The live comedic special debuts today on the gay dating app’s YouTube channel and in-app.
Donald PadgettThe gay dating and hookup app Grindr announced a new live stream comedy special for its burgeoning library of video content. Gag Reflex debuts today on YouTube and in-app with a lineup of LGBTQ+ comedians including Joel Kim Booster and Jay Jurden. Much like other opportunities to be found on Grindr, the comedy special hopes to have you bent over and gagging, only this time from laughter.
“Comedy is such an integral part of the queer experience and we couldn’t think of a better time to show off our brightest queer comedic talents,” Grindr Executive Producer Paul Rogers said in a statement. “After getting through a particularly difficult year for the community we’re so excited to share in some much needed laughter.”
The new program launches today on YouTube as well as in-app. Gag Reflex will star Booster (Sunnyside), Sydnee Washington (Broad City and Up Next Showcase), and Jurden (The Tonight Show). East coast comedians Jaye McBride and Zach Zimmerman will also take the stage. The performers will feature their own comedic insights into dating and the overall queer experience in their standup sets. The stream will begin at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m PT.
This is the second major move in recent months for the gay dating app’s foray into programming. Last month Grindr announced their first original scripted show with Bridesman. Created by John Oniel and directed by Julian Buchan, the comedy series tracks a gay bridesman at the wedding of his best friend. Each episode is slated to last between 6 and 10 minutes. Jimmy Fowlie (The Other Two), Sydnee Washington, and Shannon Devido (Difficult People) star in the series with guest appearances from Liva Pierce, Calvin Seabrooks, Benito Skinner, and Kim Petras.
“It's so exciting to create something as joyous as it is gay,” Onieal said of Bridesman in a statement last month. “We're grateful that this talented team and Grindr are giving this project life. Finally we get to center the narrative on that gay in the bridal party.”
The new shows join a growing list of videos on Grindr’s YouTube channel, such as Old Gays and Quarantine Queens. Rogers said the new programming is part of Grindr’s attempt to reach the queer community with content that is both relevant and creative.
“We are so proud to be showcasing some of the finest talent in the queer community as we continue to find new and creative ways to connect our users.”
RELATED | Grindr Stats Show These Countries Have the Most Tops (and Bottoms)
00