Taking TV Too Seriously

WEEEEE'RE BACK! Did you miss us like we missed you? Listen, life be life-ing, so we're watching one of our go-to comfort movies, Bring It On (2000). Grab some popcorn or some pom-poms, queue up this classic, and watch along with us.This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

Closing out the year, we're talking about the hit Netflix series, Heartstopper (2022 -), a wholesome show with a surprisingly toxic fandom! In this episode, we discuss the pitfalls of representation discourse, parasocial relationships, identity journeys,  what even is queerbaiting, and - above all - queer joy. [Content warning for discussions of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, sexual assault, and bullying.]We'll be taking a break at the top of 2023 then we'll be back with more nostalgic (& likely queer) content. Happy New Year! This episode was edited by Michelle and Micky. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

Today, we're talking about the tongue-twister, The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love (1995) - try saying that five times fast! In addition to waxing poetic about lesbian love scenes and the sweetness of first loves,  we discuss the romance of exchanging letters, how gender socialization affects the way we approach relationships, the importance of set design, and creativity born in less-than-ideal conditions. [Content warning: discussions of homophobia.] This episode was edited by Michelle and Micky. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Happy National Coming Out Day! Or, alternatively, Happy Do What's Right for You Day! Whether you're out and proud, semi-out or not at all, questioning or still coming to terms with what terms you even like, you matter and we're glad you're here. Today, we're taking a brief detour from our season, and our usual format, to rant and rave about all (or most) of our faves and least faves - while still keeping it queer AF, as always. From hot takes to the best and worst tropes, we discuss Hollywood's love of book-to-film adaptations, the pitfalls of superhero movies, rom-com silliness, reboots vs revivals, and a whole lot more. Stay tuned! This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

 [Content warning: discussions of transphobic violence.]Today's topic is the underrated gem, Better Than Chocolate (1999), a movie infamous for one of the most iconic erotic painting scenes we've ever seen (seriously, Google it) - but that's not all this lighthearted lesbian film has to offer! This episode covers art as activism, Canada being the ultimate film hub, the wild world of censorship of gay books, the realization that we sometimes see the mom's point, and a surprisingly sympathetic trans narrative (we stan Judy). Tune in while we get into it all!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

Ever wanted to see a British gay interracial romance in a laundrette with a young Daniel Day-Lewis? Look no further than the weirdly slow-paced yet sometimes hot and compelling film, My Beautiful Laundrette (1985). Stretching what's acceptable for a slow-burn romance, this film takes 40 minutes to get to the gayness, but maybe it was worth it? In this episode, we mull over confusing family dynamics, surprisingly complex racial politics, why leads Daniel Day-Lewis and Gordon Warnecke were known as the "Listerine Kids," and an unforgettable champagne scene. [CW: discussions of incest, homophobia, and racism.]  This episode was edited by Michelle & Micky. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Today's episode is centered on one of our favorite sitcoms, Schitt's Creek (2015 - 2020). Listen in as we talk about mouth acting, an almost polyamorous plot, the importance of aesthetics, beards (the ones that grow outta your face), and the best cold opens. We hope this unpaid promotion of Canada's least homophobic town makes each and every one of you check it out! We promise you won't regret it, and maybe you'll even become a little bit Alexis, too.This episode was edited by Michelle & Micky. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

Today, we're discussing one of our favorite lesbian rom-coms, Bend It Like Beckham (2002). ...okay, maybe it's not canon, but isn't it? In this episode, we get into misleading advertisements, the Spice Girls, Keira Knightley causing many gay awakenings, and narrative structures of romcoms--but tbh most of this episode is us going, "How is this NOT gay?" Seriously. Have you SEEN this movie? Listen in and see if you agree that this movie deserves an honorary spot in the lesbian film hall of fame.This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

Today, we're talking about the best satire known to gay, But I'm a Cheerleader (1999), a film chock full of camp aesthetics, in-jokes, and one of the best love stories ever filmed. Listen in as we discuss objectification vs attraction, bigoted politicians, gay haircuts, the absurdity of straightness, and more!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

[TW: gun violence & death] In this episode, we continue discussing our fave QTs on TV. Stay tuned for laments about wrongful character deaths, gender expression vs. identity, writing with intention, and more!This episode was edited by Michelle & Micky. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

Today, we're talking about our favorite QTs on film & TV - some of them, anyway! Split into two parts for your convenience (and ours) because when it comes to our faves, we need more time to appreciate 'em, y'know? In this episode, we get into labels and the fluidity of identity, nostalgia, impromptu classroom karaoke, transformative hair-cutting scenes, and more!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Today, we're taking a look at I Can't Think Straight (2008), a stand-out in the lesbian film canon for its cultural specificity and, lezbi honest, its punny title. In this episode, we talk about the mislabeling of romantic dramas as rom-coms, the lack of representation for Middle Eastern and South Asian lesbians, successful vs unsuccessful book-to-film adaptations, and - one of our favorite recurring discussion points - the importance of editing!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Today, we're reviewing one of the staples of New Queer Cinema, The Watermelon Woman (1995). Listen in as we get into the rarely-seen Black lesbian gaze, DIY indie aesthetics, Pauli Murray, racist bingo, the quest for identity and community, and so much more!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

When you hear "cult classic," do you think "Rocky Horror Picture Show"? Same! Time warp with us back to 1975 when the queers birthed cosplay and showed everyone how to do fandom right. In this episode, we talk about the sexual revolution, '70s editing, wild songs, alien allegories, and so much more! [Content warning: discussions of sexual assault, coercion, and rape.]This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

Today, we're revisiting the unfairly short-lived TV series, Noah's Arc (2005 - 2006), and its spin-off films, Jumping the Broom (2008) and The 'Rona Chronicles (2020). Listen in as we discuss living for the drama, ethical nonmonogamy, male femininity, and more!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

In this episode, we take a look at Moonlight (2016). Stay tuned as we get into the consequences of bad graphic design, Black trauma porn, waking up and choosing violence, Black masculinity, intimacy, and more! [Trigger warning for discussions of homophobia and suicidal ideation.]This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

In this episode, we're breaking out the tissues to discuss Pariah (2011), the pinnacle of coming out narratives, and a masterclass in writing and character development. This queer classic deserves all the praise, all the (belated) awards...all the everything tbh! Grab your tissues and stay tuned. [Content warning for discussions of homophobia and child abuse.] This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

We're back for season 3! And today we're taking a deep dive into LGBT film history. Using The Celluloid Closet (1995) and Disclosure: Trans Lives On Screen (2020) as reference points, we get into the Hays Code, a timeline of queer tropes, and the importance of feeling seen in media. [Content warning: LGBT death/murder, suicide, homophobia and transphobia.] This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

In this episode, we're watching D.E.B.S. (2003). Who said spy parodies are just for straight people?  Join us as we discuss how this movie holds up as "camp", the Token Black Friend, cheesy special effects, and why queer people are allowed to have comedies (no matter their quality). This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Whether your family threw this on every holiday after Labor Day or you're viewing it for the first time, The Wiz (1978) is worth revisiting. Closing out the year, we ease on down memory lane and discuss the nature of adaptations, the importance of editing, upsetting racists, and even cults!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.