Canadian-Made Trans Sitcom ‘The Switch’ Makes Television History Again

First airing in 2016, the series is now available to watch worldwide for free with the goal of spreading trans joy

Indie Vancouver production company, Trembling Void Studios, made history almost a decade ago with the world’s first trans sitcom The Switch. Now, it’s doing something unheard of in the television world in an effort to bring trans joy at a time when trans rights are threatened.

Airing on OUTtv in 2016, The Switch is getting a worldwide release with the producers making it free, forever. Released every Friday on Tubi, YouTube, Vimeo and its website, audiences will have unrestricted access to the series. This is possible as the producers placed the show in the Creative Commons. “We’re asking the world to watch it and share it with anyone who needs to see it,” producer and series star Amy Fox said in a press release.

The Switch centres on Sü (played by pro-wrestler Nyla Rose) who comes out as trans only to wind up unemployed, homeless and couchsurfing with her eco-terrorist ex (played by Fox). Sü navigates life, deals with questionable boyfriends, precarious employment and corporate murders. She does this with the goal of finding love and community. “It [The Switch] tells trans stories that aren’t focused on trauma, but on joy, humour and resilience,” said pro-wrestler and series lead Nyla Rose in a statement.

For many countries, this will be the first time they see The Switch, which is exciting for its leading star. “Finally, our show is getting a much deserved mass release. It’s been hidden for too long and trans people shouldn’t be hidden. We’re here and we always have been,” Rose said. 

Why is the show being given away for free now?

After airing in Canada, the series was available for purchase online. By releasing it through the Creative Commons, the producers are removing every barrier that could prevent someone from accessing it. “Giving trans people access to positive, uplifting representation is important,” producer Ingo Lou said in a press release. “We hope these stories bring joy, passion, and inspiration to every viewer.”

The series aired during Trump’s first presidency with its lead character leaving America because of the leader. Nine years later, Trump is back in power and trying to erase trans people from existence. “The Switch was ahead of its time, a cultural pushback against Trump’s first presidency,” Lou said. “With the rise of alt-right politics, this provocatively left-leaning show is more relevant than ever and needs to be seen worldwide.”

By leading with a piracy-first model, Trembling Void Studios will no longer make a profit off the show. The producers don’t mind though. “We’re tired of people not having heard about this radical and beautiful show, which is an act of resistance,” Fox said. 

What is the Creative Commons?

The Creative Commons is an international non-profit offering an alternative copyright model – it’s what Wikipedia uses. Even though it allows for free access, it protects the show’s intellectual property. Its license agreement prevents the show from being sold, rebooted or spun-off.

The Switch is officially the first TV show in the Creative Commons. The series still proves it can push boundaries nearly 10 years after its original release. And if anything we need to be pushing boundaries right now and make the voices of the 2SLGBTQI+ community heard.