‘Wayne Brady: The Family Remix’ Recap – ‘All Eyez On Me’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Still of Wayne Brady in ‘Wayne Brady: The Family Remix’ Courtesy of Kevin Estrada/Freeform/Disney.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Wayne Brady: The Family Remix’.
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There was a time in Hollywood, where honesty… was detrimental to the career of a star. Because they all had personas that they showed the public, and the expectation was… that was all the fans of a star should ever see. For they invested in that person to escape, to enjoy their movies and nothing more and that… was a problematic edict. Because it put so much unnecessary pressure on the star and forced them to live life in secrecy and well… that was a silly edict that is slowly starting to die. Because stars are people, too. Who have wants and needs and thoughts and emotions like anyone else, and who they play on television and film are fictional characters that aren’t tied to the person they are, and should be able to live life openly, and as they see fit.

But how exactly is that strange edict dying? In part, through social media of course, since stars are slowly showing more of who they are as a person on there, but even then… there is work to be done. Because most only go so far and that expectation does still remain and well, that’s why a new show on Freeform is of note. Because Wayne Brady: The Family Remix is a series that is transformative and revolutionary in nature when it comes to this long-standing edict in the industry. Because Wayne Brady, a star we know and love, and know little of beyond the roles he’s played, takes the center stage with his family in ‘All Eyez On Me’ to do what few stars have ever done… and outright bear his soul to the world and showcase who he is. 

Which brings forth, a stunning series premiere to say the least. One where Wayne holds nothing back. Because in this premiere, he lets it be known that he has romantic wants and needs, that he wants a partner, someone he can grow old with, and that he has no expectations for that regarding gender. For Wayne comes out in this premiere as pansexual. Which is a big deal and quite brave to say the least, as is the other truth that Wayne brings forth in this story. In that, he has a child, one that he has kept from the limelight because they weren’t conceived and raised in the traditional manner we expect from Hollywood stars, with the big wedding and tabloid or gossip website announcements and well… once the shock of having a celebrity open up in such a frank and powerful manner wears off, are we treated to a show that is unlike any other in this vein.

Because in addition to baring his soul and showcasing all of his family in every way imaginable, Wayne also takes us inside the very struggles that accompany that edict. Since he does worry about perception regarding his sexual identity, and having a son out of wedlock when his image is ‘wholesome’. Which are real and raw thoughts, the kind that speak to the state of the world and how celebrities are still perceived and how hard it is for them to live their lives with the scrutiny that still hangs over them, despite the change at play. Not to mention, this series also showcases what his blended family life is like, and how the family responds to Wayne’s admissions, alongside vignettes that explore the daily struggles of being a dad and someone that takes part in a family life that is also not traditional.

All of which brings forth, a brilliant series to say the least. One that is raw, and visceral and has a focus. Because Wayne genuinely wants to showcase that he is more than a host we love and adore, more than memes from his iconic Chapelle’s Show stint and his other amazing roles. He’s a person, with a talent that allows for him to do incredible things. But he’s also a father, a dreamer, and a person that struggles with what we all do, and he wants us to see all that, and see his truth and think differently about celebrity. Which is a great reason to keep tuning in, as is Wayne’s family. Since Mandie, Maile and Jason are fascinating people as well who have plenty to say and plenty to offer and well, in the end… it will indeed be amazing to follow along and live life with the Brady family and learn about what makes them tick, as season one of this show continues along. Until next time.

To learn more about the show, please check out interview with cast members: Wayne Brady, Maile Brady, Mandie Taketa, and Jason Fordham.

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