Post may include affiliate links, which may earn us a commission
In the glitzy and often chaotic world of Hollywood, it’s not every day that we get a show like Fellow Travelers—a historical romance that’s not just telling a story but living and breathing the LGBTQ+ experience with authenticity.
And who better to lead this charge than the dazzling Jonathan Bailey and the effortlessly charming Matt Bomer?
These two heartthrobs didn’t just bring their A-game to the screen; they laid their hearts bare, and honey, we are living for it.
In a candid chat on Entertainment Weekly’s “The Awardist” podcast, Bailey and Bomer got real about what it took to bring their characters’ love story to life in the Emmy-nominated Showtime limited series.
Set against the backdrop of the McCarthy-era ‘50s and the AIDS crisis of the ‘80s, Fellow Travelers isn’t just a love story; it’s a bold statement.
And trust me, it’s the kind of show that makes you sit up, lean in, and maybe clutch your pearls—because, yes, there’s that much heat.
Bomer, who plays the enigmatic Hawk Fuller, admits that a show like this wouldn’t have even been on his radar a decade ago.
He points to the series’ production team for giving them the green light to really dig deep—emotionally and physically.
“From the beginning, [they] were giving us notes that weren’t constricting at all,” Bomer shared.
“They were actually really liberating. They were saying, ‘No, go farther. Embarrass yourself. Go too far. Try to scare us. Try to see how far you can push it.’”
Now, if you’ve seen Fellow Travelers—and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?—you’ll know exactly what Bomer means.
The intimacy and raw emotion in those scenes? That’s not just acting; that’s the real deal.
Whether it’s a stolen glance or a more intense moment (we’re looking at you, “foot-licking sequence”), you can feel the energy, the passion, and yes, the horniness, that makes this series so unforgettable.
+Related: Jonathan Bailey Tells His Deepest, Darkest Secrets
But let’s not just talk about the heat; let’s talk about the heart. Jonathan Bailey, who plays Tim Laughlin, an idealistic congressional staffer, opened up about the significance of queer representation in the industry.
“The majority of awards go to straight actors playing gay because there’s this sense that that means that they’re somehow brave or that they’re mixing it up,” Bailey reflected.
He pointed out the painful reality that, historically, out gay men haven’t had the same opportunities to portray their own stories on screen.
Bailey’s words hit hard, especially when you consider the emotional weight of Fellow Travelers.
The series isn’t just about love; it’s about resilience, spirit, and the often complicated, painful journey that so many in the LGBTQ+ community have walked.
And Bailey, along with Bomer, makes sure those stories are told with the authenticity they deserve.
As Emmy voting enters its final stages, it’s clear that Fellow Travelers has more than earned its place in the spotlight.
Bomer is up for Outstanding Lead Actor, and Bailey is vying for Outstanding Supporting Actor—a nod that’s especially sweet after he was shockingly snubbed at the Golden Globes.
And while we’re all rooting for a win for LGBTQ+ representation, Bailey knows just how to seal the deal: behind-the-scenes pics of his costume fittings.
Yes, Emmy voters, those thighs deserve some gold too!
So, as we wait with bated breath for the September 15 ceremony, we can’t help but feel a sense of pride.
Not just because Fellow Travelers is a show that tells our stories, but because it’s a show that’s paving the way for more.
And if Bomer and Bailey have taught us anything, it’s that sometimes, you’ve got to “go too far” to make something truly spectacular.
+Related: Matt Bomer Nominated for SAG Award