The stars and creators open up about K-drama influences, battling shame, and creating a movie for every age
When they aren’t selling out stadiums, Rumi, Mira, and Zoey have another job: slaying demons.
InK-Pop Demon Hunters, now streaming on Netflix, a trio of K-pop idols use their secret identities to protect their fans from supernatural threats. But behind the magical fight scenes and music-driven mayhem lies a much deeper message about identity, shame, and self-acceptance.
Gayety reporter Calix Quan caught up with stars Arden Cho, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo, as well as directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, to talk about the film’s emotional themes, cultural inspirations, and why it hits especially hard for viewers who’ve ever felt the need to hide who they are.
“It has everything we love,” said Arden Cho, who voices Rumi. “It’s like this magical world and it’s girls kicking ass, let’s go.”
Fighting Demons—Literal and Metaphorical
But beyond the fantasy, K-Pop Demon Hunters delivers an emotional gut punch. The film explores shame with surprising depth—an experience many LGBTQ+ viewers will find relatable.
“I feel like… everybody has their own types of demons or things that they’re battling, their insecurities and things they’re scared of,” Cho explained. “For Rumi, she’s going through this identity crisis, but also trying to do it all. And I would say for anyone who’s struggling with it, my advice is, one: I think having community is really important. Your sisters, your friends… without Mira and Zoey, she wouldn’t have made it.”
Director Maggie Kang confirmed that was always the intention.
“We used to always compare it—Rumi’s story—as like she’s coming out of the closet and coming clean to her parents who is wanting her to be something that she’s not,” Kang said. “So yeah, it was just kind of naturally part of the kind of crafting of it and the storytelling.”
That authenticity extended to the film’s look and sound. The directors pulled visual cues from K-dramas, used real K-pop choreo as references, and built mood boards filled with “hundreds of gifs” to guide animators.
“The badass lead of a K-drama, perfect dude who slightly feels some feelings for the first time, his eyelids do a little fluttery thing,” Appelhans said. “And we have just 40 gifs of that that we give to our animators.”
“The best part… was the animators were fans of K-dramas. Many of them were Korean and they’re like, I finally get to animate this thing that I love and do my take on it in animation,” he added.
A Message of Self-Love for Every Generation
For Ji-young Yoo, who voices Zoey, the emotional arc of the film is what hits hardest.
“So much of this is—the demons in a lot of ways are really a metaphor for the critics both in the world around you and the ones in your head,” she said. “I think the women in the film are powerful because they embrace who they are and they’re proud of who they are. I think that’s the journey of really all three women in different ways… I hope that kids take away that message and that also, it’s just a really fun movie.”
May Hong, who plays Mira, summed it up perfectly:
“Now we get to give it to ourselves basically too. Just like being part of it is so surreal.”
“Even though we’re grown up, we could still be kids and we can enjoy it,” added Cho. “And I feel like that’s what I also hope people take away from this… people think an animated film is just for kids, but it’s not.”
With stunning animation, original songs by K-pop artists like TWICE’s Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung, and a powerful message about being your truest self, K-Pop Demon Hunters is more than a movie—it’s a cultural milestone.
It’s been 10 years since Will Jardell sashayed onto national television in a pair of 6-inch patent leather heels and made reality TV history onAmerica’s Next Top Model Cycle 21. At just 24 years old, he was fresh out of college in Texas and still navigating his identity when he stepped into the ANTM house — unknowingly stepping into a transformative decade of self-discovery, queer visibility and viral representation.
Now 34, Jardell is a husband, a reality TV champion (The Amazing Race, anyone?), a fashion trailblazer and a proud voice for LGBTQ+ authenticity. In an exclusive interview with Gayety, he reflects on what a decade of living out loud has meant for him — and for the queer people inspired by his journey.
From Small-Town Texas to High-Heeled Fame
“When I filmed America’s Next Top Model in 2014, I had no clue what was next for me,” Jardell said. “I had just graduated from college and was this small-town kid who suddenly found myself on a show I grew up loving. It changed everything.”
Following his time on ANTM, Jardell moved to Los Angeles — and never looked back.
“ANTM brought me my husband, a new understanding of myself, and completely rerouted where my life was going,” he said. “When I watch my season now, I can see my growth in real time — especially in my confidence and self-acceptance.”
While some former contestants have since criticized their time on the show, Jardell remains grateful, even acknowledging the complexities of the experience.
“America’s Next Top Model” Cycle 21 finalists Denzel Wells, Adam Smith, Ben Schreen, Romeo Tostado, Will Jardell, Matthew Smith and Keith Carlos attend the premiere party for Cycle 21 of “America’s Next Top Model” presented by NYLON magazine and the LINE messaging app at SupperClub Los Angeles on August 20, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Michael Tullberg/Getty Images
“It was wild. There were definitely pros and cons — quite a few cons,” he added with a laugh. “But for me, it was powerful and rewarding overall.”
Coming Out, On Camera
One of Jardell’s most memorable ANTM moments wasn’t just a fashion statement — it was a personal revolution.
“I’d only come out to a handful of people before filming,” he said. “When I stepped onto the judging panel in heels that first time, it wasn’t just for drama. It was me stepping into who I wanted to be, not who I’d been pretending to be.”
Behind the scenes, a casting director actually told Jardell not to wear the heels. He ignored the advice, asked a PA to grab them off the bus, and walked out as his full self.
“That moment changed my life. If I was going to promise myself I’d show up authentically, why let someone else tell me otherwise?”
The vulnerability he brought to the screen resonated far beyond the Top Model audience. LGBTQ+ fans, particularly young queer people wrestling with their own identities, saw themselves in Jardell.
“I don’t know if I ever truly accepted myself as a gay man before the show. But getting that encouragement from the judges, other contestants and even the crew? That was the beginning.”
The Unexpected Echoes of ANTM
Though the runways and eliminations are long behind him, Jardell admits that certain things still linger — like the very specific scent of the Top Model house.
Model Will Jardell attends America’s Next Top Model Cycle 21 premiere party presented by NYLON and LINE at SupperClub Los Angeles on August 20, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Rachel Murray/Getty Images for NYLON
“I know it sounds weird, but I still remember what the house smelled like,” he said. “Lights, cameras, all of us crammed in there — maybe it’s trauma, but it’s definitely unforgettable.”
He also treasures the unplugged connections he made while filming.
“We didn’t have phones. So you really got to know people,” he said. “Some of those relationships became deeper than ones I had in real life at the time.”
Becoming a Public Figure — And Staying Grounded
While ANTM gave Jardell visibility, the sudden spotlight was a challenge.
“I didn’t feel qualified to be a public figure,” he said. “I was still figuring out who I was, and suddenly people had all these opinions.”
He leaned on his Texas roots and LA support system — and chose authenticity over image.
“This was 2014, when YouTubers were just becoming a thing and Instagram was blowing up,” Jardell said. “I’ve always tried to present my most honest self online. I had to get comfortable with people not liking me, and I had to protect my own self-worth.”
His approach to social media and public life remains the same: stay kind, stay real, and never compromise who you are.
Fashion Then vs. Now: Breaking Gender Norms in Style
One of Jardell’s most lasting contributions to pop culture is how he helped push boundaries around gender expression and fashion — something he continues to embrace.
“When I first bought those heels in 2013, I could barely find a size 16,” he said. “Now I can shop men’s heels online with ease. Fashion has come so far in just ten years.”
He regularly shops across both the men’s and women’s departments, guided by one principle: if it fits and feels right, wear it.
“Fashion is about expression now. It’s not about boxes or binary,” he said. “I’m inspired by creators and everyday people who are boldly wearing what they want.”
Even athletic wear has shifted. Jardell recalls preparing for The Amazing Race in 2018 and struggling to find colorful workout clothes for men.
“Our team color was purple and we could barely find anything in stores,” he said. “Now, men’s sections are often more colorful than women’s. That kind of inclusivity — even in something as simple as gym shorts — makes a difference.”
Winning The Amazing Race — and Popping the Question
In 2020, Jardell returned to reality television alongside his partner, James Wallington. As a couple, they competed — and won — Season 32 of The Amazing Race, making history as the first openly gay couple to do so.
“We weren’t trying to be anyone’s version of the ‘right’ gay couple,” Jardell said. “We just wanted to have fun and be ourselves.”
Their victory was a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation — but the real heart-stopper came at the finish line, when Jardell proposed.
“I’d been carrying the ring the entire season, waiting for the right moment,” he said. “Phil [Keoghan] pulled us aside afterward and told us how big this moment was. That’s when it hit me.”
The proposal aired on national television — marking the first same-sex engagement in American reality TV history.
“We didn’t do it for that title. We did it for us. But realizing what it meant to others? That was powerful,” he said. “Even now, people come up to us or message us about what that moment meant to them.”
Reality TV Lessons: Resilience, Strategy and Realness
Reality competition isn’t all glamour and prize money. Jardell said his experiences taught him how to stay mentally tough and camera-ready.
“Being on ANTM prepared me for a lot — like how to be filmed constantly, and how to think ahead during interviews,” he said. “But what really helped was understanding the impact of perception. You always wonder how things will look in the edit.”
One thing fans don’t see? The downtime.
“People think The Amazing Race is nonstop action,” he said. “But we spent hours in airports. We brought a deck of cards to play with other teams — partially for bonding, partially for strategy.”
Each hour-long episode boils down days of intense travel, stress, and emotional highs and lows.
“There’s so much that never makes the final cut — things that absolutely change how you interact with other teams or how you compete.”
What’s Next for Will Jardell?
While Jardell is enjoying married life and continuing his advocacy through fashion and media, he hasn’t ruled out a return to TV.
“I’m always down for a new adventure,” he said. “Put me on The Traitors, Big Brother, Survivor — I’m ready.”
More importantly, he remains committed to using his platform for good.
“I want to continue showing people that joy, love and authenticity are worth sharing,” Jardell said. “Visibility matters. Being yourself matters.”
A Decade of Pride
Ten years after he walked into the America’s Next Top Model house as a hopeful, closeted 24-year-old, Will Jardell has become something more: a fierce advocate, a fashion trailblazer and a symbol of queer joy in mainstream media.
“I still ask myself, what if ANTM had never called?” he said. “That one moment launched me into a life I never dreamed possible. I’m so grateful — and I’m proud of what I’ve done with it.”
From heels to history-making proposals, Will Jardell proves that sometimes the boldest thing you can do is simply show up as yourself.
When Squid Game first hit Netflix in 2021, it wasn’t just a chilling survival drama—it was a cultural phenomenon. Hailing from South Korea, the series tackled economic inequality, social desperation, and moral ambiguity through a bloody and brutal competition that felt both dystopian and alarmingly familiar. But beyond the carnage, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk ensured that each character stood for something more.
Season 3 takes that a step further, introducing one of the series’ most important characters yet: Hyun-ju, a transgender woman portrayed by actor Park Sung-hoon. In a franchise known for elevating underrepresented voices, Hyun-ju’s inclusion isn’t just symbolic—it’s a turning point for LGBTQ+ representation on a global stage.
A Transgender Character at the Center of the Narrative
Hyun-ju isn’t a background figure or a stereotype. She’s a central part of the narrative—a strong, complex woman who faces prejudice, earns respect, and protects others amid the chaos of the game. Her arc echoes real-life trans experiences of resilience, survival, and the long road to social acceptance.
“She had to fight against a lot of bias and prejudice,” Park said during an exclusive interview with Gayety. “Geum-ja didn’t like her at first, but then she warms up to her and brings her into the fold. That’s what I hope for viewers, too—that they start to see people like Hyun-ju differently.”
The Actor Behind the Role: Park Sung-hoon’s Commitment
Portraying a transgender character as a cisgender man is not a choice without controversy. Park was aware of the weight of the role and the conversations it would stir. But rather than shy away from it, he embraced the responsibility with thoughtfulness and care.
“I knew there would be questions about a cis man playing this role, and that’s valid,” Park said. “That’s why I made sure to meet with transgender individuals, to get their advice and listen to their stories. I wanted to understand their experiences deeply and avoid reducing this character to a caricature.”
Park Sung Hoon in Squid Game Season 2. Photo: Netflix
His preparation involved not just reading scripts or watching portrayals on screen, but engaging in heartfelt conversations with members of the transgender community. Park’s goal wasn’t just to “act” the role of Hyun-ju—it was to honor the emotional, social, and cultural realities of trans women, especially those in Korea, where representation is still painfully rare.
Why This Matters in South Korean Media
South Korea remains a deeply conservative society when it comes to gender identity and LGBTQ+ issues. While younger generations are increasingly pushing for inclusivity, institutional and societal barriers remain significant. The tragic death of a transgender soldier, Byun Hee-soo, in 2021 sparked national and international outrage after she was dismissed from the military and died by suicide. Her story became a rallying cry for trans rights in South Korea—and a stark reminder of the country’s systemic issues.
Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk acknowledged this in his decision to include Hyun-ju. “In Season 1, I highlighted characters like Ali, a migrant worker, and Sae-byeok, a North Korean defector—people marginalized in Korean society,” he said. “For Season 3, I felt it was time to spotlight the trans community, who are often among the most marginalized.”
For Hwang, creating Hyun-ju wasn’t about tokenism. It was about shifting public perception through powerful, empathetic storytelling.
A Partnership Built on Trust and Respect
Hyun-ju forms one of the most moving relationships of the season with fellow player Geum-ja, portrayed by veteran actress Kang Ae-sim. The characters develop a bond that reflects mutual respect and emotional depth—a rarity for trans representation in mainstream media.
“He portrayed Hyun-ju so flawlessly,” Kang said. “I could see in his eyes how sincere the character was. It came naturally for me to trust her, and we became a strong team.”
Their partnership in the game echoes the importance of solidarity—something often seen in real-life queer communities, especially among those fighting for safety and dignity.
Challenging Tropes and Expanding Representation
Trans characters in global media, especially in East Asia, have long been subject to misrepresentation—if they appear at all. Often portrayed as comic relief, victims, or social outcasts, they’re rarely granted the complexity and dignity of their cisgender counterparts. Park’s performance and Hyun-ju’s narrative push back on these tired tropes.
“We tend to see a lot of transgender characters reduced to caricatures,” Park said. “We don’t want that anymore. We want nuanced, layered transgender characters—because all people are layered and deserve respect.”
This sentiment reflects a growing demand for authenticity in storytelling—one where trans lives are not merely represented, but celebrated in all their complexity.
A Message for Viewers Around the World
In many ways, Hyun-ju’s character operates on multiple levels. She’s a compelling player in the game, a fierce protector of others, and a mirror to the biases and growth of the characters around her. But more than anything, she’s a symbol of possibility—for greater empathy, more inclusive narratives, and ultimately, more visibility for transgender people in entertainment.
Park hopes that viewers come away from the show changed. “If someone sees the show and feels like Geum-ja did at first—hesitant, skeptical—I hope they, too, can grow to see Hyun-ju for who she really is. That’s how change starts.”
Jo Yu-ri, who plays Jun-hee, a mother fighting to protect her child within the brutal game, shared her personal reflections on Hyun-ju’s impact. In both her performance and personal view, she chose not to focus on Hyun-ju’s gender identity, but on her strength and compassion. “None of that crossed my mind in how I approached her character,” Yu-ri said. “To me, she was simply a protector—someone I felt gratitude and love toward.” Her sentiment reflects one of the season’s most powerful themes: that trans women, often portrayed as outsiders, are equally capable of heroism, love, and leadership. In portraying Hyun-ju as a central figure of protection and solidarity, Squid Game flips the script on how trans identities are often framed in mainstream media.
The Power of Storytelling in a Global Franchise
It’s worth emphasizing that Squid Game is not just a Korean show—it’s a global phenomenon. With millions of viewers across the world, its messages about inequality, morality, and human connection reach far and wide. Including a transgender character at the heart of such a widely watched series is not just a creative decision—it’s a political and cultural one.
Netflix has increasingly invested in diversity, but shows like Squid Game demonstrate how that diversity can go beyond token gestures. By embedding meaningful representation into the very structure of the story, the series makes it harder to ignore or dismiss the lived realities of marginalized groups.
As the season concludes, the emotional toll on both characters and audiences is undeniable. Kang Ae-sim reflected on the intense scenes and the supportive environment that allowed her to tap into those emotions. “There were moments I worried I couldn’t pull it off,” she said. “But the atmosphere on set, especially thanks to Director Hwang, was so calming. That helped us all go deeper emotionally.”
For Park Sung-hoon, the takeaway is clear: representation should never be an afterthought. It should be central to storytelling—an opportunity to reflect the world as it is, and the world we want to build.
“I hope we continue to see more trans characters,” he said. “Not just in survival games or tragic arcs, but in love stories, comedies, everything. We all deserve to be seen.”
The Deception Continues: “The Traitors” Renewed Through Season 5 The dagger-filled drama isn’t over just yet. Peacock’s hit reality competition series The Traitorshas officially secured its spot on our screens for at least two more seasons. After captivating viewers with backstabbing alliances, theatrical banishments, and Alan Cumming’s flawless tartan wardrobe, the Emmy-winning show is already gearing up for Season 4.
NBC confirmed the double renewal in August 2024, locking in both Season 4 and 5, and sending fans spiraling with anticipation. Though a release date hasn’t dropped, previous premiere patterns suggest a likely return in early January—so go ahead and pencil it in, just don’t sign it in blood.
When Will “The Traitors” Season 4 Premiere?
While there’s no official date yet, history is a pretty solid guide. The first three seasons premiered in early January: Jan. 12, 2023 (Season 1), Jan. 12, 2024 (Season 2), and Jan. 9, 2025 (Season 3). Season 3 wrapped by March, and filming reportedly took place the previous summer. If that cadence continues, we can expect Season 4 to premiere in January 2026.
Though Peacock hasn’t confirmed the new lineup, internet sleuths and fan blogs have already begun piecing together potential contestants. The rumored cast reads like the VIP lounge of Reality Con.
From the sands of Survivor to the salons of The Real Housewives, Season 4 is expected to deliver a high-drama ensemble. Fan favorites from past seasons including Cirie Fields, Parvati Shallow, and Boston Rob have paved the way for new icons.
Among the rumored recruits are Real Housewives heavyweights Porsha Williams and Candiace Dillard Bassett. Dillard isn’t just a reality staple, she’s also a singer, former Miss United States, and MBA holder, so let’s just say she’s not afraid to play smart and sharp.
Also reportedly making the jump across the pond isLove Island UK alum Maura Higgins, ready to trade villa flings for Scottish mind games.
But the biggest twist? The rumored inclusion of Donna Kelce. Yes, that Donna Kelce, NFL mom of Travis and Jason. Could she be the most wholesome player to ever wield a metaphorical dagger?
Fan Reactions: Who Needs Trust When You Have Twitter?
Fans are already losing their minds over the potential casting shake-up. “Oh this is gaggy.” one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote. Another declared, “OH MY GOD MY DREAMS CAME TRUE.”
On Reddit, speculation has run wild, with some users even drafting fantasy traitor lineups. The general consensus? If these rumors are true, Season 4 might be the wildest yet.
Will The Format Change? Probably Not—And That’s a Good Thing
Season 1 featured civilians and celebs, but Seasons 2 and 3 went full reality royalty. It’s likely Season 4 will stick to the same formula: familiar faces, fiery drama, and a whole lot of cloak-and-dagger betrayal. Host Alan Cumming is expected to return, because frankly, no one else can make deceit look that fabulous.
Stay Tuned for an Official Announcement
With filming reportedly underway, a full cast reveal could drop any day now. Until then, fans are sharpening their guessing skills, and their knives.
Netflix is going all-in on queer storytelling in 2025, with bold new originals, beloved series returns, and global stories that center LGBTQ+ characters, creators, and communities. Whether you’re looking for love, chaos, heartbreak, or horror, there’s something new under the rainbow. Here’s what to stream now—and what to get hyped for.
Set in a high-performance sports academy for elite synchronized swimmers, this Spanish drama dives into the intense world of ambition, control, and desire. Created by the team behind Elite, Olympo features LGBTQ+ storylines and homoerotic tension front and center. It’s a queer coming-of-age drama wrapped in slow-burn rivalries, watery aesthetics, and complicated love.
Netflix’s sapphic dating show is back with even more high-stakes emotional chaos. Season 2 will be released in two parts: the first six episodes drop June 25, with the remaining six arriving July 2. A brand new cast of women and nonbinary contestants must choose—marry or move on. Known for zero chill, U-Haul-level intensity, and vulnerable queer conversations, the series delivers drama, tears, and moments of genuine love.
Georgia’s fairytale wedding ends in handcuffs, leaving the Miller family reeling. This season focuses on Ginny’s inner conflict—does she still want to stand by her mother when the truth comes crashing down? Maxine’s queer storyline continues to shine, offering authentic LGBTQ+ teen representation within a rollercoaster of drama.
The brutal survival series returns for its third and final season on June 27, with even higher stakes. And let’s not forget, last season introduced us to Cho Hyun-ju, aka Player 120, a transgender contestant entering the game. As one of the first trans characters in a high-profile Korean series, her presence marks a major step for queer visibility in global media.
In Netflix’s new rom-com series Too Much, Megan Stalter plays an American export hoping for a fresh start, but what she gets instead is a crash course in culture clashes, heartbreak hangovers, and one very confusing British man.
Detective Benoit Blanc is back on the case in the third Knives Out installment. This time, the world’s most stylish detective faces his darkest mystery yet. With Daniel Craig reprising his role as the now-canonically queer sleuth, expect murder, mind games, and campy couture. The film lands on Netflix December 12.
Guillermo del Toro reimagines Mary Shelley’s gothic classic in a visually lush, emotionally charged horror fantasy. The tale of a misunderstood creature seeking connection is inherently queer, and del Toro’s history with themes of otherness and empathy suggests this one will hit hard.
Hawkins faces one last showdown in a three-part final season. Volume 1 (Episodes 1–4) premieres November 26, Volume 2 (Episodes 5–7) drops December 25, and the series finale (Volume 3) airs December 31. Fans are hoping the show finally gives Will Byers the queer arc he deserves, while Robin’s sapphic storyline continues to shine.
Netflix’s goth queen returns in Season 2, which will be released in two parts: Part 1 on August 6 and Part 2 on September 3, with four episodes in each.
Jenna Ortega’s embrace of the character’s queer-coded vibes only fuels the flames—and co-star Hunter Doohan, who plays Tyler, is openly gay in real life, add a layer of queer visibility to the series.
Ryan Murphy’s latest season focuses on Ed Gein—the real-life murderer who inspired Psycho and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Charlie Hunnam stars in a chilling exploration of how true crime became pop culture.
Season 2 of the political thriller is currently in production and will follow Charles (Ted Danson) as he goes undercover at Wheeler College to investigate a potential crime. With an academic twist, this chapter introduces a new mystery set against the backdrop of campus life. And let’s be honest—we have to support Stephanie Beatriz, a proud bisexual and total queer icon, who returns with her usual charm and gravitas.
Nick and Charlie’s love story isn’t over. After three heartfelt seasons, the couple’s journey will wrap up with a feature-length film. Based on Alice Oseman’s novella Nick and Charlie, the movie explores the emotional strain of long-distance love as Nick heads off to university. Kit Connor and Joe Locke return as both stars and executive producers, ensuring a finale as tender as the series that built to it.
Turns out, running off to London might not be the fix-all fantasy it looks like in the movies. In Netflix’s new rom-com series Too Much, Megan Stalter plays an American export hoping for a fresh start, but what she gets instead is a crash course in culture clashes, heartbreak hangovers, and one very confusing British man.
The series premieres July 10, and if the trailer is any indication, it’s less Love Actually and more Emotional Luggage Actually.
A Hot Mess Abroad
Jessica (Stalter), a New York career girl in emotional freefall, jets off to London to escape the debris of a relationship she thought was it. Her coping plan? Become a Brontë-style recluse with good bangs and bad Wi-Fi. Instead, she meets Felix (played by The White Lotus scene-stealer Will Sharpe), a brooding Brit who has red flags fluttering like bunting at a royal wedding.
Their connection is electric. Their timing? Tragic. And the result is a transatlantic slow-burn that’s equal parts messy, magnetic, and mildly unhinged.
Created by Lena Dunham and her husband Luis Felber, Too Much puts a modern, millennial spin on the classic expat rom-com complete with cringe texts, awkward hookups, and a cameo from Dunham herself. Yes, she’s in the trailer. No, she’s not playing a therapist (though that might help).
It’s giving “British Vogue afterparty meets queer indie cinema,” and we’re into it.
Executive-produced by the teams behind Girls and Love Actually, the show blends sharply written comedy with the kind of emotional realism that makes you feel seen… and slightly exposed.
Andrew Scott in ‘Too Much.’ Photo: Netflix
Jessica Alba in ‘Too Much.’ Photo: Netflix
Kit Harington in ‘Too Much.’ Photo: Netflix
Rita Ora in ‘Too Much.’ Photo: Netflix
What the Internet Is Saying (Hint: Screaming)
The moment Megan Stalter’s casting was announced, the Internet let out a collective yas. Twitter stans, TikTok theorists, and even your favorite meme pages are already obsessing over what promises to be Stalter’s most chaotic role yet.
One fan wrote, “Megan Stalter and Will Sharpe look like a hilariously chaotic duo – can’t wait!” while another declared, “Looks hilarious! I shall be watching! I LOVE her and I’m not surprised she has her own show now. I finished watching Hacks this week, took me 1 week to watch all 4 seasons and she stood out so much!”
If the trailer is anything to go by, Too Much is about to become the new gold standard in comedy for the romantically unwell. And let’s be honest, those are our people.
Megan Stalter and Will Sharpe look like a hilariously chaotic duo – can’t wait!
— Rakesh Sahu Punsisar (@RakeshSahu15241) June 10, 2025
Looks hilarious! I shall be watching! I LOVE her and I’m not surprised she has her own show now. I finished watching Hacks this week, took me 1 week to watch all 4 seasons and she stood out so much! #Hacks
While Too Much plays with genre tropes, Americans abroad, slow-burn romance, Bridget Jones-style social flailing, it’s also brutally honest about what it means to fall apart in your 30s and try to build something new from the wreckage.
It asks: Can two emotionally stunted people from wildly different worlds figure out love without blowing everything up? Probably not. But watching them try looks like just the kind of disaster we can’t wait to binge.
This Pride Month, Emmy-nominated filmmaker Justin Simien and his production company, Culture Machine, are lighting up more than just rainbows. In partnership with the Last Prisoner Project, the criminal justice nonprofit committed to cannabis reform, Simien is launching Loud & Proud:a spirited, high-energy digital docuseries spotlighting queer cannabis culture like you’ve never seen before.
Weed, Drag, and Revolution
Dropping weekly through June and July on social platforms, Loud & Proud blends short-form storytelling with long-overdue truth-telling. The series centers queer creatives, organizers, and community leaders who’ve used cannabis not just for wellness, but for survival. From the ballroom to the frontlines, weed has long been a quiet hero of queer resistance, and this series finally gives it a loud mic.
“Cannabis has found its way into my creative process and my self-care routines,” says Simien, best known for Dear White People. “There’s a political intersection between communities of color and queer communities that I’m really excited this team is uncovering.”
A Cast That’s Lit
If you’re tuning in for drag excellence, you’re in good hands (and heels). The lineup includes fan favorites like Laganja Estranja, Jorgeous, Sabbyiana, and more, who serve both looks and lived experience. Their stories reflect a broader reality: even as cannabis becomes big business, queer and trans people, especially those who are Black and Brown, are still targeted by outdated enforcement and criminalization.
“One of the reasons I love the queer community is we show up for one another,” says Jay Jackson, aka Laganja Estranja. “And I think the cannabis industry is seeing that now. Whether you’re white, Black, brown or anything in between, we have to show up as a community.”
Photo: Culture Machine
Photo: Culture Machine
Photo: Culture Machine
The Bigger Picture
This project isn’t just a love letter, it’s a rallying cry. With over 575 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across the U.S. in 2025 alone, Loud & Proud doubles as a call to action. The series challenges both cannabis consumers and companies to commit to equity, clemency, and LGBTQ+ leadership in the industry.
Culture Machine, whose past work includes the award-winning Hollywood Black, is on a mission to amplify marginalized voices and shake up the status quo. Their efforts are resonating: since launching its socials in 2023, the company has seen over 600% organic growth and reaches 2.3 million users monthly.
By pairing grassroots storytelling with top-tier talent, Loud & Proud doesn’t just celebrate queer cannabis history, it insists on a future that’s even bolder.
Alan Cumming is the moment yet again. Them has just dropped its third Pride Month cover story of 2025, and this time, it’s the ever-iconic Alan Cumming gracing the spotlight. Known for everything from Cabaret to The Traitors, the Emmy-winning actor, producer, and style renegade proves that queerness, eccentricity, and aging fabulously are not mutually exclusive.
In a wide-ranging chat with Them’s James Factora, Cumming opens up about his career, fashion as performance art, and what being a proudly authentic queer person means to him, all while reminding us that life post-60 can be as bold, vibrant, and jockstrap-filled as ever.
The Traitor We Trust
Cumming is best known to younger fans as the host of Peacock’s The Traitors, a reality competition series made instantly iconic by his high-camp, high-fashion ensembles. But it’s more than just fun and games for Cumming, it’s also a platform.
“Especially now, when we’re being vilified and persecuted,” he says, “there’s all the more reason to have our presence and representation.” Even in a reality show setting, Cumming believes there’s power in visibility and power in simply existing. “You can do great things just by exposing people to ideas they haven’t seen before.”
Queer Authenticity, No Uniform Required
The Scottish-born actor has never been one to follow the rules, and that rebelliousness is part of what bonds him to the broader LGBTQ+ community. “I’m really fascinated by the idea of feeling like a freak because you’re being authentic,” he explains. “I relate to trans people and anyone not conforming to what society tells us we should be doing.”
That ethos spills over into his personal style, too. “I kind of don’t like being made to wear a uniform in any way,” he says — which might explain why he’s spent part of his career trying to “normalize jockstraps.”
Fashion as Storytelling
For Cumming, clothes aren’t just costumes, they’re collaborators. On The Traitors, his outfits are more than fabric and flair. “The clothes have become such a part of the DNA of the show,” he says. “I act the clothes in a way.”
It’s this kind of playful, performative elegance that’s helped solidify Cumming as one of the most joyfully unclassifiable figures in queer entertainment.
Photo: Jeremy Liebman/Them
Photo: Jeremy Liebman/Them
Defying Definition
Cumming’s career has zigzagged across genres, formats, and expectations. “I do sometimes do things that are a little unusual and surprising,” he says, pointing to his shift from classical theater to reality TV. “But I’ve always done things like that. I hate the idea of being defined.”
This refusal to fit into a neat category has made him a beacon of queer creativity: never predictable, always refreshing.
Sixty, Sexy, and Self-Assured
Turning 60 hasn’t slowed Alan Cumming down, it’s just given him a sharper lens. “I wish we would see beauty in aging,” he muses. “Youth is beautiful, but you know what? It’s not all that.”
And he’s not just saying it, he’s living it. “Everything’s still working,” he laughs. “I don’t feel impeded by my age in any way. But at the same time, I have wisdom, and I have something to say.”
And say it, he does… in style.
Pride, Continued
Cumming’s cover is part of Them’s ongoing Pride celebration, which has already spotlighted The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey, Severance’s Tramell Tillman, and a special WorldPride DC event featuring drag superstar Sasha Colby. More features are expected to drop throughout the month, but Alan’s whimsical, thought-provoking reflections are already a standout.
When we last saw Georgia Miller, she was being escorted out of her own wedding in handcuffs. The Ginny & Georgia Season 2 finale ended with Georgia’s arrest for the murder of Tom Fuller—just moments after saying “I do” to Paul. Meanwhile, her daughter Ginny had finally come to terms with her mom’s dark past, only to see it crash back into their lives in the most dramatic way possible.
Now, with Season 3 streaming now on Netflix, creator Sarah Lampert and new showrunner Sarah Glinski hint that the fallout from that shocking moment is just the beginning. The show continues to dive deep into themes of mental health, racial identity, abuse, and sexuality—all while keeping its signature fast-paced, soapy energy.
Caitlynn McDaniel: How are you feeling going into the live fan watch party?
Sarah Lampert: I mean, I’m excited I get glam. No, I’m really excited. I mean, honestly, I’m such a creeper on all the Reddit boards, and I love seeing what everyone says about the show. One of my favorite things—the writer’s assistant of Season 2, who then became a staff writer on Season 3—said to me that her favorite part about the show was the online discourse and just how thoughtful and complex the discussions around the show were. And I love that. That’s probably my most proud thing about the show. So I’m really excited to get into it with the fans.
CM: The show is such a complex mix. Yes, people are rooting for relationships, but it also dives into mental health and the messy parts of being human.
Sarah Glinski: Hard to be a human.
Sarah Lampert: Right on the money. No, something my mom always says—which is honestly one of the biggest themes of the show—is everyone’s fighting a battle you can’t see, and everyone’s doing the best they can. And I just think that’s a really beautiful way to approach writing this show.
CM: What was the foundation for the show when you started?
Lampert: I know I get asked this all the time. I’ve yet to perfect the answer, and the only answer is I just have so much fun creating this show and these characters. Some of it’s based on truth, some of it’s pure imagination, some of it’s a group effort of the writer’s room. For the creation of the show, I’m really close with my family. I’m really close with my friends. I’m blessed with a very strong support system. So I just really love messy, dynamic—especially female-to-female—relationships. That’s probably the thing I most just want to watch and write about.
CM: Sarah Glinski, you joined in Season 3, right?
Glinski: Yes. I was a huge fan of the show in Season 1 and Season 2, so it was kind of a dream to get to play with all these characters in Season 3—and to work with Sarah.
CM: What were you most excited to explore as showrunner?
Glinski: Wow. So many things. One of the themes that I’m most excited about exploring is: there are many different ways to be a woman—and even more specifically, a young woman. And I love that this show has many different characters who go through life in different ways, and we celebrate all of them. It’s kind of nonjudgmental. We’re just like, “Here are all these people living life, doing the best that they can.” And they’re all flawed and beautiful and wonderful.
Also, I just love shows that are entertaining but also important. I think you watch this show, and it’s so fun—and then you leave it, and there’s so much to think about. So just getting to do both of those things that I’m so passionate about was really a dream come true.
Lampert: One of my favorite things Glinski has ever said is—when I was talking to her about coming on to do the show—she said, “I love all the romance in the show. I’m happiest when a character is kissing. I love all the love triangles. But the real will-they relationship of this show is Ginny and Georgia. And I don’t even know what the happy ending is—if they should end up together or not.” And I just thought that that was such a beautiful window to look into the show with. She knew exactly what we were trying to do.
Glinski: And like Sarah, I’m very close to my mother. So mother-daughter relationships are really important to me to explore. I also have daughters, so being able to look at it from both as a daughter and as a mother is extraordinary.
Lampert: I will say, I’m going to say something that I’ve actually only said in this interview, so you can take this and do whatever you want, but the first scene I ever wrote for this show is actually the opening scene to Season 3—where Ginny’s walking down the hallway, and it’s just become public knowledge that her mom was arrested for murder. Originally, that was the very first scene of the show. Then ultimately, I decided there was a lot of story to tell before getting to that point. But that scene is always how I wanted to open Season 3, because that was the seed of inspiration for the show as a whole: What would it be like to be in high school and have your mother just arrested for murder?
CM: It was going to be a foreshadowing moment, but you held off?
Lampert: Yeah. I just realized there were two seasons before we got to that.
CM: This show had me thinking a lot about my own mom. It really makes you reflect on those relationships.
Lampert: My favorite thing—and Glinski watched the show with her daughter—my favorite thing is when people watch it with their moms and then talk about that.
And my other favorite thing is some people say they started therapy because of the show. I just think that’s a surprising, beautiful thing I never expected.
But yeah, I love when people say they watch it with their mothers—although part of me is like, “Oh, so you watched people dry hump in jeans for seven minutes together?” But I used to watch Sex and the City with my mom, and during the sex scenes we’d both kind of be like, “Hmm.” But yeah—I love that.
Glinski: I think shows like this get conversations started—between mothers and daughters, between friends. I think it’s really, again, important—all the things that we explore and talk about.
CM: I told the cast, I think the biggest theme of the show is: everyone needs therapy.
Lampert: I think we can all benefit from a little bit of kindness. And I think that’s really what the show tries to emphasize. It’s hard to human, and you don’t know what other people are going through. The reason that fans connect to the show—I genuinely believe this—is because everyone involved in the show really treats it with so much care and puts so much of their own heart into it. And I think that connects with fans.
Glinski: It’s funny—we often get asked what our favorite moments of the show are. And for me, it’s the small moments of kindness between the characters. There’s no one big moment, but those little tiny moments of kindness—when the character needs it most. It’s one of the things I love most about the show.
CM: Any character that surprised you this season or evolved in a way you didn’t expect?
Lampert: It’s similar to the show. The inside of my brain is a frightening place to be. I would say it’s meticulous chaos. Because we know in the writer’s room there’s a lot of room to play, there are always surprises. Some of the best ideas that happen on the show are birthed in the writer’s room and genuinely shock me.
At the same time, it feels like a really strong breadcrumb trail to follow, because we’re just following the emotional truth of each character—and really mapping out where each character feels like they are emotionally. And because it’s grounded in character, that’s why the plot has the ability to be so wild.
Glinski: For every twist and turn or anything that comes up in the writer’s room, we look at it as: Does this feel right, or real, or authentic to the character in this moment? And that’s what helps us make the decision in terms of which way to take the character.
Lampert: Yeah. We would never want to do plot for plot’s sake. I think the reason the twists feel so gratifying and surprising and fun is because you believe the characters are real. And that’s a testament to the acting, and that’s a testament to the writers in the room.
CM: I have to ask about Max—my queer icon.
Lampert: Super intentional. I think it was always the plan that when we introduced Max as a character, we weren’t giving her a coming out storyline. That had already happened.
One of my favorite lines in Season 3 is, “When you came out, you had a press conference under the jungle gym in third grade,” or whatever it was—which feels very Max.
Who that character is, is just such an open beating heart. She genuinely wants the best for everyone around her. She genuinely cares and takes on the responsibility of everyone else—right? She’s a protector. She’s Marcus’s protector. She’s her parents’ protector. She’s such a loyal friend.
At the same time, her emotions are so big. We saw her really go overboard in Season 2 with her reactions because she is a live wire. She feels so deeply—and so much. And all the characters on the show—their greatest strength is also their biggest weakness.
CM: This season is even more gay than before.
Lampert: I think we’re just letting the characters be the characters—and really letting them thrive. Thrive might be the wrong word. I wouldn’t say they’re all thriving, necessarily. But we let them just exist and explore and bounce around just being who they are. And I think that’s what makes them so fun and dynamic to watch.
CM: Anything else you’d like to tease?
Glinski: We’re just so excited for everyone to see it. That’s the truth. We love the season, and we hope everyone else does too.
Lampert: I think the actors really stepped up their game this season. We’re always in the writer’s room—very awed and inspired by the actors. So coming off of seeing all of the performances in Season 3, it’s only inspiring us more in Season 4 to push the characters in new and interesting ways—because the actors always make the interesting choice.
Stars Felix Mallard, Sara Waisglass, Antonia Gentry, and Brianne Howey share what makes the Netflix series so emotionally real.
Following the jaw-dropping Ginny & Georgia Season 2 finale—where Georgia is arrested for murder at her own wedding—Netflix’s favorite mother-daughter duo is back and more complicated than ever.
Luckily, we caught up with the cast to chat about all things mental health, identity, and the secrets behind the fan-favorite series.
Darker, Deeper Stories
Felix Mallard, who plays Ginny’s ex-boyfriend Marcus , doesn’t shy away from the heavy material this season. “You want your character to be in a bit of strife,” he said. “You want them to be going through something so you can go somewhere and hopefully your character can grow and change.”
Mallard hopes that by showing a young man’s emotional journey, the show can help others open up. “We don’t see too much of that vulnerability shown on screen. And to be able to highlight that and hopefully be an advocate for people to try and help themselves and give themselves the tools to deal with emotions that might feel like they’re on top of you, that’s always the goal, and that’s a really big responsibility that I hope resonates with people.”
*Sigh* Listen, we are Maxine supporters around here. The outgoing best friend of Ginny (and Marcus’ twin) has become an icon in the queer community. Sara Waisglass says playing Max has meant everything—and hearing from fans only makes it more rewarding. “I think my favorite thing about playing Max is that being part of the queer community is a huge part of her identity, and it doesn’t really define her in a way. It’s not a coming out story. ‘I am who I am, I’m proud and I’m happy.’ So I love that.
“And I get a lot of messages from little girls saying, you made me feel comfortable to be myself. And that is, if I can do that for one person that feels like I’ve done something incredible for the rest of my life and I can die a happy woman.”
And when it comes to the haters? “Hey, they’re still watching.”
Georgia’s choices have always been complicated, but this season digs deeper than ever. “Every character is going through their own mental health crisis,” Brianne Howey said. “And it looks very different on everyone.”
Howey shared that the production team works closely with Mental Health America to ensure respectful representation. “I love that the show is starting conversations surrounding generational trauma and breaking some of these cycles.”
I’m telling you, everyone on this show needs therapy. But honestly? We could all use a little therapy, ya know?
For Antonia Gentry, Ginny’s constant balancing act—between childhood and adulthood, Black and white, honesty and survival—is what makes the character so compelling. “She’s also very much experiencing such a wide range of life moments that are very, very challenging,” Gentry said. “She turns into a new person by the end.”
Oh no… what could that mean? You will just have to tune in to find out.
