Joel Kim Booster Dishes on Judging RuPaul’s Drag Race and His Hit Movie Fire Island
Comedian Joel Kim Booster recently appeared as a guest on The Gist podcast, hosted by Chris Vetrano. Their wide-ranging conversation touched on Joel’s experience as a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, his breakout film in the 2022 queer romantic comedy Fire Island, and his passion for reality TV.
After Joel Kim Booster, the star of the Apple TV+ series Loot, shares his experience and behind the scenes tea on this season’s RuPaul’s Drag Race, the Bravo aficionados go deep on the Real Housewives franchise. They debate drama amongst the cast of Real Housewives of Potomac and specifically whether Candiace, Wendy, and the “green eyed bandits” should remain on the show. Then they turn to discussing Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, questioning whether Kyle will continue filming or leave LA all together.
Plus, they chat about Joel’s first self-written film Fire Island, working alongside Mya Rudolph on Loot, and he shares his casting picks for The Traitors season three. This is a can’t miss episode for all fans of fun, film and reality TV!
Joel Kim Booster Judging the Controversial New Season of RuPaul’s Drag Race
As a guest judge in Season 15 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Joel was part of a controversial episode where contestant Sapphira Cristál was declared the winner of a challenge over fan favorites Plane Jane and Q. As Joel explained, “While [the ladies] had a really strong presentation, Sapphira just had that kind of charismatic star quality that I think Ru sees in these girls and really gravitates towards.”
Even though the decision seemed arbitrary to many viewers, Joel enjoyed his experience as a judge. However, he admitted to being nervous about upsetting the show’s passionate fans with his critiques. “I was definitely intimidated about what the fan response would be,” he said.
Groundbreaking Queer Rom-Com Fire Island
The conversation then turned to Joel’s scene-stealing performance as Noah in the 2022 film Fire Island, which he also wrote. As one of the first major studio rom-coms to feature an all-LGBTQ cast, Fire Island has been praised for authentically portraying queer friendship and romance without being overly educational.
As Joel put it, “I think there is something really beautiful about getting to see a movie like this, that is very specifically for and by queer people.” He appreciated that the movie “was not necessarily worried about what straight people would think about it.”
Currently Writing a New Script for Searchlight
Joel also mentioned that he is currently working on a second script for Searchlight Pictures about a wedding. While details are scarce, Joel said it will likely have a smaller scope than Fire Island‘s ensemble story. With Joel running point, it’s sure to provide laughs and heartfelt storyline that he’s learned to perfect. Plus, he reveals that he’d likely return to play a key role in front of the camera again.
Obsessed with Reality TV
A self-proclaimed “reality TV junkie,” Joel enthused about his passion for shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, Below Deck, and the Real Housewives franchise. He shared particularly strong opinions about The Real Housewives of Potomac and Beverly Hills.
Joel also weighed in on controversial Netflix shows like Love is Blind. As he analyzed, “I’m fascinated by what would motivate someone to go on a show like [Love is Blind] and whether they have the self-awareness to find love in that kind of environment.”
Upcoming Comedy Specials and Stand-Up Tour
In addition to his on-screen projects, Joel discussed his upcoming stand-up tour as well as plans to film more comedy specials this year. After recent shows in Melbourne, Australia, he is looking forward to bringing his signature self-deprecating humor to bigger audiences across the globe.
For reality TV fans and comedy lovers alike, Joel Kim Booster is certainly a talent to watch. His unique perspective and charm shine through in projects from Fire Island to RuPaul’s Drag Race and beyond. By blending humor with thoughtful commentary on LGBTQ+ experiences, Joel continues to push boundaries and expand representations of queerness in Hollywood and beyond.
