“Oh, Otto!” Brings the Heat—Belgium’s Queerest, Steamiest Export

Belgium’s latest queer offering, “Oh, Otto!”, has become the talk of LGBTQ+ circles across Europe and beyond, hailed for its frankness, humor, and emotional depth. Premiering on July 3, 2025, via the Belgian streaming service Streamz, the series is already being called a must-watch for anyone hungry for authentic gay narratives on television. Created by emerging director Stijn Van Kerkhoven and co-written with Ditte Jacoby and Emiel Van Wouwe, “Oh, Otto!” has made an international splash, enjoying its world premiere at Canneseries Season 8 and drawing acclaim for its nuanced approach to queer life in Brussels .

The series centers on Otto, a 26-year-old gay man played by Jonathan Michiels, whose seemingly stable life unravels when his boyfriend Boris (Gijs De Corte) ends their relationship. The breakup leaves Otto reeling, particularly as his lifelong best friend Lente (Jennifer Heylen) is also preparing to move away, leaving him more isolated than ever. As Otto struggles with loneliness and questions his own desires and identity, he turns to dating apps, crafting an online persona that emboldens him to explore new facets of his sexuality and the thriving queer nightlife of Brussels .

The show is unflinching in its depiction of adult queer experiences: Otto’s forays into the city’s drag shows, leather bars, and anonymous darkroom hookups are depicted with both sensitivity and candor, offering a rare focus on mature gay themes and the messy, beautiful process of post-breakup self-reinvention .

What sets “Oh, Otto!” apart is its commitment to portraying queer life with authenticity, humor, and vulnerability. Set against the dynamic backdrop of Brussels—a city often underrepresented in mainstream LGBTQ+ media—the series highlights both the joys and the complexities of seeking connection within a vibrant, diverse community. The writing team, led by Van Kerkhoven, Jacoby, and Van Wouwe, brings a palpable tenderness to Otto’s journey, steering clear of stereotypes and instead delving into the realities of navigating love, loss, and friendship as a young gay man in a rapidly changing world .

The cast, which includes rising Belgian talents like Emilie De Roo and Flor Van Severen, brings additional depth to the ensemble, ensuring that each character—whether main or supporting—adds authenticity and color to Otto’s world .

Though “Oh, Otto!” is currently only available in Belgium via Streamz, its premiere at Canneseries and glowing early reviews have sparked international interest, with many viewers outside Europe eagerly awaiting wider distribution. The series is being praised for providing representation that is both specific and universal: the story of heartbreak, growth, and queer community resonates far beyond Brussels, reflecting experiences shared by LGBTQ+ people around the world .

As American and other international audiences continue to crave more diverse and adventurous queer content, “Oh, Otto!” stands out as a beacon—reminding networks and creators alike of the hunger for stories that truly reflect the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ lives.

The creative team behind “Oh, Otto!” has expressed hopes for broader distribution and future seasons, encouraged by the show’s enthusiastic reception in both critical and queer circles. For now, the series remains a testament to the power of queer storytelling—and an invitation for audiences everywhere to seek out, support, and celebrate the next wave of LGBTQ+ voices coming out of Europe’s creative capitals .