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.
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.
The trailer for Madea’s Destination Wedding just dropped, and Tyler Perry’s iconic matriarch is back with a suitcase full of sass. The Netflix comedy premieres July 11 and marks the 13th film in the long-running Madea franchise.
This time, the family’s headed to the Bahamas for a surprise wedding. Brian (Perry) and his ex-wife Debrah (Taja V. Simpson) are stunned when their daughter Tiffany (Diamond White) announces she’s engaged to a rapper she met on a yacht—and the big day is just two weeks away.
Madea’s Destination Wedding. (L-R) Diamond White as Tiffany and Xavier Smalls as Zavier in Madea’s Destination Wedding. Cr. Perry Well Films 2/Courtesy Netflix
Naturally, chaos follows. “I’m illegal in 92 countries—I cannot be going to no Bahamas, honey,” Madea warns. But when someone mentions an open bar, she’s suddenly all in. Next thing you know, the whole crew is on a plane and wedding weekend is officially underway.
Fan favorites Aunt Bam (Cassi Davis Patton), Mr. Brown (David Mann), and Cora (Tamela Mann) are back too, bringing the usual antics and a whole lot of baggage—emotional and otherwise. Between tropical meltdowns, over-the-top celebrations, and Madea’s unfiltered commentary… this destination wedding might not go off without a hitch, but it’ll definitely bring the laughs.
Madea’s Destination Wedding. (L-R) Tyler Perry as Joe, Jermaine Harris as BJ, Tamela Mann as Cora, Cassi Davis Patton as Aunt Bam, David Mann as Mr. Brown and Tyler Perry as Madea in Madea’s Destination Wedding. Cr. Quantrell Colbert/Perry Well Films 2/Courtesy NetflixMadea’s Destination Wedding. (L-R) David Mann as Mr. Brown and Tyler Perry as Joe in Madea’s Destination Wedding. Cr. Perry Well Films 2/Courtesy Netflix
Written, directed, and produced by Perry, Madea’s Destination Wedding delivers exactly what fans want: big laughs, heartfelt moments, and just the right amount of chaos—in paradise.
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.
Netflix’s queerest, most chaotic relationship experiment is back — and no one is safe.
If you thought season one of The Ultimatum: Queer Love was a rollercoaster, brace yourself. Netflix just dropped the trailer for season two, and it promises higher stakes, deeper heartbreak, and even more explosive drama.
This time around, five couples are once again putting their relationships to the test. The setup? One partner issues an ultimatum: get engaged or walk away. But first, each person has to date someone new. What could possibly go wrong? (Spoiler: everything.)
Love on the Line
The trailer opens with a tearful Pilar, grappling with the very thing she feared most.
“My worst fear was that I would get to a point where I was ready and you were falling in love with someone else—now it’s happening,” she says.
It’s an emotional gut punch — and just the beginning.
Family Pressure and Fractured Bonds
While some couples struggle with trust, others are navigating external pressures. Magan reveals that her family disapproves of her relationship.
“My family doesn’t want me to be with a woman,” she confesses. “You’re so confident in so many areas of your life,” her partner Dayna responds. “I just want you to be brave.”
But things quickly unravel. Later, Magan turns to Dayna and declares, “I can’t believe I wanted to marry you.”
Ouch.
Cheating Accusations and Explosive Fights
As the couples date new partners, feelings inevitably develop—and boundaries blur. The result? Jealousy, betrayal, and some major confrontations.
Marie, who gave partner Mel the ultimatum, confronts her in one of the trailer’s most intense moments:
“There’s proof,” she snaps, “that you were f–king.”
Say what you want about reality TV, but The Ultimatum knows how to deliver the drama.
The Countdown to Forever (or Goodbye)
Host JoAnna Garcia Swisher lays it all out during the first group meeting:
“Will you leave here alone? Will you leave here engaged? Or will you leave here with someone new?”
For many of the contestants, marriage isn’t just a goal—it’s the only acceptable outcome.
“I don’t want to waste any more time,” Britney says. “You’re it, let’s do this. Either you want to marry me or you don’t.”
As intense as it sounds, that’s the magic of The Ultimatum: watching people navigate the chaos of love, identity, and commitment—with cameras rolling.
Mark Your Calendars
The drama kicks off June 25, when the first half of The Ultimatum: Queer Love season two premieres on Netflix. Whether you’re rooting for love, heartbreak, or just a really good reality binge, this one’s going to be unmissable.
Actress Tommy Dorfman is offering a candid look back at her unexpected rise to fame following her breakthrough role as high school student Ryan Shaver in Netflix’s critically acclaimed series “13 Reasons Why,” which aired from 2017 to 2020. In an exclusive interview, Dorfman, 33, shared the invaluable advice she would impart to her younger self about navigating the often overwhelming world of celebrity: “Just don’t take it so seriously.”
The sentiment, simple yet profound, stems from Dorfman’s personal experience with instant global recognition. “It’s not real. It’s seasonal. It comes in waves. It ebbs and flows,” she told PEOPLE, a sentiment that resonates with many in the entertainment industry who experience the cyclical nature of public attention.
Dorfman recalled feeling profoundly unprepared for the success of “13 Reasons Why,” a show based on Jay Asher’s 2007 novel that tackled sensitive and pressing issues for young adults. “I had no media training. I had no idea what was going on,” she admitted, reflecting on the period immediately following the series’ release. The sheer scale of the show’s impact caught everyone involved by surprise. “Nobody told us that they thought the show would be as successful as it was,” she explained. “Nobody could have predicted how successful that show was.”
The rapid onset of fame proved to be a challenging experience for Dorfman. “It’s such a scary thing to be thrown into,” she shared, acknowledging that many of her peers in the industry can relate to the disorienting nature of sudden widespread recognition. This raw honesty offers a glimpse into the often-unseen struggles behind the glamorous facade of Hollywood.
However, with the wisdom of hindsight, Dorfman’s perspective has evolved, leaving her feeling less jaded and more at peace with her past. “I wish I could have told her that it’s temporary,” she conveyed, speaking of her younger self. “I thought that was gonna be my life forever. That’s where the fear came from, and it’s so not true, thank God!” This revelation underscores the emotional toll that the perception of perpetual fame can inflict on young actors.
‘Maybe This Will Save Me’ by Tommy Dorfman. Photo: Hanover Square Press
Dorfman’s journey through fame and self-discovery is intimately detailed in her debut memoir, “Maybe This Will Save Me,” which provides a deeply personal account of her childhood, young adulthood, and how “13 Reasons Why” irrevocably altered the trajectory of her life. She was 24 years old when she secured the role of Ryan Shaver, a pivotal character in the series’ initial seasons. Dorfman had a recurring role for the first two seasons and later returned for a guest appearance in the fourth and final season.
In her memoir, Dorfman vividly describes moments of discomfort and fear associated with public recognition. She recounted a particularly unsettling incident on a New York City subway train where she was suddenly “swarmed by a group of teenagers.” This experience led her to retreat. “When I got home, I locked myself in my apartment for a few days,” she wrote, expressing a profound sense of terror and even “shame.” She confessed, “Sure, I’d dream of a moment like that for my whole life. Only now that it’d come, I was utterly terrified, f—— ashamed even, because I didn’t feel deserving, like my work hasn’t qualified me for that attention.”
She further elaborated on the feeling of vulnerability that came with losing her anonymity. “And, on that train, it felt like a violation, as if the comforting cloak of anonymity had been stripped off my back and thrown to the ground.” This powerful description paints a picture of the profound shift in personal space and privacy that often accompanies celebrity.
Today, Dorfman approaches public attention with a remarkably different and positive mindset. “I will hug anyone,” she tells PEOPLE. “I’ll take any photo somebody wants me to take. I have no problem with any of that.” This transformation from fear to acceptance is a testament to her personal growth. “I think it’s so cool now, I’m not scared of it. I’m like, ‘Wow! How cool is it that I get to meet this kid or adult who is impacted in this way?’ What a gift that is.”
In her advice to her younger self, Dorfman would also emphasize the importance of internal focus. “Have fun with it and don’t get too caught up in what other people are doing,” she would advise, stressing the need to avoid comparison and maintain a sense of personal joy in her work.
Significantly, Dorfman publicly came out as transgender after the conclusion of “13 Reasons Why.” In her memoir, she shared the powerful experience of revisiting her role in the series through the lens of her identity. She wrote that she “so clearly saw a girl trapped” in her character, a realization that undoubtedly deepened her understanding of her own journey.
Since her time on the Netflix series, Dorfman has continued to build a diverse and fulfilling career in entertainment. She made her Broadway debut in the 2024 production of “Romeo and Juliet” and showcased her talents on screen in Lena Dunham’s 2022 comedy-drama “Sharp Stick.”
Looking to the future, Dorfman expresses immense satisfaction with her current career trajectory. “I love my career right now,” she shared. “I’m in no rush to do anything. I do a lot. I work a lot. I have a lot that I develop and produce.” She teased exciting upcoming announcements, stating, “And there are gonna be a good amount of announcements over the next few months about a lot of projects that have been in the pipeline.”
The stability and creative fulfillment she now experiences are a welcome change. “My career feels exactly where it’s supposed to be right now,” Dorfman affirmed. “I know what I’m doing for the next 12 months. That’s the gift of all gifts. It’s very rare that I get to have that.”
Tommy Dorfman’s memoir, “Maybe This Will Save Me,” offering a poignant and honest reflection on fame, identity, and personal evolution, is available now wherever books are sold. Her story serves as a powerful testament to finding authenticity and peace amidst the swirling currents of public life.
As Netflix’s hit animated comedy Big Mouth officially wraps its eighth and final season, fans are saying goodbye to one of television’s boldest, bawdiest explorations of adolescence. But behind the scenes, the creative team revealed one near-miss that left them heartbroken—and it involves none other than pop icon and LGBTQ+ trailblazer Lady Gaga.
Yes, Big Mouth almost had Lady Gaga.
While the Grammy and Oscar winner didn’t end up lending her voice or music to the show, the creators tried—hard—to make it happen in the series’ grand finale. As Big Mouth exits the stage with its signature blend of crude humor and heart, the story of Gaga’s almost-involvement gives fans a glimpse into the show’s ambition and the cultural clout it nearly flexed one last time.
A Coming-of-Age Show That Actually Grew Up
Launched in 2017, Big Mouth follows a group of middle schoolers—including Nick Birch (voiced by co-creator Nick Kroll), Andrew Glouberman, Jessi Glaser, and Matthew MacDell—as they navigate the terrifying terrain of puberty. What set Big Mouth apart was its commitment to growth—literally. Unlike other animated series where characters remain frozen in time, Big Mouth allowed its cast to age, evolve, and graduate into new phases of life.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 22: Ayo Edebiri, Nick Kroll, Jessi Klein, Jack McBrayer, Jason Mantzoukas and Richard Kind arrive at the Netflix’s “Big Mouth” Season 8 Premiere (The Final Season) at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on May 22, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)
“It is puberty, and we really covered so much of what we set out to do about this journey,” Kroll told The Hollywood Reporter at the show’s Los Angeles premiere. “Most animated shows, they go on forever. People are frozen in whatever time they are in. Our show evolved. The kids evolved, moved through time, grew, and changed—and that was part of the joy of making the show.”
Co-creator Andrew Goldberg, a Family Guy alum, said he initially assumed Big Mouth would mimic the ageless format of other cartoons. “But my collaborators reminded me: this is a show about changes,” he said. “Puberty is a discrete time in life—it doesn’t go on forever.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 22: Ayo Edebiri and Nick Kroll arrives at the Netflix’s “Big Mouth” Season 8 Premiere (The Final Season) at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on May 22, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)
The Guest Star Wish List: Gaga at the Top
Over its run, Big Mouth welcomed more than 200 guest stars, from Maya Rudolph and Jordan Peele to John Mulaney, Lupita Nyong’o, and David Thewlis. But not every celebrity pitched responded to the call—and a few dream names remained elusive to the very end.
While celebrating Steve Buscemi’s addition to the final season (voicing a bizarrely lovable feline named Mr. Pink), Kroll revealed they had high hopes for a different kind of superstar.
“We wanted to get Howard Stern and we couldn’t get him. He did so much in inspiring the show; he’s the best, he’s the king,” Kroll said. “And Lady Gaga—we tried to get as well. Turns out she’s busy.”
Andrew Goldberg echoed the sentiment: “We really, really wanted Howard Stern to do the show. He doesn’t do anything, and we were no exception.”
Andrew Rannells arrives at the Netflix’s ‘Big Mouth’ Season 8 Premiere (The Final Season) at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on May 22, 2025 in Los Angeles, California
But it was co-creator Mark Levin who revealed the full extent of Gaga’s potential involvement: “We asked Lady Gaga to do a song in the last season and she was too busy. That was sad—but not surprising.”
Lady Gaga and the Legacy She Almost Cemented
For LGBTQ+ fans, Gaga’s almost-involvement is especially bittersweet. With a discography full of queer anthems and a decades-long commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy, Gaga’s presence in Big Mouth would have felt like a full-circle moment. The show, like Gaga herself, has never shied away from embracing queerness in all its complexity.
Matthew MacDell, voiced by Andrew Rannells, became one of the series’ standout queer characters, navigating identity, love, and self-expression in a way rarely seen in mainstream animation. The idea of Gaga performing a track in Matthew’s orbit—or perhaps as a new fantastical being like a Shame Wizard or Hormone Monster—would have been iconic.
While the dream didn’t materialize, the fact that the creators envisioned her as part of their final act speaks volumes about her cultural resonance—and about Big Mouth’s deep-rooted connection to the LGBTQ+ community.
Confronting the Final Monster: The Future
As Big Mouth comes to a close, the theme of the final season is one that resonates deeply with both teens and adults: fear of the future. According to Levin, “Fear of the future and fear of the unknown is the thing that really jumped out as the biggest monster of all for them to confront.”
It’s a fitting end for a show that built a universe around metaphorical monsters—Hormone Monsters, Anxiety Mosquitoes, and Depression Kitties—to externalize internal struggles. In a way, Lady Gaga’s near-appearance as a musical guest could have served as a triumphant anthem to overcoming those fears.
Though Lady Gaga didn’t make it into Big Mouth’s last hurrah, the show’s final season is still packed with emotional revelations, absurd humor, and boundary-pushing storytelling. Its commitment to showcasing queer identity, adolescent awkwardness, and the universality of growing up ensures it will remain a landmark show in animated television history.
The eighth and final season of Big Mouth is now streaming exclusively on Netflix.
As Netflix’s acclaimed animated series Big Mouth draws to a close with its eighth and final season, fans are reflecting on the show’s bold storytelling and memorable characters.One standout character is Matthew MacDell, the openly gay middle schooler known for his sharp wit and unapologetic confidence.Portrayed by Broadway star Andrew Rannells, Matthew’s voice has captivated audiences since Season 1.In a recent revelation, Rannells shared that his portrayal of Matthew was inspired by none other than Samantha Jones from HBO’s Sex and the City.
In a candid conversation with Big Mouth co-creator Nick Kroll, Rannells disclosed that when he was first approached to voice Matthew, he envisioned the character as a “gay bully.”Drawing from this concept, Rannells decided to channel the essence of Samantha Jones, famously portrayed by Kim Cattrall, known for her boldness and unapologetic sexuality.Rannells admitted, “I came in with this idea that I was just going to do an impersonation of Kim Cattrall and no one said anything. And then it was eight seasons later.”
Kroll, who voices several characters on the show, including Nick Birch and Coach Steve, expressed surprise upon learning of Rannells’ inspiration.He remarked, “I only found out last year what your inspiration was for the voice of Matthew.”
Matthew’s Evolution on Screen
Since his debut, Matthew has evolved from a secondary character to a fan favorite.His journey has mirrored the show’s broader themes of self-discovery and acceptance.In earlier seasons, Matthew navigated the complexities of adolescence, including coming out to his friends and grappling with his identity.His character provided a refreshing portrayal of a gay teenager who was neither a tragic figure nor a stereotypical flamboyant character, but rather a nuanced individual with depth and authenticity.
Rannells’ portrayal of Matthew has been lauded for its sincerity and comedic timing.His voice work brought a unique energy to the character, blending sharp humor with moments of vulnerability.This balance resonated with viewers, particularly those seeking representation of LGBTQ+ characters that felt genuine and multifaceted.
The Impact of ‘Big Mouth’
Big Mouth has been praised for its candid exploration of puberty, sexuality, and identity.The series, co-created by Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Mark Levin, and Jennifer Flackett, has tackled topics such as hormone-driven emotions, body image, and the complexities of sexual orientation.By incorporating characters like Matthew, the show has provided a platform for diverse voices and experiences, contributing to broader conversations about representation in media.
The show’s success is evident in its critical acclaim and longevity.Over its eight-season run, Big Mouth garnered multiple Emmy nominations and wins, solidifying its place in the pantheon of animated series that push boundaries and challenge societal norms.The series also spawned a spin-off, Human Resources, which delved deeper into the anthropomorphized emotions introduced in Big Mouth.
