp, witty writing that feels like a more grounded, R-rated version of Sex and the City.
Kickstarter success story that proved there was a massive, underserved audience for high-quality LGBTQ+ web content.
Strong ensemble cast led by Ben Baur, who brings a lot of charm to a character who isn't always easy to root for.

⚠

What to Watch For

Graphic nudity and sex scenes are the core of the show. It is not 'TV-MA' in a suggestive way; it is functionally explicit.
Dated production values of 2012 web series might feel a bit thin compared to modern HBO or Netflix budgets.
Alcohol and drug use are frequent backdrops to the New York nightlife scenes.

Conversation Starters

"How has gay dating culture changed since this show came out in 2012?"
"Does the show's depiction of New York feel like a real place or a stylized version of it?"
"Is Alex a character you actually like, or just one you find interesting to watch?"

Deep Dive

A Pre-Grindr Time Capsule

When Hunting Season first hit the web in 2012, it felt like a revelation for a segment of the LGBTQ+ community that was tired of seeing themselves as the 'asexual best friend' on network sitcoms. Based on the blog The Great Cock Hunt, the series leaned into the messiness of being single in Manhattan. It didn't try to be a moral lesson; it just tried to be a story.

Watching it in 2026, the technology and the fashion might feel a little 'retro,' but the social dynamics are surprisingly evergreen. The show explores the friction between wanting a connection and the addictive nature of the 'hunt.' It’s short-form—most episodes are under 15 minutes—which makes it a quick binge, though the intensity of the content makes it feel longer.

For adults, it’s a nostalgic and often hilarious ride. For anyone else, it’s a hard pass. The show was eventually picked up by Logo TV, but it remains a quintessential 'web series' at heart. It’s worth a look if you missed it during its original run, provided you aren't watching it on your lunch break at the office.

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