May 11, 2023
2023 Rewind: This Spring's Netflix Hotties
Frank J. Avella READ TIME: 15 MIN.
This piece is part of EDGE's 2023 Rewind series. We're reaching into our archives and sharing some of our favorite stories from the past year.
Netflix is the streamer that keeps on giving... queer audiences a lot to fantasize about! And this spring the sizzling hot slurp factor is off the charts. Here at EDGE we focus on four new shows and the sultry, seductive, nubile male actors who are featured in new series (some quite prominently, if you get me). It often feels like Netflix contractually mandates their male actors to show skin – and we are not complaining!
These selections are made with deference to the ravishing Rufus Sewell, who boasts a number of butt shots in the absorbing thriller "The Diplomat"; the dashing Edgar Ramírez of "Florida Man"; the wacky teaming of Rob Lowe (that butt is still bubble) and his irresistible son John Owen Lowe on "Unstable"; and "Obsession"'s arresting Richard Armitage, as well as all his full-frontal nudity in the ham-fisted remake of Louis Malle's (far superior) film "Damage."
'Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story'
This six-part prequel tells the story of Queen Charlotte's forced union with King George (played by George Fleet) and their subsequent, complicated, bonding. This latest "Bridgerton" installment is, arguably, the sexiest one yet, blending the romantic and comedic while turning rather dark and unexpected. Creator Shonda Rhimes, who wrote every episode, and her "Grey's Anatomy" director, Tom Verica, do not shy away from depicting George's "madness" or his ass...
Corey Mylchreest
Certain to be the one of the most Tweeted, Instagrammed, and Tiktoked thirst-trapping media sensations of 2023 – especially among gay men – gorgeous newcomer Corey Mylchreest portrays young King George in "Queen Charlotte." He is not only a gifted thesp and ridiculously good looking, but he also seems to love shedding his clothes and does so quite frequently in the six-part series, which has the remarkable distinction of being the season with the most male nudity by far. Recent RADA grad Mylchreest's only major credit to date is aptly portraying Adonis in one episode of the Netflix series, "The Sandman," but his future looks quite bright. It's almost shameless the way that Rhimes' and her creatives exploits Mylchreest's amazing posterior. Shonda and team, we thank you, from the bottom of our tops!
Tunji Kasim
Sexy Tunji Kasim has been a staple on the UK stage, appearing in many a Shakespeare play. The Scottish/Nigerian actor is best known for playing Ned "Nick" Nickerson on The CW's "Nancy Drew." He also had a significant role in the Helen Mirren/Ian McKellen thriller "The Good Liar," directed by Bill Condon. In "Queen Charlotte," Kasim portrays Adolphus, the titular character's older brother, who confidently struts around and ultimately courts Young Agatha Danbury (Arsema Thomas).
Freddie Dennis
Handsome Freddie Dennis plays Young King George's loyal butler in this incarnation and has a few fascinating, sexy and, often, contentious scenes (I will leave it there for now) with Sam Clemmett, who plays Young Brimsley, Young Queen Charlotte's devoted butler. Dennis, an aspiring photojournalist and stage actor, impresses as the character Reynolds. Queer audiences are bound to find yummy Dennis and his story arc rather riveting.
"Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" launches on Netflix May 4, 2023. "
'Transatlantic'
Based on the astounding true story of WWII resistance fighters who managed to help writers, artists, philosophers, and other persecuted individuals escape from Nazi-occupied France, "Transatlantic" has a decidedly genre-blending spin that pays homage to the screwball comedies as well as the daring suspense-thrillers of the 1930s and 1940s. The show also features a host of hunks, as well as a most refreshing gay romance.
Lucas Englander
The devastatingly dreamy Austrian actor Lucas Englander portrays multilingual Jewish refugee Albert Hirschman in "Transatlantic," and in his eye-opening introductory scene he strips naked and leaps into the sea! No stranger to nudity, Englander bared all in the 2017 German film "Tiger Girl." He has worked in film and TV in several countries and appeared in an episode of "The Witcher." This is the smoldering thesp's first leading role in a major series, and we're guessing it won't be his last.
Cory Michael Smith
Out Queer actor Cory Michael Smith, with his geeky Clark-Kent good looks, anxiety-ridden manner, and subtle but sensual demeanor, is perfectly cast as Varian Fry, the American journalist who led the effort to smuggle Jews and artistic undesirables out of France. Fry has a wife, but is carrying on a secret relationship with Thomas (Amit Rahav). Smith's queer-themed credits include "Carol" and "1985," yet his most popular role is probably The Riddler on Fox's "Gotham." Personally, we lean towards his intense performance in the off-Broadway production of Mike Bartlett's "Cock," opposite Jason Butler Harner, in 2012.
Amit Rahav
Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Amit Rahav splashed here playing Yanky Shapiro in the Netflix limited series "Unorthodox," opposite Shira Haas. Prior to that, he appeared in the groundbreaking Israeli teen show "Flashback," playing a student who comes out as gay. And Rahav, himself, is openly gay. In "Transatlantic," he plays the calm, yet determined, Thomas Lovejoy, who is defiantly gay and in a relationship with closeted Varian Fry (Smith). Rahav's love scenes with Smith are quite steamy.
"Transatlantic" is currently streaming on Netflix. "
'The Night Agent'
Netflix's runaway smash series "The Night Agent" revolves around an FBI agent (Gabriel Basso) who becomes embroiled in a massive conspiracy that may involve a top White House official. The nail-biting thriller often feels like an homage to Fox's "24." Basso is captivating in the lead role, and while there are several solid supporting players (the always terrific Hong Chau for example), Andre Anthony stands out as a mysterious figure involved in the subterfuge. "The Night Agent" has already been renewed for a second season.
Gabriel Basso
Gabriel Basso's career began at the age of 13 in minor parts in a few films before he nabbed a lead in a web series called "Ghost Town." But it was the role of Laura Linney's teen son, Adam on Showtime's "The Big C," that marked Basso's big break (2010-2013). He went on to appear in the movies "Super 8," "The Kings of Summer," and as author J.D. Vance in "Hillbilly Elegy." As the reluctant hero, FBI agent Peter Sutherland, Basso excels in a star-making role. Now we need some skin in Season Two, please.
Andre Anthony
The very first, thirst-trapping shot of super-sexy Andre Anthony in "The Night Agent" is of his backside in the shower, as we realize who he is and how he relates to the plot. Not a bad way to make a splash, so to speak. In subsequent episodes, his character, Matteo, has his sinister and homoerotic moments (trying not to give away plot here). A USC grad, Anthony wet his feet in west coast theater and smallish parts on "Supergirl," "Riverdale," and in the film "Scream VI." This is his first significant role.
"The Night Agent" is currently streaming on Netflix.
'Beef'
The genre-blended Netflix hit "Beef" stars Oscar-nominee Steven Yeun and Ali Wong (rocking her rage), and dives into just how far people will go after a road rage incident intensifies. Hottie Young Mazino plays Yeun's seemingly vapid brother, and Joseph Lee is Wong's seemingly loyal artist husband. The show has been in the news lately for David Choe's past sins, but it's the captivatingly cuckoo turns by Wong and Yeun, and the inviting allure of Mazino and Lee, that make this show worth streaming.
Young Mazino
The Korean-American actor Young Mazino has become quite the sensation of late for a role that he admits is "eerily similar to my life." Often shirtless, and butt naked in a few scenes, Mazino provides most of the comedic relief in a show fraught with tension. The actor had a few bit parts on shows like "New Amsterdam" and "Blue Bloods," but this is his first very major role. Episode Five is highlighted by a lunatic love scene between Mazino and Wong.
Joseph Lee
Less talked about, but just as sexy, Joseph Lee plays Ali Wong's loving, patient husband, who has a secret. In the last few years, Lee landed small roles on shows such as "Rizzoli & Isles" and "NCIS: Los Angeles," but 2023 is his year with his "Beef" part and his portrayal of Lt. Mura on the third and final season of "Star Trek: Picard." The Korean-American actor made his film debut in the indie "Searching" in 2018. We look forward to watching his "Beef" character loosen up and unleash some of the so-far-subtle eroticism he oozes.
"Beef" is currently streaming on Netflix.
Frank J. Avella is a proud EDGE and Awards Daily contributor. He serves as the GALECA Industry Liaison and is a Member of the New York Film Critics Online. His award-winning short film, FIG JAM, has shown in Festivals worldwide (figjamfilm.com). Frank's screenplays have won numerous awards in 17 countries. Recently produced plays include LURED & VATICAL FALLS, both O'Neill semifinalists. He is currently working on a highly personal project, FROCI, about the queer Italian/Italian-American experience. He is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild. https://filmfreeway.com/FrankAvella https://muckrack.com/fjaklute