Minutes into the series premiere of E!’s Caitlyn Jenner reality series “I Am Cait,” the show’s hashtag became a #1 trend on Twitter and remained for the duration of the hourlong episode, and beyond.
The series, which documents Jenner’s transition to a woman, had viewers in tears from the very beginning, judging from the social media reaction.
“So moving! Such strength from Esther and Caitlyn,” said one Twitter user, referencing an emotional conversation between Jenner and her mother, Esther.
“I freakin love #IAmCait,” said another. “This soul @Caitlyn_Jenner is a champion in any gender. Maybe that’s the message here.”
Those in the transgender community seemed to feel the series hit especially close for them.
“Watching #IAmCait makes me excited, honestly. I cannot wait to start my transition, shared Twitter user highonShelton.
On the more comical side, some couldn’t help but comment on the Kardashians’ penchant for self-promotion, especially on their various reality shows on E!.
“not Kylie plugging in her hair extensions line. I AM SCREAMING!!!” said kyliesaysparty.
The episode also featured Kim Kardashian and her husband Kanye West showing their support for Jenner, prompting viewers to muse about the importance of the hip hop superstar taking such a public stance on trans issues.
Below are a sampling of social media reactions to E!’s “I Am Cait” series premiere.
I freakin love #IAmCait This soul @Caitlyn_Jenner is a champion in any gender. Maybe that's the message here.
— Nancy Lee Grahn (@NancyLeeGrahn) July 27, 2015
https://twitter.com/FagsyMalone/status/625464741666820097
https://twitter.com/HighOnShelton/status/625461283899490304
You may change your name, you can add or remove body parts, but if you were born a guy, you will always be a guy. #IAmCait
— chrishon (@CHRISH0N) July 27, 2015
Throwing away Bruce's clothes to make room for Caitlyn……. Out with the old in with the new. #IAmCait
— ??????,?????????. ? (@StevieDerrick_) July 27, 2015
https://twitter.com/kyliesaysparty/status/625463191993237504
I freakin love #IAmCait This soul @Caitlyn_Jenner is a champion in any gender. Maybe that's the message here.
— Nancy Lee Grahn (@NancyLeeGrahn) July 27, 2015
I really like how they're showing Caitlyn's mom struggling through the transition and being emotional. Important to see. #IAmCait
— b (@Brie__yonce) July 27, 2015
https://twitter.com/damnitwinnie/status/625464667859759104
https://twitter.com/TakeTheTitan/status/625464465530601477
Genuine acceptance = letting your kid put seaweed-colored extensions in your hair. #IAmCait @Caitlyn_Jenner @IAmCait @KylieJenner
— Kate Coyne (@KatePeople) July 27, 2015
https://twitter.com/hhoagie/status/625463022400745477
https://twitter.com/LeoADion/status/625465850590441472
https://twitter.com/sassyvillainess/status/625465925798531073
https://twitter.com/MissSchliez/status/625465921012920320
#EstherJenner is making me tear up – talking abt how she's prouder NOW than when Bruce won the gold medal. #IAmCait
— Debra Alfarone (@DebraAlfarone) July 27, 2015
https://twitter.com/hunterw/status/625467972023398400
Anyone would have forgiven #IAmCait to focus completely on Caitlyn. So beautiful to see the spotlight being shined on other trans stories
— Courtney Act (@courtneyact) July 27, 2015