Finding Magic Mike

No spoiler to let you know: Channing Tatum does NOT make an appearance in the show he co-produced. Which is based on the films he produced. Which are, you know, based on HIS life. The guys are hot, though & interesting. And there's some solid reality-competition drama. Do feel like COVID foreshortened this 1st. Planned season.

There, I said it. This show made me fall in love with every single contestant and I genuinely cried when they left, especially towards the end. This show consists of the realest people out there forreal. You will see transformations, huge life lessons, and such strong bonds being formed amongst men. Every single person had to face their insecurities, sense of self worth, and put themselves out there in a way we are all scared to do. I don't know if this show was intended for women but I feel like men would have so much to gain from watching this show. Oh and also it's AMAZING to watch the performances, had me grinning the whole time. This season genuinely made me happy and filled my heart.

Marathoned this while I was home sick and it was such a pleasant surprise. Sure, it's about average dudes learning how to give lap dances and grind on the floor, but it's also about self discovery and acceptance. I dare you to watch more than one episode and not be rooting for these guys. Also, as a dancer and aerialist, I don't think people realize how impressive it is to learn that much choreography (especially aerial) in such a short period of time. No small feat.

I went into this show fully prepared for just some fun, mindless beefcake action but when I found myself actually crying for the first guy eliminated from the Top 10, I knew the show was more than that. Finding Magic Mike finds men bonding, not over sports or stereotypically male interests, but rather over shared insecurities, relationship issues, and goals/dreams. There's one meathead in the mix, but even he has his moments, and all of these guys seem to genuinely care about each other. They can compete without getting cutthroat. None of the usual "I didn't come here to make friends" drama that reality TV usually serves up. And then eliminations are handled better than I've ever seen on a show like this: with real care and encouragement, via private conversations. When anyone is voted off, the other guys react as if they're losing a brother and it's heartwarming to see. I'm just assuming that these guys are BFFs forever, and no one better ruin my fantasy! And that's not exactly the type of fantasy I would've ever thought this show would make me have. 😄

I watched the first episode with a bit of hesitation because I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. I ended up being both pleasantly surprised and immediately hooked. All reality shows tend to be heavily edited and scripted to control the narrative. FMM came across as refreshingly honest.

The title would have you believe they were searching for the next person to star in the Las Vegas Magic Mike Live show. That wasn't the case. I loved seeing the bond form between the contestants as they all struggled to challenge themselves and grow.

IMO, ignore the 1-star reviews and give this show a chance. I hope they do another season.