Colman Domingo and Marco Calvani deliver standout performances as a married couple in Netflix’s new comedy series, The Four Seasons, which premiered on May 1.This modern reimagining of the 1981 film, co-created by Tina Fey, explores the complexities of long-term friendships and relationships through the lens of three couples who embark on seasonal vacations together.
Domingo portrays Danny, a pragmatic and emotionally reserved character, while Calvani plays Claude, his flamboyant and expressive husband.Their on-screen chemistry has been widely praised, with critics highlighting the authenticity and depth they bring to their roles.The series also stars Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Will Forte, and Kerri Kenney-Silver, among others.
The casting of Calvani was a serendipitous decision.Domingo’s husband, Raul, suggested Calvani for the role after the two couples had become close friends.Domingo recalls, “Raul had the brilliant idea. He said, ‘You know who would be a great candidate for your husband? Marco Calvani!’”Initially hesitant due to Calvani’s background as a director and writer, Domingo was convinced after seeing Calvani’s audition.“Marco just had that special something,” Domingo remarked.
Calvani, who had not acted in over a decade, embraced the opportunity despite initial reservations.He describes the experience as transformative, stating, “I felt like a fish out of water; I didn’t feel like I fully belonged there. But Colman made everything so wonderfully smooth and pleasant.”He also credits Domingo with being a supportive mentor on set.“He was there to root for me, and he’s a great listener,” Calvani added.
The series delves into the dynamics of long-term relationships, highlighting both the joys and challenges that come with them.Domingo appreciates the show’s exploration of these themes, noting, “I get to just laugh and wear cute sweaters.”He values the opportunity to portray a character that is both humorous and emotionally complex.
The Four Seasons has been well-received by audiences and critics alike for its blend of humor and heartfelt moments.The series’ ensemble cast and insightful writing offer a refreshing take on the classic film, providing a nuanced portrayal of modern relationships.
All eight episodes of The Four Seasons are now available for streaming on Netflix.
The 2025 Tony Award nominations were announced this week, and LGBTQ+ talent is taking center stage in one of the most diverse and queer-inclusive lineups in Broadway history.
Among the biggest standouts is Oh, Mary!, the offbeat historical comedy written by and starring Cole Escola. The play, which imagines Mary Todd Lincoln as a chaotic figure on the edge of emotional collapse, earned five Tony nominations. Escola received dual nods as both the playwright and lead actor, while director Sam Pinkleton and featured actor Conrad Ricamora picked one up as well.
Escola, who is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, is nominated in the category of Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play. According to a November 2024 decision by the Tony Awards Administration Committee, Escola was deemed eligible in a male-designated category despite portraying a female character. The decision echoes recent developments around gendered award categories and the growing calls to make room for nonbinary and trans performers.
If Escola wins, they would become the third nonbinary performer to take home a Tony in a male-designated category, following Shucked‘s Alex Newell and Some Like It Hot‘s J. Harrison Ghee, who made history in 2023. That same year, nonbinary performer Justin David Sullivan withdrew from Tony consideration over the gendered structure of the categories, calling for meaningful change in how the American Theatre Wing recognizes gender-diverse talent.
Queer Voices Dominate Best Play Category
This year’s Best Play category is a triumph for queer representation. Alongside Escola, playwrights Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Purpose) and Kimberly Belflower (John Proctor Is the Villain) received nominations for their groundbreaking works.
Jacobs-Jenkins’ Purpose explores themes of legacy, identity, and generational tension within a prominent Black family in Chicago. The play earned a total of six nominations, including Best Play and acting nods for Jon Michael Hill and LaTanya Richardson Jackson in the lead roles. Supporting actors Glenn Davis, and Tony Award-winner Kara Young also received nominations.
Belflower’s John Proctor Is the Villain reimagines Arthur Miller’s The Crucible through the lens of a modern-day high school English class, tackling issues of consent, power, and patriarchy. The production tied for the most nominations of any play this year, earning seven in total. Sadie Sink, known for her role in Netflix’sStranger Things, was nominated for Best Leading Actress in a Play for her performance in John Proctor. Gabriel Ebert, who previously starred alongside Harvey Fierstein in Gently Down the Stream, also picked up a nomination for his work in the show.
More Queer and Trans Talent Recognized
Jonathan Groff, a recent Tony winner and longtime Broadway favorite, is nominated again for his portrayal of singer Bobby Darin in the new jukebox musical Just In Time. Out actor Grey Henson also joins the leading actor category for his performance as Buddy in the revival of Elf the Musical.
In the featured acting categories, Brooks Ashmanskas was recognized for his comedic work in Smash!, the Broadway adaptation of the NBC series. Francis Jue was nominated for his role in Yellow Face, which revisits the debate around racial representation in casting through a semi-autobiographical lens.
Audra McDonald Breaks Records
While not part of the LGBTQ+ community herself, Broadway icon and queer favorite Audra McDonald made history this year by becoming the most Tony-nominated performer of all time. She picked up her 11th nomination for her portrayal of Mama Rose in a bold new production of Gypsy. McDonald will compete in the Lead Actress in a Musical category against other queer fan favorites, including Megan Hilty (Death Becomes Her) and Nicole Scherzinger (Sunset Boulevard).
Calls for Inclusivity in Awards
The continued use of gendered acting categories has sparked ongoing debate within the theater industry. Advocates are calling on the American Theatre Wing and Tony Awards producers to reimagine the awards structure in a way that recognizes nonbinary and trans performers without forcing them into binary categories.
While some progress has been made in allowing nonbinary performers to choose which category they wish to compete in, critics argue this solution still reinforces outdated binaries. For Escola and others, their nominations signal both a celebration and a call to action for a more inclusive future.
“I’m honored and also very aware of how much further we still need to go,” Escola said in a recent interview. “I want everyone—no matter how they identify—to feel seen, valued, and represented on stage and in recognition.”
What’s Next
The 2025 Tony Awards will be broadcast live on Sunday, June 8, on CBS. For a complete list of nominees and ticketing information, visit TonyAwards.com.
The stage is set, the curtains are drawn, and one thing is clear: the future of Broadway is queer, bold, and unapologetically creative.
Correction: A previous version of this article did not include Harry Lennix’s nomination, and stated that Michael Urie, Jim Parsons, and Grey Henson received nominations.
Netflix is turning up the heat this summer with Olympo, its latest Spanish-language series from the team behind Élite. On Monday, the streamer unveiled the first teaser for the highly anticipated young adult drama—and it’s already making waves for its sweaty, shirtless intensity.
I would like to call your attention to OLYMPO, a new Spanish series coming to Netflix this year that’s set at a school for elite athletes
Created by Jan Matheu, Laia Foguet and Ibai Abad, Olympo follows a group of elite young athletes training at the fictional CAR Pirineos, a prestigious high-performance sports center nestled in the mountains. Part drama, part thriller, the series explores the physical, emotional, and moral trials faced by a generation determined to win—no matter the cost.
According to Netflix’s official synopsis, the story centers on Amaia, the captain of Spain’s national artistic swimming team. Driven, disciplined and relentlessly hard on herself, Amaia is shaken when her best friend and teammate, Núria, suddenly outperforms her. As whispers of “inexplicable” improvements spread through the training center, Amaia and her peers are forced to confront the darker side of ambition. The question at the heart of the series: how far will they go to reach the top?
Though Netflix has kept details tightly under wraps since the project’s announcement in July 2024, Monday’s teaser finally gives fans a glimpse into the world of Olympo. The short trailer doesn’t offer dialogue or direct scenes from the series, but instead features the cast—sweaty, intense, and impossibly toned—competing to climb a human pyramid. The imagery is symbolic, seemingly representing the brutal hierarchy and rivalries brewing at CAR Pirineos.
The teaser also hints at some steamy interpersonal drama, setting the stage for the kind of high-stakes, emotionally charged storytelling that Élite fans have come to expect.
The ensemble cast includes rising Spanish stars Clara Galle, Nira Osahia, Agustín Della Corte, Nuno Gallego, María Romanillos, Martí Cordero, Juan Perales, Andy Duato and Najwa Khliwa.
First-look photos released in February sparked excitement online, but the trailer’s release has officially kicked anticipation into overdrive.
Olympo is set to premiere globally on Netflix on June 20, just in time to heat up your summer watchlist.
After five seasons of obsession, murder, and internal monologues, Netflix’s You has finally come to an end—and no one’s more ready to talk about it than Joe Goldberg himself, Penn Badgley.
SEASON FINALE SPOILERS AHEAD
In an exclusive interview with Caitlynn McDaniel, Badgley reflected on the long, twisted journey of playing one of TV’s most charming (and horrifying) antiheroes. And when it came to the finale’s self-aware twist—where Joe is finally seen not as a misunderstood romantic but as an abuser—Badgley didn’t hold back.
“To me, I think it is as close to a perfect ending as it could be,” he said. “You think of any show ever, it’s hard to land the ending. I think this one, there was a demand to end it better than most because it’s been a specific kind of journey. Joe’s not every protagonist. He’s so awful in a lot of ways.”
Season 5 finds Joe back in New York City, with a new identity and a new partner: his London-born wife Kate (Charlotte Ritchie). But true to form, the cycle begins again when Joe becomes infatuated with Bronte (Madeline Brewer), a passionate young writer who soon becomes the next “You.”
The final episode leans heavily into the meta—calling out viewers who romanticized Joe despite his crimes and exposing the very real dangers of misconstrued love.
“For the first time, we are seeing [his behavior] as abuse and truly predatory… not seduction,” Badgley explained. “You don’t want them to be together. And that’s the point.”
While Joe’s crimes—stalking, murder, and a deeply unhealthy relationship with glass boxes—have always been front and center, Badgley believes the show’s true subject is even darker and more universal.
“What this show is about is actually more about the relatable aspects of misconceptions of love that we all engage in—possession, jealousy… the way that desire can influence love and change it,” he said. “Joe is a construct… he’s not really a serial killer. Yeah, he’s a serial killer, but he’s not really.”
That layered nuance, Badgley explained, is what made Joe both terrifying and familiar. “We have to control ourselves in ways that are important to be a fully reciprocating, consensual, engaged partner. And I don’t just mean physically—I mean in all the ways.”
The final moments also shine a light at the audience’s complicated relationship with Joe, who some fans have romanticized over the years. In the end, we see Joe reading a letter from a fangirl who wants to be his next victim. “Maybe the problem isn’t me,” Joe muses. “Maybe… it’s you.”
But even with all of Joe’s reflection and delusion, could anything have changed him? Not even fatherhood, Badgley said—especially not if Joe had been raising a daughter.
“I’ve always thought that it shouldn’t take having a daughter for a man to be like, ‘Oh, I see women differently,’” he said. “For us to see women as people, it shouldn’t take that… I think the ugly truth is that he would be a horrific father to a girl. It’s like, no.”
As for whether we’ll ever see Joe again? Badgley seems ready to close that book for good. “End the show now,” he laughed. “No, I don’t want to see that hypothetical world.”
The fifth and final season of You is streaming now on Netflix.
Netflix’s Pulse doesn’t waste time. Within minutes, a hurricane barrels into Miami, the hospital goes into lockdown, and two doctors with a tangled past are forced into the same ER under extreme pressure.
But before the storm hits, the real turbulence begins with a sexual harassment complaint: third-year resident Dr. Danny Simms (Willa Fitzgerald) files it against her boss, Dr. Xander Phillips (Colin Woodell). As the hospital staff grapples with a growing list of trauma cases, rumors swirl, and Danny is unexpectedly promoted to chief resident—adding fuel to the fire both professionally and personally.
“What made this feel so distinct is the central story between these two characters and the specific investigation into the gray area that those characters have experienced,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s something I had not seen on television. Definitely not in a medical drama.”
“The added element of the hurricane too is always fun,” Woodell added. “This idea of all these people trapped in this hospital—saving lives, but also two of us having to work together professionally while carrying the baggage of what’s happened between us—it’s a lot of tension.”
To keep track of the dual timelines, Woodell said, “I kind of was trying to create a timeline for myself of the 12 months leading into present day. It was challenging to get it all out there chronologically.” He also joked, “My hair,” when asked how he kept track of what version of Xander he was playing.
Fitzgerald found a rhythm in the structure. “You get to grow the characters up at two different times in their life at the same time,” she explained. “Also because a lot of the flashbacks are outside of the hospital, it kind of took care of itself.”
She also appreciated the complexity of her role: “She’s a human who is therefore imperfect, who is making imperfect choices with the best information available to her, and then reevaluating those choices when more information becomes available.”
While the central relationship keeps the tension high, the series also delivers one of the most grounded and hopefully queer slow-burns on TV right now: Sophie and Camila. It’s a relationship that sneaks up on you in the best way—starting as friendship and blossoming into something deeper.
And you can’t talk Pulse without talking about one of the most memorable dynamics to come out of the first season of the show: Camila and Sophie.
“Yeah, we do,” Fitzgerald said immediately.
“It is so good,” Fitzgerald said. “So many good dynamics. It’s hard to pick.”
Honorable mentions:
Jack and Ash (AKA Nia and Cole)
Cole and Soriano
Elijah and Danny
From steamy stares in the OR to slow-burning romance in the hospital halls, Pulse brings the drama—but it’s the duos that keep us watching.
Pulse is now streaming on Netflix—just try not to binge it all in one sitting. Or do. We won’t judge.
Netflix has offered a first glimpse into the highly anticipated second season of “Wednesday,” the hit series starring Jenna Ortega as the titular sardonic daughter of the Addams Family. The streaming giant released an initial teaser trailer and several new images, announcing that the season will be presented in two parts, premiering on August 6 and September 3.
According to the official series logline provided by Netflix, “Wednesday” follows the character’s formative years as a student. During this time, Wednesday Addams grapples with mastering her burgeoning psychic abilities, endeavors to thwart a mysterious killing spree that terrorizes her community, and sets out to unravel a long-standing mystery that directly implicated her parents.
Jenna Ortega, who has garnered significant acclaim for her portrayal of the deadpan protagonist, returns for the second season and takes on an additional role as a producer. She is joined by a familiar cast, including Emma Myers as Wednesday’s vibrant werewolf roommate Enid Sinclair, Joy Sunday as the popular siren Bianca Barclay, Moosa Mostafa as the technology-savvy Eugene, Georgie Farmer as the gorgon Ajax, and Victor Dorobantu as the loyal, disembodied hand, Thing.
The iconic Addams family members will also be returning, with Catherine Zeta-Jones reprising her role as the elegant matriarch Morticia Addams, Luis Guzmán as the enthusiastic patriarch Gomez Addams, and Isaac Ordonez as Wednesday’s mischievous younger brother Pugsley Addams. Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo and Jamie McShane are also set to return as Deputy Ritchie Santiago and Sheriff Donovan Galpin, respectively, along with Fred Armisen as the eccentric Uncle Fester.
Season two will also introduce a slate of new series regulars, adding fresh dynamics to the supernatural boarding school Nevermore Academy and its surrounding town. These new additions include acclaimed actor Steve Buscemi (“The Big Lebowski”), Billie Piper (“Scoop”), Evie Templeton (“Return to Silent Hill”), Owen Painter (“The Handmaid’s Tale”), and Noah Taylor (“Park Avenue”).
Adding to the excitement, a roster of notable actors will join the season in guest star roles. These include Christopher Lloyd (“The Addams Family” film franchise), Joanna Lumley (“Absolutely Fabulous”), Thandiwe Newton (“Westworld”), Frances O’Connor (“The Twelve”), Haley Joel Osment (“Somebody I Used to Know”), Heather Matarazzo (“The Princess Diaries”), and Joonas Suotamo (“The Acolyte”). Notably, global music superstar Lady Gaga is also slated to make an appearance in a currently undisclosed mystery role, further fueling fan speculation and anticipation.
Behind the camera, the creative team from the first season is largely returning. Tim Burton, who directed several episodes in the inaugural season and established the show’s distinct visual style, is back in the director’s chair alongside Paco Cabezas and Angela Robinson. The co-creators of “Wednesday,” Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, will continue to serve as showrunners and executive producers. They are joined by a robust team of executive producers, including Burton, Ortega, Natalie Testa, Steve Stark, Andrew Mittman, Tommy Harper, Karen Richards, Kayla Alpert, Jonathan Glickman, Gail Berman, and Meredith Averill. The series is produced by MGM Television.
The newly released teaser trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse into the eerie and darkly comedic world of “Wednesday” Season 2, hinting at new mysteries, supernatural threats, and the continued evolution of Wednesday’s unique personality and relationships. The accompanying first-look images provide further glimpses of returning and new characters, setting the tone for the upcoming chapters of the series.
The decision to release the second season in two parts is a notable departure from the first season’s format and suggests a potentially intricate and expansive storyline that Netflix aims to unfold in stages. The August and September premiere dates will likely keep fans engaged throughout the late summer months.
The success of the first season of “Wednesday” was significant for Netflix, drawing a large global audience and becoming a cultural phenomenon, particularly among younger viewers. The series’ blend of supernatural mystery, dark humor, and coming-of-age themes, coupled with Ortega’s compelling performance, resonated strongly. The return of familiar faces and the addition of high-profile new cast members, both in regular and guest roles, indicate Netflix’s continued investment in the series and its potential for further growth.
The involvement of Tim Burton, known for his distinctive gothic aesthetic, remains a key element of the show’s visual appeal and atmosphere. His directorial contributions in the first season helped establish the unique tone that blends macabre elements with a contemporary sensibility.
As anticipation builds for the August premiere of “Wednesday” Season 2 Part 1, fans are eager to see how Wednesday’s journey unfolds, what new mysteries she will encounter, and how the expanded cast of characters will contribute to the eerie and captivating world of Nevermore Academy. The split release strategy ensures that the “Wednesday” phenomenon is set to continue captivating audiences well into the fall.
Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause is once again speaking out in defense of her partner, Australian musician G Flip, amid a swirl of social media controversy and behind-the-scenes tension with her castmates.
In a series of Instagram Stories posted last week, Stause called out fellow cast member Bre Tiesi for promoting a politically charged brand and for allegedly using an outdated and offensive term to refer to G Flip, who is nonbinary.
“Some people are GREAT for TV, but when it comes to talking about our real issues (using slurs etc), they tend to be cut,” Stause wrote over a screenshot of a promotional post by Tiesi for a company called MAGA Bracelets. “So use this as a guideline when you watch season 9.”
Photo: Instagram (@chrishell.stause)
The MAGA Bracelets brand, according to promotional materials, markets itself as selling “patriotic conservative jewelry.” Tiesi has since apologized, claiming she was unaware of the affiliation and stating in an Instagram Story, “I am far from MAGA” and “I cannot apologize enough for the oversight here.”
Photo: Instagram (@bre_tiesi)
Influencer Jennifer Stano also came to Tiesi’s defense, explaining that Tiesi had been sent an evil eye bracelet from a company called Lavara Verse and that the promotional material included a card from a related brand — MAGA Bracelets — without Tiesi’s knowledge of the connection.
Despite the apology, the controversy didn’t end there. Stause continued addressing the issue on her Instagram, pointing to a People report from April 2024 that detailed a lawsuit involving Tiesi and three former employees. The suit accuses Tiesi of “emotional distress, loss of earnings, and loss of employment benefits,” with the plaintiffs claiming they were “harassed, discriminated against, and/or retaliated against on the basis of their sex, gender, and/or sexual orientation.”
Tiesi has denied all allegations made in the suit.
Stause emphasized that her concerns go beyond politics. “Finding out how she referred to my partner will not make the show, but no this is not just a political thing to those saying that,” she wrote.
Photo: Instagram (@chrishell.stause)
Stause added that production limitations due to the lawsuit forced cast members to “tiptoe around the real issues while filming.”
She later shared the dictionary definition of the word “transvestite,” labeling it an “outdated and often considered offensive term.”
Photo: Instagram (@chrishell.stause)
“Not my job to teach her that this term is EXTREMELY outdated, but here’s a free education,” she wrote. “And if my partner WAS trans, they are not, I would happily love them exactly the same. GTFOH. Someone take my phone.”
G Flip, who began dating Stause in 2022 following her split from Selling Sunset co-star Jason Oppenheim, identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns. While some nonbinary individuals identify as transgender, others do not.
This incident isn’t the first time Stause has had to advocate for her partner’s identity on the show. During a 2023 episode, she corrected castmate Marie-Lou Nurk, who misgendered G Flip by using “she/her” pronouns.
“Okay, my partner is nonbinary, they use they/them pronouns, this is a simple thing,” Stause told Nurk on camera.
She also addressed tension with Nicole Young during the Season 7 reunion episode. Stause accused Young of liking an Instagram comment that read, “I was hoping the lesbian chick was off in Australia this season and not on our screens.”
“First of all, say whatever you want about me, I’m a tough bitch,” Stause told Young during the reunion. “But don’t go after my partner. Ever.”
“Listen, I will own it. I’ve been a bitch to you. I hate you. I own it… If you’re gonna literally go to homophobic people and cheer them on because they hate me for that reason, that is hate, Nicole.”
While Netflix has yet to officially announce a ninth season of Selling Sunset, Stause and several cast members have confirmed that filming has already taken place.
Fans of the beloved queer Netflix series Heartstopper received bittersweet news today: the show will conclude with a feature-length film instead of a fourth season.
Joseph Sinclair / Netflix
Netflix Announces Heartstopper Movie
The announcement came on April 22, marking the third anniversary of Heartstopper season one’s Netflix premiere. Netflix shared on social media: Heartstopper will return, bigger than ever. A ‘Heartstopper’ movie, our final chapter based on Alice Oseman’s upcoming Volume 6, is coming.”
Heartstopper will return, bigger than ever.
A Heartstopper movie, our final chapter based on Alice Oseman's upcoming volume six, is coming!!! pic.twitter.com/8SMgWlWCD5
See-Saw Films’s Instagram celebrated further: “Today marks three years since we first said hi to Nick and Charlie on our screens. We’re thrilled to announce their love story will conclude as a feature film, going into production this summer.”
Fans Awaited Heartstopper Season 4 Confirmation
After season three aired in August 2024, fans were anxious for news of another season. Cast members, including Kit Connor (Nick Nelson), previously expressed uncertainty about the show’s future.
Heartstopper Film Production Begins Summer 2025
Fans can now rest assured that Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Joe Locke)’s love story will receive a proper ending. Creator Alice Oseman continues working on Volume 6 of her graphic novels, which the film will adapt.
Netflix
Alice Oseman Confirms Heartstopper Film Script
On Instagram, Oseman announced: “We are making a feature film to conclude the ‘Heartstopper’ screen adaptation, based on ‘Heartstopper’ Volume 6 and the ‘Nick and Charlie’ novella. I’ve written the script, and we’re already hard at work bringing it to life. I know you’ll have many questions—I promise more details soon! But for now, let’s celebrate! ‘Heartstopper’ is getting its ending!”
No Official Release Date Yet for Film or Volume 6
Fans eagerly await news of the release date for both the film and the sixth volume. Throughout its run, Heartstopper tackled significant issues like mental health, anxiety, and eating disorders, keeping fans hopeful yet cautious about the finale.
If you don’t know Kaylah Zander-Nuñez’s name yet, that’s about to change. With her scene-stealing return as Amelia Salazar in The Recruit Season 2, now streaming on Netflix, the Vancouver-born actor is bringing warmth, wit, and a whole lot of bite to the globe-trotting spy series. But as we found out in our recent conversation on the Pride Podcast, it’s not just the action-packed plotlines or star-studded casts that drive Kaylah — it’s collaboration, nuance, and the power of telling stories that actually matter.
“I think I didn’t realize that that’s not the case for every show,” she says of the rare camaraderie she’s found on The Recruit. “To have so many incredible directors and to have the producers be so respectful, to just have such a fantastic group of people that respects each other so much has been really, really incredible. That’s something I’m going to look for forever.”
Finding Family in the Chaos
Netflix
Season 1 of The Recruit introduced viewers to Owen Hendricks (Noah Centineo), a young CIA lawyer who finds himself thrust into a world of espionage, deadly secrets, and political backstabbing. Season 2 ups the ante, sending Owen to Seoul, South Korea, where the threats get even more personal — and potentially more deadly. As his world spins out of control, Amelia Salazar remains one of the few voices of reason he can turn to.
For Zander-Nuñez, the ensemble chemistry isn’t just hype — it’s the soul of the show. Season one bonded the cast in snowy, shutdown-era Montreal, where pandemic restrictions turned their tight-knit crew into a chosen family. “Everything was closed… so all of us had been transferred to Montreal, and we were all just sitting around being like, well, I guess we just have each other,” she recalls. “We had dinners all the time. Every week we were going out and doing fun stuff in the snow — whatever we could.”
Meet Amelia Salazar
Netflix
Amelia isn’t your average spy drama supporting character — she’s smart, sharp-tongued, and impossible to ignore. “She’s funny, she’s weird, she’s very direct, she’s strong, she’s smart — she’s a total freak,” Kaylah laughs. “And I loved how they wrote Amelia.”
Despite playing a seasoned CIA attorney, Zander-Nuñez jokes that the job isn’t exactly in her wheelhouse. “I knew almost nothing about being a lawyer or the CIA,” she admits. “I did some research… but there’s an attention to detail and a meticulousness that I don’t have as Kaylah. I think that would make it hard for me to be a lawyer in real life.”
Redefining Representation
A proud Latina and vocal advocate for more authentic representation, Zander-Nuñez is thoughtful — and honest — about the kinds of roles she wants to take. “If the character is going to be Latina, there needs to be some nuance to that rather than just being the kind of sex bot or whatever,” she explains. “I’m tired of playing cops… especially when the cops are the hero. It’s just really not my jam personally.”
She also sees a frustrating gap between what’s shown on screen and what’s happening in the real world. “There’s a disconnect between putting minority performers on screen but over-sanitizing their stories,” she says. “There’s still so much to be done… The hard work of coming to terms with our histories of colonialism, imperialism, and racism — that work, I think, we’re still not seeing enough of.”
Passion Projects and Indie Dreams
Netflix
Thanks to the visibility and stability that comes with working on a major Netflix series, Zander-Nuñez is turning her attention to more personal stories. “Doing those bigger streamer shows has allowed me to then take on these passion projects that maybe don’t pay as well,” she says. “To kind of go back and forth between those two categories has been such a blessing.”
Currently, she’s working on a fully improvised short film about two estranged sisters reconnecting on one of the islands off the West Coast. “We’re going to shoot it in a really interesting way… we have this great cinematographer who does guerrilla filmmaking style, so he’ll just stay with us as we go through it. I’ve never worked like that before. I’m excited.”
She’s also writing and directing her first personal film — a short memoir about her time working at Black Dog Video, the last surviving video rental store in Vancouver. “There were rare films that we had there… maybe they’ll never be seen again,” she says. “It’s sad because I think there’s actually a lot of films that got lost in that transition to online streaming.”
Manifesting Shania Twain and Cher
When asked about her dream roles, Zander-Nuñez has two icons on her mind. “For some reason, I have it in my mind that someone somewhere is working on a Shania Twain biopic right now, and I would love to be in that movie,” she says with a grin. “Whatever the roles that Cher got — I want all of those. I actually think she’s a great actor.”
As for her taste in performances? “This kind of muted, mumbly acting that’s really popular right now — I’m not into it,” she says. “I love big, dramatic, expressive performances.”
What’s Next for The Recruit?
While Netflix hasn’t officially confirmed a third season yet, Zander-Nuñez and her castmates are hoping it’s just a matter of time. “We’re in the group chat being like, oh my gosh,” she says. “Owen has sort of gone rogue. He’s not being protected by the CIA anymore, so I think the show could go in a really different, interesting direction.”
Whatever’s next — whether it’s another season of espionage or a totally improvised short film — one thing is clear: Kaylah Zander-Nuñez is doing it all on her terms.
Pari Kim has become one of the breakout stars of Love on the Spectrum season three — and not just for her charming quirks, love of trains, or bubbly personality.
The 23-year-old Boston native made history on the hit Netflix dating series as part of the show’s first LGBTQ+ couple. And yes — she’s still going strong with girlfriend Tina Zhu Xi Caruso.
“It’s going really well with us. I just love her so much,” Pari told The Advocate. “She is really the Amtrak to my commuter. She’s just perfect for me.”
All Aboard for Love
Pari and Tina’s relationship blossomed on screen in the most relatable — and adorably awkward — way. In one viral scene, the pair shyly exchanged thoughts about what it might be like to kiss another girl.
“I always wonder what it would be like to kiss a girl, honestly,” Pari said during the moment. Tina replied, “Yeah. I wonder, too.” The two then stood in nervous silence, sparking a flurry of fan reactions from queer women everywhere who saw themselves in the sweet, tentative exchange.
Thankfully, the big moment came soon after — during a romantic train ride over a scenic bridge, of course. Tina, ever thoughtful, even avoided gluten beforehand, just in case.
“Princess Charming” and a Train-Themed Wedding?
As for what’s next? The couple is dreaming big — and rail-themed.
“We talked about someday getting married and having a train-themed wedding,” Pari said. “Maybe like, rent out a private Amtrak charter train. A nice vintage steam engine would be really cool, but yeah, it’s gotta have trains in it.”
Pari Kim and Tina Zhu Xi Caruso. Photo: Instagram (@blindsided_in_boston)
Pari affectionately refers to Tina as her “Princess Charming,” and says the relationship has only grown stronger since filming wrapped.
“I love how we both get so excited together. She’s just the sweetest, and I can always count on her. She keeps me on track — no pun intended,” she joked.
A Viral Star (and Aspiring Transit Influencer)
Since season three debuted, Pari’s life has taken a dramatic turn. Her Instagram account was briefly locked after a flood of new followers — so many that the platform flagged it as suspicious.
“Some fans want to ride the T [Boston’s subway] with me or say they’ve been touched by the show,” she said. “I just love all my fans and I hope they realize how much of an impact they make on my life.”
As a proud leader of the “Railfans” — a friend group united by a passion for public transit — Pari’s dream job would be running social media for Amtrak or Boston’s MBTA.
“I have so many great ideas I want to bring to the table,” she said. “I feel like I have a good creative vision, and they could use more diversity in their teams.”
Representation That Matters
Pari has been vocal about her intersecting identities — both autistic and queer — and says being “unapologetically both” has resonated with fans around the world.
“There’s a lot more of us out there than you think,” she said. “It’s just part of who we are.”
Though some negative comments have surfaced online, Pari isn’t fazed.
“People say, ‘You’re confused’ or ‘Your sister’s a bad influence.’ No — this is just who we are, and we don’t have to change ourselves,” she said. “Just ignore the haters and bullies because they just want to get a rise out of you. There’s always going to be way more people who love and support you.”
Pari hopes she gets the chance to return for season four, and maybe even more projects in TV or film.
“I want to continue telling my story,” she said. “And Tina has so many things she wants to share, too.”
Until then, Pari’s message to the world is simple: “There’s nothing wrong with being autistic or LGBTQ+. I’m proud to be me.”
