Finding Magic Mike

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. 😄

This show was way way WAY better than I expected it to be. These men were all amateurs with no dance experience, and were so sweet and vulnerable. It was like watching your boyfriend earnestly learn how to try out for Magic Mike.

The production was fantastic, and it was just so fun to watch. I loved Adam Rodriguez he was so sweet and joyful.

I ended up watching the entire thing in one day I was so delighted with it.

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.

This show was so much more heartfelt and inspiring than I thought it would be! It's so sweet and so awesome watching the contestants grow through the season. The people who left bad reviews obviously didn't understand the point of the show!

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.