Billy Burns

**Billy Burns** is a main character in Season 1 of Netflix's *Uncoupled (TV Series)* portrayed by Emerson Brooks. He is one of Michael’s close friends and a celebrity TV weatherman. He’s good-looking and charming, likes to have fun, and frequently dates much younger men.

## Physical appearance

He is an African American man that is fit.

## Character traits

A charismatic TV meteorologist, which makes him something of a local celebrity, and Billy is the type of man that is always on the lookout for a cute young fling.

## History

In Chapter 1, Billy, along with Stanley James, and Suzanne Prentiss as Michael’s friends, all congratulate him on the 17th year of his relationship with Colin. He also introduces Wyatt, his latest date, to all his friends.

In Chapter 3, Stanley and Billy push Michael to get back on Grindr and meet new people. They feel this is the best way for him to get along with his life. Later, after Michael has sex with Paolo Forella, a proud Michael lets his friends know. Unfortunately, Billy is out of town so he can not meet up with his friend.

In Chapter 4, Billy and Michael complete a run together in the park, and the weatherman states that he is having an event that he invites Michael to. Michael asks if Stanley will be there but Billy replies that Stanley has a tradition every Friday evening to have a peaceful night at a bar, reading a book. Billy is a bit annoyed that his two closest friends aren't speaking to one another. Unfortunately, Michael does not give a firm commitment to Billy citing his mother’s visit to the town and apparently her being in the dark over Colin. At the party, Michael separates from Suzanne and Claire Lewis,and meets up with Billy, who introduces him as an “eligible bachelor” to his friend group. Michael is offered a threesome by the two friends of Billy’s he was just talking to, who are actually a couple. He declines their offer out of pity. Not one to turn down an offer, Billy instead has sex with the couple.

In Chapter 5, Michael discusses his previous experience with a younger guy who didn't want to wear a condom with Stanley and Billy over brunch the next day. The consensus is that Michael does not understand the new norms of relationships. Later, at Stanley’s Munsch exhibition, Billy saves the day as he dramatically fake purchases a couple of paintings to get the buying going. Which ultimately works.

In Chapter 6, Billy is hosting a skating event that night, but at the skating rink, Billy spots Jerry, a teleprompter from the station who keeps bugging him to hang out. Billy leaves Jerry to Stanley, who reluctantly strikes up a conversation.

In Chapter 7, Michael, Billy, and Stanley go on their customary escape from city life. Not even two minutes into the trip, Billy already has the receptionist’s number and Stanley has the customary sigh of disgust and familiarity on his face. At the ski cabin, Stanley rents pink, ladies-style ski clothes, which he thinks are sensible compared to the thousands Billy and Michel spent on theirs. Billy then mentions how he has a secret code of conduct with fellow men of color. He explains how his parents used to send him to bourgie camps in order to mix in better with the white folks. Later, when trying to get close to Corey fails for Michael, Billy comforts him by saying that the weekend is long and he will see Corey again. Billy and Stanley try to calm him down saying he has Corey to look forward to and must focus on him. In the end, Stanley and Billy take Michael to his room. But while Stanley opens the door to his room, Billy drops Michael and he gets injuries to his face.

In Chapter 8, at the wedding for the Jonathans, Suzanne and a nervous Michael meet up with Billy and his date Wyatt, who is same guy from Colin’s 50th birthday celebrations. They all point out to Billy how it is kind of unusual to see Billy with the same man twice but he feels it might be different this time. Billy and Michael then turn toward Stanley, who looks upset. They take his state for his usual lonely sad-guy vibes surfacing. But they’re shocked to know that Stanley actually has first-stage breast cancer. Very few men are probable to be diagnosed with it and he is one of them. He asks Michael to accompany him to the doctor’s on Monday to learn how to proceed. Which irks Billy at not being asked to go and be there for his friend. Unfortunately, Wyatt spots Billy taking the number of a guy he hooked up with some time back. He calls Billy a shallow narcissist and breaks up with him. Afterwards, Billy tries to make up with Stanley and asks him why he didn’t ask him to go to the doctor. Stanley says he didn’t figure Billy would want to come with and apologizes. On his way back home, a sad Billy deletes Wyatt’s contact from his phone and thinks about his future.

## Appearances

### Season 1 - 8/8

* Chapter 1
* Chapter 2
* Chapter 3
* Chapter 4
* Chapter 5
* Chapter 6
* Chapter 7
* Chapter 8