Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Finding Magic Mike’ On HBO Max, A Reality Show Where Everyday Dudes Try To Get Their Groove Back

When Magic Mike hit theaters back in 2012, it showed the world a whole new side of Channing Tatum. After the ridiculous success of the film and its sequel, Magic Mike XXL, Tatum conceived and directed a show in Las Vegas called Magic Mike Live, which is still running. The latest addition to the universe is Finding Magic Mike, a reality series that sees men who have lost their mojo learn the moves of Magic Mike in the hopes of getting their groove back (and winning $100,000). 

FINDING MAGIC MIKE: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

Opening Shot: Channing Tatum, Joe Manganiello, and the rest of the guys strike a pose in a scene from Magic Mike.

The Gist: After it premiered in 2012, Magic Mike awakened something in the loins of viewers all over the world. It also inspired a live show, Magic Mike Live, currently wowing crowds in Las Vegas. With the help of film cast member Adam Rodriguez, Finding Magic Mike sets out to find men who have lost their magic and want to discover it through a Magic Mike Live bootcamp of sorts. They’ve searched the country for these guys, and out of the thousands who applied, they’ve narrowed it down to 50. These are men who are insecure sexually, who have lost their confidence, who are struggling to find a path, who want to figure out who they are. Choreographer Alison Faulk and other creatives involved with the show (and the films) help to whittle this group down to 25 from 50. For this first round, they have to strip down to their undies and later learn some choreography.

The group of 25 that advances to the next round is faced with one of the more difficult components of the show: doing a lap dance. The producers say this is usually when they cut the most people, and it’s not difficult to see why. These guys have to read the women they’re dancing for and figure out if they’re uncomfortable or into what’s going down. After some very entertaining dances, the men are once again cut down, this time to 10. We get to know each of them a little bit better in the process, too; these are teachers, chefs, salesmen, nurses, lawyers, athletes. They’re all looking for something, and with any luck, they’ll find it while they’re learning how to give lap dances and dance to “Pony”. To celebrate the beginning of this journey, the 10 contestants go out to see Magic Mike Live, knowing that 2 of them will have to do this in the end. After seeing what these guys can do, it’s obvious that our newbies have their work cut out for them.

What Shows Will It Remind You Of? Finding Magic Mike might bring to mind other reality competition shows like America’s Next Top Model and even RuPaul’s Drag Race, though its pure intentions to help men get their groove back might also bring to mind docs like Strip Down, Rise Up.

Our Take: The state of the modern man is something heavily discussed and debated, and rather than attempting to break things down and make a point, Finding Magic Mike instead presents us with a group of dudes with all kinds of hopes and dreams and lets them do the talking. It’s not often we get to see men this stripped down (both literally and figuratively) and vulnerable, opening up about their fears and insecurities, but boy, is it exciting to watch. I was totally surprised by how moved I was by Finding Magic Mike, a show I mostly expected to giggle and cringe through. But there’s something real here! There’s substance at the heart of this show about dudes learning how to dance and let everything else go, and the power that comes with shedding your clothes and all of the hangups that come with it.

By combining a delightful cast – including the self-deprecating Adonis, sexually shy Michael, and bisexual Mormon Merlin – with a supportive creative team, some genuine magic is made. It may only be early days, but we can see the potential that the judges see, even as they note the awkwardness and discomfort in some of the men when it comes to moving their bodies. They know what makes a good reality show cast, and what guys really need this journey. By the end of the first episode, it’s obvious that we’re in for quite the show as these guys are pushed to do things they perhaps never dreamed. A much-needed reminder that men deserve a platform to learn how to love themselves (and find their magic!), Finding Magic Mike is a rare gem, an endearing combination of sweet, funny, and moving. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Sex and Skin: There’s some very sexy dancing (and funny attempts at pulling off these sexy dances), but Finding Magic Mike is actually pretty wholesome.

Parting Shot: “You want $100 grand? You all gotta do that!” Adam Rodriguez laughs, after the group of guys drop their jaws at the Magic Mike Live show.

Sleeper Star: Though he’s one of the most insecure contestants we encounter in this first installment, Adonis totally steals the show, simultaneously filling the shoes of the everyman and the unexpected natural. He’s self-deprecating, but secretly has more powerful energy than most of the men there, owning his space when he’s on stage and wowing anyone watching. He’s the kind of contestant you root for from the very beginning, big-hearted and joyful, unaware of just how wonderful he really is. You can’t help but get excited about what’s ahead for him this season!

Most Pilot-y Line: There’s a lot of exposition-y talk as the show is set up, but it all works pretty well. “I don’t feel like the main character of my life anymore,” one guy says, as he registers for his spot. It may be on-the-nose, but it sums up where most of these men are at as they start the competition.

Our Call: STREAM IT. Finding Magic Mike is equal parts funny and inspiring, a surprisingly sweet take on the reality competition series format that sees men break down barriers of insecurity and toxic masculinity.

Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines, hogging the mic at karaoke, and thirst-tweeting. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.

Stream Finding Magic Mike on HBO Max