Mark-Paul Gosselaar made quite the impression at the Bell Media Upfronts in Toronto, strutting onstage in a crop top and booty shorts to promote his upcoming series Bulges. The 52-year-old actor, best known for playing Zack Morris on Saved by the Bell, left little to the imagination as he danced and threw air kisses while modeling the show's aesthetic.
What is Bulges?
The new workplace comedy centers on a restaurant in Niagara Falls modeled after Hooters, but with a twist: it caters to women rather than men. The waiters are male and dress accordingly in short shorts and fitted tops. Justin Stockman, VP of Global Content for Bell Media, explained the premise: "If Hooters is for a mainly male clientele, BULGES is for a mainly female clientele." The show is currently in production and Gosselaar has committed fully to the role, though he admitted in a recent interview that he still whispers the title when discussing what he's working on.
Gay interest and broader appeal
While Bulges is marketed toward women, the series has already caught the attention of the LGBTQ+ community. Political commentator Peter Rothpletz has noted that spaces like Hooters can function as unexpected gay safe spaces, suggesting the new show could find enthusiastic audiences beyond its intended demographic. Gosselaar's shirtless promotion certainly didn't hurt its visibility on social media, where fans captured and shared clips of his appearance.
Will it reach U.S. audiences?
Currently, Bulges is a Canadian production with unclear distribution prospects in the United States. However, the recent international success of another racy Canadian series, Heated Rivalry, suggests there may be significant interest from U.S. networks. For now, fans will have to keep an eye out for updates on the show's availability and any additional promotional appearances from its leading man.
Source: Queerty
Cover photo: Super Festivals from Ft. Lauderdale, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
