Reel Pop: What the Buck

Whatthebuck
Gay men are the best observers of celebrity culture*, which is why Perez Hilton's an acclaimed personality, and American Idol's hosted by Ryan Seacrest. To see the gay celebrity critic who'll most likely share Perez's post-Internet career arc, check out What The Buck.

One of the most popular entertainment shows on YouTube and hosted by Connecticut star-boinker Michael Buckley, WTB's a thrice-weekly, 5-minute-ish, infotainment riff covering the vicissitudes of Lindsay's sex life, Brangelina's babies, Britney's Britney, ad infinitum.

Employing a combination of predictable, smarmy gay patter (rapid transitions, appropriation of female speech patterns, heavy use of "love you bitch", etc) almost as hackneyed as my bemused interest-slash-sober condescension, WTB's won YouTube awards for the 12th most subscribed show (all time), and 6th most viewed comedian (all time).

And for good reason: Buckley's facility with words, and deft takedowns of newsmakers, e.g.: "Frickin mama lynn spears. This is how she reacts to crisis. 16 year old daughter gets pregnant, sell the story put her on a magazine cover. Other daughter has mental illness, invite a made-for-tv doctor as cast by Oprah Winfrey to the hospital."

And from WTB's special on Lonelygirl15: "This is the story of an ordinary girl. Her name is Brie. She is cute. She is nerdy. She is a sixteen year old puppet with huge eyebrows and a New Zealand filmmaker's hand up her ass."

See what he's done? He's taken the riotous fabulosity of Perez -- whose critical genius peaked with pink crayon doodles on celebrity photos -- and couched his popspeak in intelligent and often self-deprecating wit, thus appealing to both the celeb fanatics and the black rim-glasses set. He's a super-gay, pop-obsessed, Red Bull-fueled Ira Glass.

Hence the speed. The patter never stops, with the only pauses for breath literally pauses for breath. Buck's the first video personality I've seen who's co-opted the comedic rapidity and snappy editing of Ze Frank -- a quick and breathless pace convenient to short form viewing online -- without copying Ze's signature cadence. Kudos.

Buckley's already appeared on the CW and Fox. Expect him to hit the even bigger time in 2008.

Check out What the Buck on YouTube and at BuckHollywood.com

* IMHO

Comments

Thanks for writing about Buck! He is awesome! I am proud to be his fan club president.

xoxo

-Ryan
http://whatthebuck.blogsite.org

Posted by: Ryan | January 11, 2008 at 02:12 PM

Great piece! I love What the Buck!

Posted by: Stargurrl13 | January 11, 2008 at 02:12 PM

Thanks for the commentary on Buck. I discovered him on Youtube last year, and love his commentary. I haven't watched TV since 1978 (I have a real life instead), so appreciate Buck enduring, digesting, and regurgetating all of the ennui for me so I don't have to actually watch, just enjoy his take down.

Posted by: Entera | January 11, 2008 at 02:24 PM

Good Luck to WTB he's an amazing guy. If you havn't seen any of his videos you should reallu check them out!

Posted by: EponineMiseables | January 11, 2008 at 02:36 PM

i hope there are bigger things out there this year for buck... we all love him!!! CAN'T GET ENOUGH...

Bren

Posted by: bren | January 11, 2008 at 02:52 PM

Buck is a great guy, heart of gold and a quick-witted tongue to match. I'm glad to see this article. He deserves it!

Posted by: Dalles | January 11, 2008 at 02:54 PM

Buck is the best, I don't even have to watch t.v. anymore I get it all in one news snip on youtube, thanks for giving him props!

Posted by: Chipoltle | January 11, 2008 at 03:12 PM

Buck is without a doubt, a TRUE original. A great person and a fantastic comedic performer! There will be no stopping the things to come!

Posted by: Christopher Henry | January 11, 2008 at 03:12 PM

Posted by: Chipoltle | January 11, 2008 at 03:13 PM

Michael Buckley is awesome. He has charisma, humor, and wit. He will do big things.

Posted by: neener310 | January 11, 2008 at 04:00 PM

WTB is the one thing on youtube that I am addicted to! He deserves kudos, and I'm glad he was featured :)

Posted by: Mara | January 11, 2008 at 04:00 PM

Posted by: neener310 | January 11, 2008 at 04:01 PM

WTB is AWESOME!!!!! I visit his site every day to catch up on my celeb gossip!!!!

Posted by: Arcangela80 | January 11, 2008 at 04:11 PM

he's the best and so are you for writing about him ;-)

Posted by: angela penny | January 11, 2008 at 04:28 PM

Great piece, great man.Those who haven't watched his videos are missing out big time.I know 2008 will be the best year yet for Buck.

Posted by: Sarah | January 11, 2008 at 04:32 PM

This is a clear, cogent explanation on why we love Buck and his show!

Posted by: PiFan7 | January 11, 2008 at 04:54 PM

On The Nose !! We all love buck and now more people will too!! Spread the word, the man is tipsy with funny!

Posted by: Nikki | January 11, 2008 at 07:07 PM

Excellent review on WTB!! Well Done!
I love watching doing WTB, I think he is amazing and I hope 2008 is Year of the Buck!! :)

Posted by: Kellie | January 11, 2008 at 08:14 PM

That should be.. I love watching Michael doing WTB.. :D

Posted by: Kellie | January 11, 2008 at 08:16 PM

finally entertainment worth watching. buck does a wonderful job and is certainly passionate about each segment. thank you for highlighting him, the website and writing in favor of his talents.

Posted by: just plain alex | January 11, 2008 at 08:19 PM

Buck Rocks! About time he starts to get his recognition! I adore him and you for writing about him!

Posted by: Angie | January 11, 2008 at 08:32 PM

Way to go! Michael makes my day a little brighter with each blog... He certainly deserves a wider audience! It doesn't hurt that he's a thousand times smarter, funnier, and more appealing than Miss Perez...

Posted by: joemama | January 11, 2008 at 09:15 PM

Thanks for writing about WTB. I've watched him for over a year now, and I think he's the best! He's funny and oh so charming! Do you love it!?

Posted by: Christi | January 11, 2008 at 10:25 PM

Michael may skewer celebrities, but he is never mean-spirited about it. This is one of his charms and I wish him much success in the coming years.

Posted by: Cathy | January 12, 2008 at 08:16 AM

WE LOVE YOU BUCK! WHAT THE BUCK ROCKS! <3

Posted by: jessica | January 12, 2008 at 09:32 AM

You couldn't of picked a better person to write about. We all adore Michael!

Posted by: Sophie | January 12, 2008 at 09:49 AM

What the buck has been a fav of mine for a long time now. its where i go to get my pop culture news.. he is awesome and i do hope for the best with him))

Posted by: greyheart | January 12, 2008 at 11:14 AM

Mr. Buckley is a huge talent both as a writer and performer. The unique outlook he provides on his YouTube channel 'What the Buck' is wildly entertaining and hilariously funny. Michael loves his audience and they love him back, and that to me is his formula for success.

Posted by: Big Blue Marble | January 12, 2008 at 01:39 PM

I haven't been watching Buck for all that long, but he has rapidly become one of my favorite guilty pleasures. I really think he's onto something big comming up in 2008!

Posted by: Rachel | January 12, 2008 at 02:01 PM

You rock, Buck! I'm glad you're getting so much spotlight!

Posted by: groovyflamingoboy | January 12, 2008 at 02:26 PM

Michael Buckkley is the best. And all the best for him in the New Year.

Posted by: Hector J. Trau | January 12, 2008 at 03:15 PM

Michael is a great talent and one of the nicest people I have ever met. When I'm feeling down and need a pick up I just say What The Buck! I am soon laughing and forgeting my problems. Thanks for writing about Buck. Since day one I knew he would be a star!

Posted by: Burgie | January 12, 2008 at 06:24 PM

Some of us found Michael a long long time ago, but good for you for coming around.

Posted by: Joe Bua | January 12, 2008 at 07:06 PM

Great article! What the Buck is a super-great and addictive show. As for the comparison with Perez, I used to be a Perez fan but can't stand him any more (literally). That won't happen with Buck, I am sure.

Posted by: jdoty78 | January 13, 2008 at 12:34 AM

Great article about Buck. He has a loyal fan base, hopefully soon he can have his own show on tv. His talent shines through.

Posted by: steff | January 13, 2008 at 10:45 AM

YAY!!!!! We love it when Buck gets the recognition he deserves!!!! We love him and are all routing for his continued success! Thanks for putting one more spotlight on our favorite star!

Posted by: Megan | January 13, 2008 at 12:13 PM

I love What The Buck!! He is so funny!!

Posted by: Derek | January 13, 2008 at 04:59 PM

I'm so glad that people are taking notice of our Buck. He has star-power!

Posted by: hartldo | January 14, 2008 at 02:45 AM

Isn't he amazing? Sometimes he makes me laugh out loud. His comments and observations are usually right on the mark.
Love him to death. Glad he's getting some recognition. He is the only youtube person that I watch regularly.

Posted by: Anna Mae Robbins | January 14, 2008 at 08:57 AM

Buck you are the best!! This review rocks! 2008 is going to be your year!

Love ya and wish nothing but the best for ya!!! (especially cuz I'm so hooked on your shows).

muah!

Posted by: Beavette | January 14, 2008 at 09:18 AM

Thanks for agreeing with us that Michael Buckley is the best, you just gotta love him.

Posted by: Jennifer | January 14, 2008 at 10:27 AM

I ADORE Buck! I have nothing but love for him, he's the only youtuber I watch religiously and I'm so happy to see him getting some recognition for being the comedic genius that he his!

Posted by: Heather | January 14, 2008 at 12:11 PM

GOOD TO HEAR,THEY MUST REALLY LOVE YOUR WAYS OF MAKING HUMILIATION OF THINGS ON YOUR SHOW!,ESPICIALLY BRITNEY!,AND I LOVE YOU FOR THAT EVEN THOUGH YOUR ULTIMATELY GAY!,NO OFFENSE!,BUT I ALSO AM A DIE HARD HANNAH MONTANA FAN AND ASHLEY TISDALE FAN!,AND SO FAR YOUR TALK OF THEM DOES NOT MAKE ME WANNA SOCK YOU IN THE FACE!,BUT IF YOU BRING HURT ON HANNAH!,I'LL PUT A HURT ON YOU..NO IF'S AND'S OR BUT'S ABOUT IT!,OTHER THAN THAT YOU RULE!

Posted by: MileyFanaticNamedDave24 | January 16, 2008 at 08:40 AM

What's The Big Commotion On Lonelygirl15!,And She's Not Dead!,SHE IS AGE 15 AND HOT!,But She Is Not A Stooge Believe Me!

Posted by: MileyFanaticNamedDave24 | January 16, 2008 at 08:44 AM

Michael Buckley is amazingly fun!

Buck, have a great 2008!

Posted by: LAly | January 16, 2008 at 10:12 AM

Yay Michael! Love him...good review :-)

Posted by: Lizzy | January 16, 2008 at 04:49 PM

Michael Buckley's What the Buck is the MOST consistently entertaining channel in the "YoUniverse"! He quick repartee is at times dizzying but well worth the spin!! You couldn't have picked a better subject to write about and I too predict this year we will see Michael in the mainstream media!!

Posted by: griffmom | January 16, 2008 at 07:49 PM

Micheal Buckey is a comedic genius!
I watch his show religiously. 2008 is going to be a great year for him!
Love you Buck!

xoxo Ryan

Posted by: Ryan | January 16, 2008 at 09:12 PM

His Last Squabble Of Paris Hilton Was Quite Barbarick!,He Rules!

Buck!,If You Dance Gay And Divinely Like That Again..I'll Give You 45 Dollars!

Posted by: MileyFanaticNamedDave24 | January 17, 2008 at 09:11 AM

You Live To Make Living Shit Out Everybody?
That's Off The Chain!
AS IN YOU DA BOMB BROTHER!

Posted by: MileyFanaticNamedDave24 | January 17, 2008 at 09:14 AM

Give This Dude The Thanks He Deserves!,Man!!

I'm Fan Numero Uno Because I Laugh Like A Drunk Hyena After Drinking A Can Of Monster-(the energy drink)!

HILARIOUSLY AWESOME!

Posted by: MileyFanaticNamedDave24 | January 17, 2008 at 09:16 AM

Posted by: MileyFanaticNamedDave24 | January 17, 2008 at 09:18 AM

Buck ROCKS! He is the best! Thanks for writing about him. <3

Posted by: Jessica | January 28, 2008 at 12:14 PM

Michael is waaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyy better than Perez and he appreciates his fans, taking time to email them replies and adds comments on his videos. He has a heart of gold and a mind like a whippet. I LOVE MY DAILY DOSE OF BUCK!

Posted by: Lisa | January 28, 2008 at 02:14 PM

Ya, like, he's totally awesome n' stuff. :)

Posted by: daexion | January 28, 2008 at 06:09 PM

Michael is wonderful, both on-and-off-screen. He truly shows that he can separate his work personality from his real personality, because no matter how catty or bitchy he is in his show, his personal vlogs and his frequent endorsement of other, less-watched YouTubers reveals his kind and beautiful nature.

Posted by: hotfusionx | January 29, 2008 at 04:47 AM

Buck is great, so so funny and fascinating. If you look at how much success he’s gained in this past year , you can’t even begin to imagine where he'll be after another year as more and more people get to know about him. And he deserves it too ! He's a great guy.

Posted by: Anonymous | January 29, 2008 at 08:51 AM

love WTB

Posted by: Vi | January 29, 2008 at 11:08 PM