Pride month introduces a fresh approach to romance with the launch of “Heyy Gay!,” a new LGBTQ+ dating series hosted by TV veteran and fashion influencer Darren Kennedy. The show is currently premiering across YouTube and Instagram.
“In a world of swiping and algorithms, it felt like the right time to create something that leans into real-life connection, spontaneity, and the excitement of seeing what happens when two strangers meet face-to-face,” Kennedy explained. “I’ve always had a knack for matchmaking in my personal life—maybe it’s an Irish thing—so ‘Heyy Gay!’ felt like the perfect opportunity to bring that instinct into my professional world.”
Kennedy added that there is a growing desire for interactions that feel more human and playful, noting that the show is designed specifically to facilitate those authentic connections.
The series is produced by MixTape Content House, a production firm established by director Ryan Bunnell and Sue Kinkead, the former SVP of Unscripted at Hello Sunshine.
“Partnering with Darren on ‘Heyy Gay!’ has been a dream collaboration,” Kinkead stated. “He brings fun, charm, and a genuine interest in helping people connect, along with the unfiltered questions everyone wants answered. With one successful marriage already under his matchmaking belt, we couldn’t have asked for a better host.”
Kennedy serves as a contributing editor for The Daily Front Row and has a diverse television portfolio, including appearances on NBC’s “Access Daily,” BBC One’s “You Are What You Wear,” ITV’s “This Morning,” Virgin Media Television’s “The Six O Clock,” and “Dancing with the Stars Ireland.” His documentary, “Gay Daddy,” was hailed as a landmark moment for Irish television, and his co-devised project “The Unemployables” earned a nomination for best new TV format at the European Broadcasting Union Awards.
