The ABC’s TV line-up for 2012 includes a new comedy about a gay sci-fi fan club, and rascally funnyman Josh Thomas gets his own sitcom.

The cast of Outland (pictured above) wrapped filming their six-episode show last summer, and after a patient wait through 2011, the show is set to premiere early next year.

“In the closet, no one can hear you squeal,” says the ABC. In the show, Rae ( Christine Anu ), Toby ( Ben Gerrard ), Andy ( Paul Ireland ), Fab ( Adam Richard ) and Max ( Toby Truslove ) are openly gay – and closeted geeks.

“Orbiting around their shambolic meetings at each other’s apartments, this is a series about how you cope if you’re gay and a geek. Mostly it’s about belonging – no matter who you are – and how everyone searches to find a place to fit in.”

Elsewhere, Please Like Me sees Talking About My Generation openly gay star Josh Thomas (pictured below) tackles the funny business of losing your independence: “The events of one day throw his world spinning off its axis, and Josh is forced to move back into the family home to keep an eye on his divorced mother.”

Written by the Melbourne-based comedian himself, the show explores “growing up quickly, and realizing that your parents are not heroes, but dopes with no idea what’s going on – just like you.”

2012 also sees the Artspace series of documentaries continues, featuring out actor and singer Paul Capsis talking about cutting off his trademark long Hair.

International shows in include the much-loved Absolutely Fabulous girls return for three half-hour special comeback episodes. Yes, Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley are back as Edina and Patsy, who are set to play a unique part in the run-up to the 2012 London Olympics.

Fellow witty Brit Stephen Fry will also return, with new episodes of QI, plus new doco shows exploring gadgets and the spoken word.

The ABC has also confirmed that the popular live interactive political show Q&A will return, with a fun new way for Same Samers to ask MPs about gay marriage – a new Q&A app for smartphones will allow audiences to participate in the show, along with the usual tweeting.