Queer pop culture has served up a lively mix this week, from an old photograph of Anderson Cooper making the rounds to a cinema row over Heated Rivalry popcorn buckets. Meanwhile, Andrew Rannells has weighed in on theatre etiquette, Overcompensating is heading back for a second season, and Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme are gearing up for their holiday show.
The week in queer culture, at a glance
- A familiar face, years earlier: Queerty revisited a 2001-era photograph of Anderson Cooper that sparked affectionate jokes about his youthful looks.
- A cinema controversy: One reported complaint about Heated Rivalry promotional buckets prompted a wave of online jokes and criticism.
- A theatre reminder: Andrew Rannells said stage-door greetings aren't guaranteed and objected to being filmed during a performance.
- More Overcompensating: The comedy's second season is planned to premiere on 17 February 2027.
- Holiday plans: Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme are taking their seasonal show on tour across the United States.
Anderson Cooper's old photo has the internet looking back
A photograph of Anderson Cooper from around 2001 has given the internet a time-travelling excuse to admire a familiar face. Queerty reported that the image, showing Cooper at 34 as he was beginning his career as a CNN correspondent, circulated after an account shared cultural moments from 25 years earlier.
The jokes about his silver hair and youthful looks were part of the fun, but the picture also prompted a brief look back at his route into journalism. Cooper studied at Yale, travelled and reported from conflict zones, worked for ABC and had hosted The Mole before moving to CNN after 11 September 2001. His distinctive appearance may have caught attention, but sharp interviewing has remained part of his public image.
One popcorn bucket, a lot of online noise
A complaint about Heated Rivalry promotional popcorn buckets became a social-media talking point after a suburban mother reportedly objected to seeing them at a cinema. The merchandise featured the show's central hockey romance, and the complaint framed it as inappropriate for children.
Queerty described the online response as a quick burst of jokes, criticism and parody. Many replies argued that the buckets themselves weren't explicit, while others questioned the idea that themed cinema merchandise could harm or influence children. It's a small piece of merchandise, but the argument around it opened onto a bigger conversation about queer stories being visible in public spaces.
Andrew Rannells draws a line on theatre etiquette
Andrew Rannells has pushed back against the idea that appearing at the stage door is part of the ticket price. Queerty reported that he responded after a fan complained he hadn't come out to greet people following a performance, while also posting footage of him on stage.
Rannells objected to being filmed during the show and said that, although he tries to meet fans when he can, he can't promise to do so every night. He was appearing in previews of It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play on Broadway, with rehearsals and performances demanding time and energy. The reminder is refreshingly plain: seeing an actor perform doesn't entitle an audience member to a private moment afterwards, and audience members should respect rules against filming.
Overcompensating gets ready for its next chapter
Benito Skinner's college comedy is set to return with a second season, planned to premiere on 17 February 2027. Queerty reported that the story will pick up after the first season's cliff-hanger, with Benny returning home for the holidays and facing difficult conversations with his family.
Skinner described the new season as putting more focus on family and the complicated process of coming out. Benny will also try to impress his father by joining the crew team, while the show continues to mix awkward comedy with questions of shame, identity and self-acceptance. That blend of messy humour and emotional growing pains gives the series room to be funny without pretending the hard parts are simple.
Jinkx and DeLa bring queer joy to the holidays
Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme are taking their annual holiday show across the United States, with this edition built around a corporate takeover and a Scrooge-like executive. In an interview with Queerty, the performers connected the story to commercial pressures and the risk of queer creative work being pushed aside when business priorities change.
The show has brought queer audiences together for nine years, including people who may find the holiday season difficult or unwelcoming. This year's production also features musical tributes to Dolly Parton and Tim Curry, plus the return of the “Sexy Krampus” segment. Beneath the seasonal spectacle is a warm idea: shared traditions and a roomful of people can be a form of joy in themselves.
A throwback photo, a popcorn bucket and a festive stage show: queer culture rarely runs short of conversation.
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