Keep It!
Crooked Media
Wherever pop culture and politics collide, Emmy-nominated TV writer Louis Virtel examines the gorgeous wreckage from his uniquely queer perspective with a rotating cast of special guest co-hosts. Each week, our “Prince of Pop Culture” is joined by the likes of Michelle Yeoh, Cate Blanchett, Andrew Garfield, Connie Britton, and Sheryl Lee Ralph to unpack the latest controversies, laude character actress appreciation, and all the shade that’s fit to throw.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 9, 2018 • 44min
"Is This Your America?"
Melania Trump launches her grammatically heinous "Be Best" campaign. Rihanna continues her Met Gala reign. Jeffrey Tambor's comeback includes a vile Hollywood Reporter profile. Plus, Childish Gambino's "This is America" inspires a rousing conversation between Ira, Kara, and Louis.
May 2, 2018 • 54min
"Under His Smokey Eye" (with Zachary Quinto)
Michelle Wolf roasts media hypocrisy at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Time's Up joins the #MuteRKelly movement. Tom Brokaw's friends insist he's not guilty of sexual misconduct. John Legend tries to teach freshman U.S. History to Kanye West. Plus, Ira talks to Zachary Quinto about starring in the Broadway revival of 1968 queer play The Boys in the Band.
Apr 25, 2018 • 50min
"Kanye Don't Impress Me Much"
Kanye West joins the alt-right, while Shania Twain shows love for Donald Trump. Male celebrities taken down by #MeToo plot their comebacks. Kara warns racist internet trolls not to come for Crazy Rich Asians. James Comey needs to do less. The Real Housewives of Atlanta airs a very special episode about racism. Plus, Ira and Kara lament the end of Scandal and Louis has had it with royal babies.
Apr 18, 2018 • 40min
"HBeyCU" (with Justin Simien)
Kendrick Lamar wins a Pulitzer. Adidas uses Colin Kaepernick's name to scam free press. Taylor Swift ruins disco music. Rihanna tries to make body glitter happen again. Justin Simien, creator of Dear White People, joins Ira, Kara, and Louis to praise Beychella. Plus, Ira has an axe to grind with Rita Ora.
Apr 11, 2018 • 46min
"Bemoaning Lisa" (with Kay Cannon)
The Simpsons uses Lisa Simpson as a mouthpiece to defend racism. Jimmy Kimmel and Chelsea Handler come under fire for using homophobic jokes to attack conservatives. Cardi B makes America great. Kay Cannon, director of 'Blockers,' joins Ira, Kara, and Louis to discuss John Hughes films and raunchy teen comedies. Plus, Ira shocks Kara and Louis by professing his love for wrestling.
Apr 4, 2018 • 60min
"Roseannie, are you OK?" (with Ana Marie Cox)
Stacey Dash’s congressional bid comes to a halt. Grindr gets caught sharing users’ HIV statuses. Advertisers bail Laura Ingraham’s show like the Titanic. Roseanne is back on the airwaves and Trump couldn’t be more excited. Plus, Ana Marie Cox joins Ira to discuss this year’s Conservative Political Action Conference and comedian Cameron Esposito stops by to discuss how we frame queer stories.
Mar 28, 2018 • 43min
"Biteyoncé" (with Bambadjan Bamba)
Tiffany Haddish reveals that someone BIT Beyoncé at a party last year, so Ira, Kara and Louis put on their detective hats. Taylor Swift finally gets political. Killer Mike gets played by the NRA. BET has no idea what journalism is. Nate Parker plots a comeback. Louis defends ‘The Assasination of Gianni Versace.’ Plus, Ira talks to 'Black Panther' actor and immigrant rights activist Bambadjan Bamba.
Mar 21, 2018 • 54min
"DJTea" (with Shangela)
Cynthia Nixon inspires Mirandas everywhere by running for governor of New York. Rihanna takes on Snapchat. Donald Trump Jr. ALLEGEDLY had an affair with former Celebrity Apprentice contestant and Danity Kane member Aubrey O’Day. Kara debuts a new segment called Shade Court. Tre’Vell Anderson of the LA Times stops by for a discussion of the gay teen rom-com Love, Simon (skip ahead to avoid spoilers). Plus, Ira talks to Shangela about last week’s shocking RuPaul’s Drag Race finale.
Mar 14, 2018 • 53min
"24K Tragic" (LIVE at SXSW featuring Tegan and Sara)
Ira, Kara, and Louis travel to Austin, Texas for their first live show. Bruno Mars is accused of cultural appropriation. Rachel Dolezal scams a Netflix documentary. Katy Perry latches onto gay culture. Louis takes on a fan in a game of Oscars trivia. Plus, Ira talks to musicians Tegan and Sara about the new Queer Eye.
Mar 7, 2018 • 56min
"Inclusion Ride or Die"
It turns out Oscar voters really like fish f**king. Ira Madison III, Kara Brown, and Louis Virtel dive into the 2018 Oscars and discuss The Shape of Water winning Best Picture, Ryan Seacrest's cursed red carpet, what the hell an "inclusion rider" is, and more. Plus, Kara tries beating Louis at Oscars trivia with the help of Google, RuPaul upsets the trans community, and Alec Baldwin can keep his new talk show.
