Venerable drag artist Jackie Beat isn’t a doctor in real life, but she plays one on TV. She’s back with season two of her OUTtv show, “Dr. Jackie.” Her character is down on their luck with no prospects. After barely passing an online course, she becomes a therapist.
The show has an amazing lineup of guest stars, including Michelle Visage, Parker Posey, Lady Bunny, and more. Dr. Jackie also spurs a lot of conversation, like, “I hope she has good malpractice insurance,” and “Who’s the biggest mess; her clients, her receptionist, or Dr. Jackie herself?”
Like her character, Beat is fierce and in perfect hair and makeup. Unlike her clueless character, she is sharp, quick-witted, and does not mince words.
“First of all, I can’t believe they asked me back for a second season. I’m never asked back,” she said. “I never perform anywhere twice, I never hook up with a guy a second time. There’s this all-you-can-eat buffet down the street. The moment they see me, they turn the lights off and bolt the door.”
She talked with OutSFL about season two, keeping it real, and throwing shade at some of her colleagues and Dr. Jackie’s patients. Below are excerpts, but it’s so much more fun to listen to her; it’s all in the attitude. Check out the full interview on our YouTube channel, OutSFLLive.
You skewer just about everything from straights and conservatives, I know Florida gets a mention in the new season, how do you decide to gently chide them while they clutch their fake pearls?
I feel like I’m preaching to the choir. I don’t think people are going to be offended by making fun of Republicans and Florida. If someone like that is watching, I’m sure the sound is down and they’re pleasuring themselves.
I know the world we live in now, and people are easily offended. If you have irony-poor blood, this show probably isn’t for you. I make my point by sometimes saying the opposite of what we actually believe.
Who’s been your favorite guest to get on the couch and write a scenario for?
That question’s almost as loaded as my baked potato! Everyone has been amazing. This is probably not the answer to give to a predominantly gay audience to try to get them to watch, but Rose Abdoo, who plays the housekeeper on Hacks, was so effortless and so fun to work with. It was like good sex, to be perfectly honest.
What’s the biggest difference between seasons one and two?
The first season was 90% improv, and we found it was very hard to edit. So (season two is) the opposite. Ninety percent scripted, and then you get to go off script and have some fun.
You’ve been to Florida and Wilton Manors. Where do you like to go when you’re here and catch a show?
You’ve got to be kidding? I’m a whore. If you’re paying me, I show up and I do my show. If you worked in a pizza parlour, the last thing you want to do on your night off is go eat pizza. So, no, I don’t go to fuckin’ drag shows.
New episodes of Dr. Jackie drop Thursdays on OUTtv.
