Thanks to Second City Alumnus Brian Gallivan and his Sassy Gay Friend web series, the works of Shakespeare have never been so colourful or so vibrantly hilarious.
With each video, Brian re-imagines the tragic fates of some of Shakespeare’s (and Western literature’s) most famous ladies as they might have occurred if they had only had a "Sassy Gay Friend" on hand to guide them.
Not surprisingly, the five episodes of Sassy Gay Friend (that range from Hamlet to The Giving Tree) have gone on to amass over 12 million views on YouTube, largely thanks to their sharp dialogue, irreverent wit and well-timed use of clever catchphrases.
Flamboyant Literature Spoofs
Brian Gallivan's Sassy Gay Friend Viral Takes the Internet by Storm
Trend Themes
1. Viral Literature Spoofs - Creating humorous and irreverent re-imaginings of famous literary works through web series has the potential to capture millions of views on platforms like YouTube.
2. Cultivating Online Comedy Series - Developing a web series centered around witty and well-timed comedic content can lead to significant online popularity and viewership.
3. Reinterpreting Classic Literature - Adding a modern and vibrant twist to well-known literary works has the potential to engage new audiences and generate viral content.
Industry Implications
1. Entertainment - Creating innovative and humorous content within the entertainment industry can attract a wide audience and generate substantial online engagement.
2. Digital Media - Developing comedic web series on platforms like YouTube can capitalize on the growing demand for online video content and provide new opportunities for advertising and monetization.
3. Publishing - Reimagining classic literature in a humorous and vibrant way can revive interest in older works and attract a younger demographic to the publishing industry.