Ultimate Boys Trip (Reality Show)

I keep spotting a trend where several gay porn performers are attempting to transition into reality TV. Having seen a few of these programs now, I have to give credit where it is due: these men are definitely pushing themselves outside their comfort zones. However, whether the shows themselves are actually any good is an entirely different matter. OutTV is a pioneer in this niche, and my immediate takeaway from this particular series is how heavily scripted it feels. It is impossible to view this as true reality, a fact that becomes painfully apparent the moment the police arrive to arrest a cast member. It is clear the producers will do anything to provoke a reaction from the audience. Even so, I am sure there is an audience that enjoys this style, and I shouldn’t judge it outright just because it isn’t my cup of tea. The series consists of six episodes, each lasting about twenty minutes.

Set in Miami, the show follows Boomer Banks as he attempts to organize a residency—a term he repeats roughly twice per episode to ensure no one forgets—at a gay hotel where he will DJ and produce a show. He enlists his friends Max Konnor and Joey Mills, who have apparently collaborated on previous projects. While Boomer is mostly preoccupied with throwing a fantastic party, he can’t help but instigate drama; to that end, he secretly brings in a fourth man, Drake Von, an up-and-coming twink clearly intended to clash with the more established Joey Mills. As various other characters drift in and out, Max goes on a date with a cute twink type to see if a real connection exists. Boomer also brings in a well-known drag queen to perform, and she actually provides him with some solid advice during the show. Additionally, Max’s personal assistant happens to be close friends with Joey. Much of the central focus, however, remains on the back-and-forth between Joey and Drake Von as their rivalry and jealousy intensify. This tension peaks when the two of them join forces to sabotage Boomer’s party, leading to a moment where Boomer realizes he needs to step back and reflect on himself.

As mentioned, the “reality” aspect of this is highly questionable, but the drama among the cast is certainly abundant. You get plenty of tension, chemistry, and that messy energy typical of two men who know each other well and refuse to hold back. Joey seems to be the primary source of drama—likely cast specifically for that purpose—and he excels at it, even if it feels like a performance. In my view, Drake Von doesn’t contribute much to the series. Boomer and Max are both fine, managing their own subplots: one focuses on party planning while the other pursues romance. The side characters provide the extra energy necessary to keep a show like this moving. While there is likely an audience for this, it simply didn’t resonate with me. At several points, I found myself wondering why I was still watching. I suppose I am just trying to consume as much gay content as possible right now, but I need to make better selections in the future given the sheer volume of content available. From the producers’ perspective, I understand the goal; this isn’t just about a group of hot guys on a trip, but rather about the collision of egos, attraction, and history in front of a camera. Whether that results in actual entertainment or something closer to reality is for the viewer to decide. You go in knowing none of it is real, but then again, what reality show truly is?(4/10)