Editing He's a Lady

{{short description|2004 reality television series}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox television
| image                = He's a Lady logo.png
| image_alt            = A logo for the American television series ''He's a Lady'', featuring blue letters outlined in white over a black backdrop.
| image_size           = 250
| caption              =
| genre                = [[Reality television]]
| presenter            = Tony Frassrand
| starring             = 
| theme_music_composer = 
| opentheme            = 
| country              = United States
| language             = English
| num_seasons          = 1
| num_episodes         = 6
| executive_producer   = {{Plainlist|
* Douglas Ross
* Tom Campbell
}}
| producer             = 
| location             = [[Los Angeles|Los Angeles, California]]
| editor               = 
| runtime              = 45–46 minutes
| company              = Evolution Film & Tape
| network              = [[TBS (American TV channel)|TBS]]
| first_aired          = {{Start date|2004|10|19}}
| last_aired           = {{End date|2004|11|23}} 
}}

'''''He's a Lady''''' is an American [[reality television]] series broadcast by [[TBS (American TV channel)|TBS]]. The six-episode series premiered on October 19, 2004, and concluded on November 23, 2004. Filmed in [[Los Angeles|Los Angeles, California]], the series depicted eleven [[cisgender]] men in competition for a $250,000 reward over who could [[Passing (gender)|pass]] themselves off as a more convincing woman. The contestants were required to [[Cross-dressing|cross-dress]] and adopt feminine [[persona]]s, which were then introduced to their family and friends. The contestants additionally competed in weekly challenges that required them to embrace [[femininity]]. The competition culminated in a [[beauty pageant]], which was judged by a celebrity panel. The series was hosted by American television presenter Tony Frassrand.

''He's a Lady'' was a part of TBS's intent to capitalize on a rising interest in [[LGBT]]-themed reality television shows. The series was met with unfavorable reviews by critics, who believed that, despite an interesting concept, the series was poorly executed. ''He's a Lady'' additionally received fierce criticism from the [[American Family Association]], a [[Christian fundamentalism|Christian fundamentalist]] organization, who urged the series' sponsors to pull their advertisements and financial support due to concerns of [[misandry]]. The series premiered to 1.70 million viewers, although its viewership quickly waned over the course of the season. In 2004, ''He's a Lady'' was the subject of a [[copyright infringement]] lawsuit filed against TBS and production company Evolution Film & Tape.

==Format==
[[File:He's a Lady Promotional Image.png|thumb|right|160px|alt=Refer to caption.|Contestant Michael pictured before (left) and after (right) his transformation into "Scarlet"]]
Set in [[Los Angeles]], the six-episode series depicted eleven [[cisgender]] men in competition for a reward of $250,000.<ref name="advocate">{{cite magazine|last=Goodridge|first=Mike|title=Dude looks like a lady|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_2QEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA60|magazine=[[The Advocate (magazine)|The Advocate]]|date=October 26, 2004|publisher=Here Publishing|volume=925|pages=60|issn=0001-8996|access-date=July 7, 2023}}</ref> The contestants initially believed that they were competing in a [[Fitness and figure competition|fitness competition]] titled ''All American Man''; upon arrival, they learned that they would be required to [[Cross-dressing|cross-dress]] in an effort to [[Passing (sociology)|pass]] themselves off as women.<ref name="variety">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2004/tv/markets-festivals/tbs-reality-show-a-real-drag-1117909756/|title=TBS reality show a real drag|last=Martin|first=Denise|date=August 29, 2004|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|language=en-US|access-date=July 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707235901/https://variety.com/2004/tv/markets-festivals/tbs-reality-show-a-real-drag-1117909756/|archive-date=July 7, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> The contestants, who adopted feminine [[persona]]s, were required to move into a boisterous, pink-and-purple dwelling referred to as "The Doll House".<ref name="realityblurred">{{cite web|url=https://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/2004/08/future-shows-tbs_lady/|title=Men will cross dress in He's A Lady|last=Dehnart|first=Andy|author-link=Andy Dehnart|date=August 30, 2004|website=Reality Blurred|language=en-US|access-date=July 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908020305/https://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/2004/08/future-shows-tbs_lady/|archive-date=September 8, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Brooks|Marsh|2007|p=607}} In an effort to "live as a lady," the contestants were taught about [[bra]]ssieres and jewelry in addition to competing in weekly gender-specific challenges; challenges included modeling, wedding planning, serving as a [[bridesmaid]], and household chores.<ref name="digitalspy">{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a15516/tbs-announces-new-reality-show/|title=TBS announces new reality show|last=Welsh|first=James|date=August 27, 2004|website=[[Digital Spy]]|language=en-US|access-date=July 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427113336/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a15516/tbs-announces-new-reality-show/|archive-date=April 27, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> A contestant was eliminated from the competition each week at the discretion of a celebrity panel, which included [[Morgan Fairchild]], [[Debbie Matenopoulos]], and [[John Salley]].<ref name="tvguide">{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/drag-48227/|title=What a Drag|last=|first=|date=August 30, 2004|website=[[TV Guide]]|language=en-US|access-date=July 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028113503/https://www.tvguide.com/news/drag-48227/|archive-date=October 28, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> At the culmination of the series, the finalists competed in a [[beauty pageant]], in which they had to explain what they "learned about being a man" over the course of the competition.<ref name="variety"/> The series was hosted by American television presenter Tony Frassrand.{{sfn|Brooks|Marsh|2007|p=607}}

==Production==
''He's a Lady'' was [[Greenlight|green-lit]] in early 2004, with production commencing shortly afterward.<ref name="variety"/> The series was filmed in [[Los Angeles|Los Angeles, California]], over the course of three weeks.<ref name="advocate"/><ref name="oprah">{{cite web|url=https://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/life-swap/all|title=Life Swap|last=|first=|date=October 13, 2004|website=[[Harpo Productions|Oprah.com]]|language=en-US|access-date=July 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728174652/https://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/life-swap/all|archive-date=July 28, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> TBS executives intended to capitalize on the rising success of the [[reality television]] genre, in which they hoped ''He's a Lady'' and ''[[The Real Gilligan's Island]]'' "would pioneer a genre we call comedic reality".<ref name="today">{{cite web|url=https://www.today.com/news/more-reality-comedies-coming-tbs-wbna6291250|title=More reality comedies coming to TBS|last=|first=|date=October 20, 2004|website=[[Today (American TV program)|Today]]|language=en-US|access-date=July 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708105309/https://www.today.com/news/more-reality-comedies-coming-tbs-wbna6291250|archive-date=July 8, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 27, 2004, TBS officially announced ''He's a Lady'' through a [[press release]]. The release described the series' premise as "11 macho men [who are given] the opportunity to walk a mile in women’s shoes".<ref name="washingtontimes">{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2004/aug/29/20040829-121901-3236r/|title=New TV show courts girlie men|last=|first=|date=August 29, 2004|website=[[The Washington Times]]|language=en-US|access-date=July 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426113847/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2004/aug/29/20040829-121901-3236r/|archive-date=April 26, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> The series was initially set to premiere on October 12, 2004, although this airdate was ultimately delayed to October 19, 2004.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}} According to TBS spokesperson Gina McKenzie, the series was intended to "break down barriers between men and women" and illustrate how [[gender role]]s function in society.<ref name="365gaynews">{{cite web|url=http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/08/082704tbs.htm|title=TBS To Air Drag Reality Series|last=Johns|first=Matt|date=August 27, 2004|website=[[365gay News]]|language=en-US|access-date=July 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040831141537/http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/08/082704tbs.htm|archive-date=August 31, 2004|url-status=dead}}</ref> Executive producer Tom Campbell further explained that he wanted to assist the [[Hypermasculinity|hypermasculine]] contestants in becoming more sensitive to the needs of women and change the way they approach women in the future.<ref name="advocate"/> Speaking on his experience, contestant Ryan Katz stated: "[''He's a Lady''] was terrifying, tumultuous; it took my [[testosterone]] away. It was something I've never experienced."<ref name="spokesman">{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2004/nov/07/girlie-men/|title=Girlie men|last=Morago|first=Greg|date=November 7, 2004|website=[[The Spokesman-Review]]|language=en-US|access-date=July 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709114623/https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2004/nov/07/girlie-men/|archive-date=July 9, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following the recent controversies and cancellations of other [[LGBT]]-themed reality television programs, executive producers Campbell and Douglas Ross were "anxious" to not offend the LGBT community.<ref name="advocate"/> The producers were specifically concerned about the series' perceived depiction of [[transgender]] people and they did not want the contestants to "equate the change of gender with a change of sexual orientation."<ref name="advocate"/> The network offered the [[media monitoring]] organization [[GLAAD]] an [[advance copy]] of the series for review, however, GLAAD later claimed that they were the ones to reach out to producers after examination of the series' press release.<ref name="365gaynews"/><ref>{{cite magazine|last=|first=|title=Correction|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OWUEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA6|magazine=The Advocate|date=November 23, 2004|publisher=Here Publishing|volume=927|page=6|issn=0001-8996|access-date=July 8, 2023}}</ref> GLAAD was concerned about the series' [[Media portrayal of LGBT people|portrayal of LGBT people]] and wanted to ensure that it depicted LGBT representation more tactfully than the cancelled [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] special ''[[Seriously, Dude, I'm Gay]]''.<ref name="365gaynews"/> Through their consultation with GLAAD, Campbell claimed that the organization helped the producers to "bec[o]me more aware of transgender issues and the double standards of beauty."<ref name="advocate"/> One of the changes that producers implemented was using the phrase "in character" as opposed to "in [[Drag (entertainment)|drag]]" when they referred to the contestants' personas.<ref name="advocate"/>

==Episodes==
{{Episode table
|background = #0A17C3
|overall    = 5
|title      = 25
|airdate    = 10
|Viewers    = 10
|country    = US
|episodes   =

{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=1
 |Title=Episode 1
 |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2004|10|19}}
 |Viewers=1.70<ref name="variety2">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2004/scene/markets-festivals/auds-find-gilligan-1117914272/|title=Auds find 'Gilligan'|last=Martin|first=Denise|date=December 1, 2004|website=Variety|language=en-US|access-date=July 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708021507/https://variety.com/2004/scene/markets-festivals/auds-find-gilligan-1117914272/|archive-date=July 8, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
 |ShortSummary=The eleven contestants arrive to Los Angeles and undergo transformations into their feminine personas. Four of the men are eliminated from the competition.<ref name="tvguide2">{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/hes-a-lady/episodes-season-1/1000282310/|title=He's a Lady Season 1 Episodes|last=|first=|date=|website=TV Guide|language=en-US|access-date=July 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709141354/https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/hes-a-lady/episodes-season-1/1000282310/|archive-date=July 9, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Episode1">{{cite episode|series=He's a Lady|network=[[TBS (American TV channel)|TBS]]|date=October 19, 2004|season=1|number=1}}</ref>
 |LineColor=#0A17C3
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=2
 |Title=Episode 2
 |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2004|10|26}}
 |Viewers=
 |ShortSummary=The seven remaining contestants get settled into their new residence, the Doll House, and undergo "lady boot camp" to learn conventional feminine behavior.<ref name="tvguide2"/><ref name="Episode2">{{cite episode|series=He's a Lady|network=TBS|date=October 26, 2004|season=1|number=2}}</ref>
 |LineColor=#0A17C3
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=3
 |Title=Episode 3
 |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2004|11|02}}
 |Viewers=
 |ShortSummary=The six remaining contestants participate in a modeling boot camp, which includes a yoga ballet exercise and beachwear modeling.<ref name="tvguide2"/><ref name="Episode3">{{cite episode|series=He's a Lady|network=TBS|date=November 2, 2004|season=1|number=3}}</ref>
 |LineColor=#0A17C3
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=4
 |Title=Episode 4
 |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2004|11|09}}
 |Viewers=
 |ShortSummary=The five remaining contestants are required to plan a real wedding for a couple, in which they will serve as bridesmaids.<ref name="tvguide2"/><ref name="Episode4">{{cite episode|series=He's a Lady|network=TBS|date=November 9, 2004|season=1|number=4}}</ref>
 |LineColor=#0A17C3
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=5
 |Title=Episode 5
 |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2004|11|16}}
 |Viewers=
 |ShortSummary=The four remaining contestants return to their hometowns to complete a series of household chores; the men additionally learn to bake an apple pie and model lingerie.<ref name="tvguide2"/><ref name="Episode5">{{cite episode|series=He's a Lady|network=TBS|date=November 16, 2004|season=1|number=5}}</ref>
 |LineColor=#0A17C3
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber=6
 |Title=Episode 6
 |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2004|11|23}}
 |Viewers=
 |ShortSummary=The competition's three finalists compete in a beauty pageant, with a winner chosen at the discretion of the celebrity panel.<ref name="tvguide2"/><ref name="Episode6">{{cite episode|series=He's a Lady|network=TBS|date=November 23, 2004|season=1|number=6}}</ref>
 |LineColor=#0A17C3
}}
}}

==Reception==
''He's a Lady'' drew sharp criticism from [[Christian fundamentalism|Christian fundamentalist]] organizations, including the [[American Family Association]] and the [[Traditional Values Coalition]]. The American Family Association claimed that the show was humorless and promoted "life as a transvestite" while the Traditional Values Coalition similarly condemned it as a "new homosexual-inspired transvestite show."<ref name="advocate2">{{cite web|url=https://www.advocate.com/news/2004/10/20/sc-johnson-drops-sponsorship-ltigthe39s-ladyltigt-14106|title=S.C. Johnson drops sponsorship of He's a Lady|last=|first=|date=October 20, 2004|website=The Advocate|language=en-US|access-date=July 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322093504/https://www.advocate.com/news/2004/10/20/sc-johnson-drops-sponsorship-ltigthe39s-ladyltigt-14106|archive-date=March 22, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="realityblurred2">{{cite web|url=https://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/2004/10/other-shows-tbs_hes_a_lady/|title=TBS' He's a Lady debuted last night, but minus product-placed sponsor SC Johnson|last=Dehnart|first=Andy|date=October 20, 2004|website=Reality Blurred|language=en-US|access-date=July 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910075056/http://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/2004/10/other-shows-tbs_hes_a_lady/|archive-date=September 10, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The organizations called for a boycott of ''He's a Lady'', in which they urged its [[Sponsor (commercial)|sponsors]] to drop the series. [[S. C. Johnson & Son]], who served as the series' principal sponsor, pulled their advertising and financial support due to pressure from the organizations.<ref name="advocate2"/>

==Lawsuit==
On November 23, 2004, ''He's a Lady'' was subject to a lawsuit filed by screenwriters John Phillips and Derek Gerard. Known as ''Phillips v. Turner Broadcasting System'', the suit was filed in the [[United States District Court for the Central District of California]] and targeted the series' production company, Evolution Film & Tape, alongside the series' network, TBS.<ref name="nexttv">{{cite web|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/tbs-sued-over-hes-lady-369436|title=TBS Sued Over He's a Lady|last=|first=|date=November 23, 2004|website=[[Multichannel News]]|language=en-US|access-date=July 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201193644/https://www.nexttv.com/news/tbs-sued-over-hes-lady-369436|archive-date=February 1, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> The plaintiffs sought a reward of $3,000,000, in which they alleged [[copyright infringement]], breach of [[implied-in-fact contract]], and [[Anti-competitive practices|unfair competition]].<ref name="nexttv"/> The plaintiffs claimed that their script ''Sex Change'', which was previously pitched to TBS, was copied by the production company and network for ''He's a Lady''.<ref name="variety3">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2004/biz/news/suit-tramps-over-lady-1117914036/|title=Suit tramps over 'Lady'|last=Martin|first=Denise|date=November 28, 2004|website=Variety|language=en-US|access-date=July 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205233333/https://variety.com/2004/biz/news/suit-tramps-over-lady-1117914036/|archive-date=February 5, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> The concept of ''Sex Change'' was based on Phillips's experience as an "all-American" athlete who later underwent [[gender-affirming surgery]]; he claimed that the production company and network "stole part of my life" with the production of ''He's a Lady''.<ref name="variety3"/><ref name="nexttv"/> The plaintiffs and Evolution Film & Tape previously shared the same [[Talent agent|booking agent]], Cal Boyington.<ref name="variety3"/> On October 3, 2005, the court dismissed the suit with [[Prejudice (legal term)|prejudice]]; the parties bore their own legal costs and fees.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}}

==International Versions==
A Portuguese version under the name ''[[:pt:Senhora Dona Lady|Senhora Dona Lady]]'' (''Lady Dona Lady'') hosted by [[Herman José]] & [[Sílvia Alberto]] aired on [[SIC (Portuguese TV channel)|SIC]] in 2005.

A Russian version<ref>[http://www.flickr.com/photos/97101762@N07/albums/72157634012895656/ He's a Lady - Russia]</ref> aired on Russian channel [[TNT (Russian TV channel)|TNT]]

==See also==
* [[Cross-dressing in film and television]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

===Sources===
*{{cite book|last1=Brooks|first1=Tim|author-link=Tim Brooks (historian)|last2=Marsh|first2=Earle|title=The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946–Present|year=2007|publisher=[[Random House|Random House Publishing Group]]|isbn=978-0-34-549773-4|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/completedirector0000broo_y4r5}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20041016223124/http://tbs.com/shows/hesalady/}} at the [[Wayback Machine]]
* {{IMDb title|0423666|He's a Lady}}

{{TBSNetwork Shows}}

[[Category:2000s American LGBTQ-related reality television series]]
[[Category:2004 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:2004 American television series endings]]
[[Category:Cross-dressing in television]]
[[Category:American English-language television shows]]
[[Category:LGBTQ-related controversies in television]]
[[Category:TBS (American TV channel) original programming]]
[[Category:Television controversies in the United States]]
[[Category:Television series by Evolution Film & Tape]]
[[Category:2004 LGBTQ-related television]]