Look, while you were distracted by Heated Rivalry (which is a whole other thing we’ll need to discuss later), Matt Rogers was over here delivering in his guest spot on Palm Royale. If you haven’t caught up yet, get your life together, because this show is everything: drama, intrigue, and—let’s be real—some of the hottest eye candy you’ve ever seen. And baby, Matt Rogers is serving up a whole buffet of that.
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You went to the cottage, now it’s time to come to the tub, darling!
@appletv Come on in, the Palm Royale waters are warm. Palm Royale — Now Streaming #PalmRoyale #KristenWiig #MattRogers #AppleTV
Rock Hudson’s Secret Lover
Matt Rogers as Bruce in episode seven? Chef’s kiss. If you don’t have a thing for a man in a 1970s porn stache, wig, daisy dukes, and a speedo, well, we can’t be friends. I mean, the man is a mustache daddy fantasy come to life, and if you don’t feel yourself getting a little warm under the collar, are you even watching? Bruce is a loud, proud, fully out gay man living his best life, and Rogers absolutely owns this role. He’s the epitome of 1970s gay culture—brash, bold, and unashamed of his hotness.
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“The fitting was a wild ride,” Rogers shared with TV Insider. “I’m thinking they’re going to put me in a custom suit, but I show up, and it’s hoochie daddy shorts and a tank top.” Ugh, why does this man make that sound so hot? Picture it: the man in his wig and speedo, holding court poolside, waiting for none other than Rock Hudson, one of the most legendary actors of all time, to come down and give him everything. Yeah, we’re living for this.
The Nancy Reagan of It All
And let’s not forget the delicious drama. The real magic happens when Bruce gets to confront Nancy Reagan (played by the iconic Carol Burnett) in full drag. Let’s just say Rogers isn’t holding back. He’s channeling all that suppressed rage gay men have had towards Reagan and her husband for decades.
You can see it in his eyes, his delivery—hell, you can practically feel the heat radiating off him. Bruce doesn’t just call out Nancy; he gives her a piece of his mind for being a no-show when Rock Hudson was struggling with AIDS. “It was cathartic,” Rogers said. “I was sort of using Bruce as a vessel for me and all the gay men who have something to say.”
Honey, we feel that.
Living Boldly in 1970s America
But let’s be real—Matt Rogers isn’t just playing any old role here. He’s bringing all the fun, vibrancy, and unapologetic queerness that makes us weak in the knees. “We’re showing a vibrant, fun gay community,” Rogers said about his role. And baby, it’s not just fun—it’s everything. The man has abs that should be illegal in a historical drama like this, and don’t even get me started on that mustache. That 70s porn stache* has us all weak in the knees. Rogers brings a sexual energy to the character that we need more of. You want a moment of queer history? You get that—and more—when Matt Rogers walks into a room.
@appletv Soup sisters for life, @Matt Rogers. Palm Royale — Now Streaming #PalmRoyale #KristenWiig #AppleTV
I mean, you’re telling me Bruce doesn’t get a happily-ever-after with Rock Hudson? Excuse me, I need a moment. But still, Rogers gave us more than enough to swoon over, and we can’t help but pray for a season three just to see more of his sun-kissed, speedo-wearing, wig-twirling glory.
New episodes of Palm Royale drop Wednesdays on Apple TV, and we’re all ready for more. Because who can resist more of that mustache magic? Not us, honey.