The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo – review

“Sometimes… things that are expensive… are worse.”
— Freckle, episode four.

This statement couldn’t be more true of the cheaply produced but incredibly funny and glossy new web series that is The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo.  A short, five-episode escapade written by Brian Jordan Alvarez, it follows the kooky and sometimes bizarre lives of a group of wannabe actors in LA.

The premise should be dull — we’re all familiar with the ‘vapid millennial trying to make it big’ concept — but Alvarez and the cast made up of his real-life friend group  have managed to create a show that is relatable in spite of its heavily stylised dramatic and self-absorbed tone. This balance is made possible by a diverse cast of characters, including gay white men, a bisexual man, and a genderfluid character (played by the talented Jason Greene). The series quickly runs through a string of modern dilemmas with both comedic grace and wisdom. Struggles with long distance relationships and cheating play out alongside hilarious monologues by ridiculous yet lovable characters.

With its focus on queer characters and situations, The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo might once have been seen as a niche venture by television networks. Yet that focus is exactly why the series has become a hit. Given the lack of diverse LGBTQ representation elsewhere, shows like this — shows written by and for the queer community — are all the more appreciated when they get made. Above all, though, it’s amazing because it’s fun. The characters are eccentric but real, their problems relatable and their acting impeccable. Perhaps major players are starting to notice this, as it’s been revealed that Alvarez is currently in talks to take the series further, with the likes of Lionsgate and Netflix wanting to continue the show into a full length season using the web series as a pilot or introduction.

Be ready for what is bound to become a cult classic and watch the series on YouTube now.

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