West Hollywood and Wilton Manors are the epicenters of LGBTQ culture. Now, both queercentric cities are represented in The W Boys WeHo2Wilton, a hot new entertainment show tackling everything from hot gossip to hot sauce.
Eric Restivo lived and worked in WeHo before moving to Wilton Manors in 2022 and brings his west coast vibes to the show. His co-host is John Hayden, who’s lived in Wilton for 19 years, brings old school east coast vibes. (John Hayden is also a reporter for OutSFL.)
“My fifth grade teacher called me a TV-aholic, and she was right. Pop culture has been a lifelong obsession for me,” Hayden said. “Eric is a great friend and partner. He makes it all seem so effortless. I can’t believe I have a TV husband!”
Restivo has been a DJ and entertainer for years. He moved here with his husband Todd and hosts events throughout Greater Wilton, including trivia at Pub On the Drive on Wednesdays. But he still has love for WeHo.
“The fact that no one living in WeHo is from WeHo sort of gives perspective into how creative and artistic it really is. The amount of safety that comes along with stepping foot onto Santa Monica Blvd. is unparalleled.”
Hayden worked for 13 years as an entertainment journalist and has interviewed 1,000+ celebrities and has tons of stories. “The best interview was with Cher, she was awesome,” he said. “My most surreal moment was when I went to London and spent an evening watching a movie with Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.”
“Nothing is off limits,” Restivo said. He and Hayden lived up to that promise in the first episode, where they dished on "Wicked," interviewed local producer and "American Idol" alum Matthew Darren, and ate increasingly spicy hot wings. Eric was dying. Hayden never broke a sweat.
This week’s episode features an interview with Billy Porter, why pregnant women may want to attend Drake’s concerts in Sunrise this weekend, and some teleprompter tricks. Next week The W Boys will debut a special parody produced by the iconic Candis Cayne.
Making the queer connection between WeHo and Wilton was a no-brainer for Restivo.
“My main goal is for John and I to stay authentic and true to the LGBTQ community. There isn't a platform like this anywhere else and we need to spotlight our queer brothers and sisters who are slaying the entertainment category. Also, who doesn't enjoy a little bit of tea on a Friday?”
The W Boys is shot in Fort Lauderdale and new episodes drop Fridays at 3 p.m. on the Happening Out Television Network and is available on demand on streaming platforms including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, YouTube and others.