After nearly three years, the ballroom lights heat up one more time for the final season of Pose. The FX drama created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuck, and Steven Canals tells the story of the New York Ballroom Scene prevalent throughout the 1980s and ‘90s. From the start, Pose made headlines as the cast featured the largest number of reoccuring roles played by transgender actors. Since its premiere, the show has continued to push the narrative about the intersectionality and struggle of LGBTQIA+ people of color. 

The show follows Blanca Rodriquez-Evangelista, played by MJ Rodriquez, who is trying to create a legacy for herself by founding her own “house” following a HIV positive diagnosis. Drama ensues as her mother, Elektra, becomes infuriated by her decision to leave her in search of a greater purpose.

 This final season is set in 1994 during the height of the AIDS crisis. We flash forward to a time when protagonist Blanca navigates being a mother while also balancing her love life and work as a nurse in an AIDS ward. It is expected the other main characters will experience struggles with AIDS either as people living with HIV/AIDS or taking care of those suffering from the virus in the community. A new batch of characters is also anticipated as Blanca is expected to have more children join the House of Evangelista.  

The key to this show’s success is the inclusion of topics both familiar and unfamiliar to the average viewer. In one scene, characters can be faced with the struggles of body dysmorphia, transphobia, racism, or HIV/AIDS, and the next scene can include characters competing in balls or laughing together as a family. Not only has this format made the show entertaining for audiences but allows for people ignorant to the transgender, LGBTQIA+, or POC experience to see them as people similar to themselves. Co-creator Ryan Murphy said, “Pose’s story may end in 1996, but its impact will go on forever.”

Prepare to wish all your favorites farewell as the last seven episodes of the series air. Season Three of Pose is set to premiere on May 2 at 10 p.m. on FX. If you have not seen the first two seasons or need to refresh your memory, both seasons can be found on Netflix.