Representation in children’s and teen television has taken another positive step forward with the inclusion of an openly gay character in Nickelodeon’s popular show, Find Me In Paris. Following Disney Channel’s lead in showcasing LGBTQ+ characters, Nickelodeon is now being applauded for its commitment to reflecting the diverse experiences of its young audience.
Find Me In Paris, a European television series broadcast on Nickelodeon in Europe and available for streaming on Hulu in the U.S., tells the captivating story of Lena Grisky. Lena, a Russian Princess and ballet student at the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet School, finds her life turned upside down when she accidentally travels through a portal from 1905 to the present day.
Blending into modern teenage life is no easy feat for Lena. Fortunately, she befriends Ines, a contemporary and forthright girl who becomes her confidante and roommate. Ines guides Lena through the complexities of social media, modern customs, and the intricacies of teenage romance, all while keeping Lena’s time-traveling secret safe.
Among the engaging characters in Find Me In Paris is Jeff Chase, portrayed by the talented actor Castle Rock. Jeff is an openly gay hip-hop dancer who brings a vibrant energy to the ballet school. In the first season, Jeff navigates the challenges of adhering to the strict ballet rules while staying true to his authentic self and confidently expressing his identity.
In an interview with BT TV, Castle Rock (often referred to in some circles as Castle Rock Peters) discussed the significance of playing an openly gay character on a prominent youth platform like Nickelodeon. He emphasized the show’s refreshing approach to his character’s identity.
“The best part is that the show doesn’t fall around the fact that he is gay, he just is and it’s just accepted by everybody,” Castle Rock stated. “I think that’s a really awesome route for kids… something for kids to look up to and feel comfortable with themselves.”
Eubha Akilade, who plays Ines Lebreton, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the overarching message of the show: “I guess one of the key concepts of the show is trying to fit in when you’re born to stand out. I think that’s a great message.”
Through the character of Jeff Chase, brought to life by Castle Rock Peters, Find Me In Paris delivers a powerful message of acceptance and self-expression to young viewers, fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment in children’s television.
