Legendary Christian Review
Reality television thrives on spectacle, competition, and personality. HBO Max’s Legendary is no exception, plunging viewers into the vibrant world of ballroom culture—a subculture known for its flair, resilience, and defiant self-expression. But beyond the dazzling costumes, gravity-defying voguing, and larger-than-life personalities, how does the show hold up under a Christian lens? What does it say about creativity, identity, and the longing for community? Let’s dive deeper into the glittery chaos.
First Impressions: The Dazzle Factor
From the opening scene, Legendary envelops you in its shimmering universe. Lights dim, music pulses, and the runway becomes a battlefield where houses—a chosen family of competitors—vie for glory. At first glance, it’s a feast for the senses. The choreography is sharp, the fashion jaw-dropping, and the sheer energy electric.
As a Christian, my initial response was one of awe at the raw talent on display. Creativity, after all, is a reflection of the Creator. Exodus 35:35 speaks of God’s gift of artistry, and these performers embody that gift in their own unique way. Watching them bend, twist, and glide to rhythms that seem almost otherworldly, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of human expression. Yet, beneath the glitz lies a deeper story—one of struggle, resilience, and a longing for belonging.
The Heartbeat of Ballroom: Community and Family
Ballroom culture, as depicted in Legendary, revolves around houses—groups of individuals who come together to support, protect, and celebrate one another. For many, these houses are more than teams; they’re families forged in a world that often rejects them. The parallels to Christian community are striking.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us that “two are better than one… if either of them falls, one can help the other up.” This truth is lived out in the way houses rally around their members. They teach, encourage, and hold each other accountable, much like a church family. It’s a poignant reminder that everyone needs a place where they feel seen, loved, and valued.
However, the show doesn’t dive as deeply into this dynamic as it could. While we get glimpses of the bonds between house members, much of the screen time is consumed by competition. The review I read earlier rightly pointed out that Legendary misses an opportunity to delve into ballroom’s rich history and the personal stories of its contestants. For viewers unfamiliar with this world, that omission feels like a loss.
The Beauty and the Burden of Self-Expression
One of the competitors on Legendary proclaims, “Ballroom taught me how to be me.” That statement stuck with me. In a world that often tries to fit people into neat boxes, ballroom culture celebrates individuality. It’s a place where the marginalized can reclaim their identity, unapologetically embracing who they are.
As Christians, we believe in the inherent worth of every individual, made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Self-expression, when rooted in truth and humility, can be a powerful act of worship. Yet, it’s also a double-edged sword. The pursuit of authenticity can sometimes slide into self-indulgence or rebellion. Watching Legendary, I found myself grappling with this tension.
The show leans heavily into the spectacle of self-expression, sometimes at the expense of substance. Designers, stylists, and choreographers are brought in to elevate the performances, but this polished presentation risks overshadowing the raw, DIY ethos that defines ballroom culture. There’s a sense of loss here—a trade-off between authenticity and production value.
The Competitive Edge: When Excellence Meets Ego
Of course, Legendary is, at its core, a competition. Houses face off in battles that test their creativity, precision, and teamwork. The stakes are high, and the performances are breathtaking. But competition also brings its challenges.
The judging panel, which includes celebrities like Jameela Jamil and guest stars such as Tyson Beckford, has faced criticism for inconsistency. There’s little clarity on what “Legendary’s version of vogueing” is supposed to be, which makes it hard to gauge fairness. For a show rooted in a culture with such rich traditions, this lack of coherence feels like a missed opportunity.
From a Christian perspective, competition should be about bringing out the best in one another—not tearing each other down. Philippians 2:3 reminds us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.” While the contestants display camaraderie within their houses, the competitive atmosphere sometimes skews toward ego and spectacle.
Where the Glitter Fades: Missed Opportunities
While Legendary dazzles in many respects, it also stumbles in ways that are hard to ignore. For one, the show assumes a certain level of familiarity with ballroom culture. For those coming in cold, it offers little in the way of context or education. What is voguing, exactly? How did ballroom emerge as a sanctuary for marginalized communities? The show touches on these questions but never truly unpacks them.
This lack of depth is frustrating because the history of ballroom is so rich and inspiring. It’s a story of resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness—people turning “gold from straw,” as the review aptly put it. For Christians, understanding this history could deepen our appreciation for the image-bearing creativity of those who participate in ballroom culture.
Faith and the Fine Line of Entertainment
As I watched Legendary, I found myself wrestling with the broader question of entertainment. How do we, as Christians, engage with media that may not align fully with our values? For some, the show’s themes and presentation may feel at odds with their faith. Others might see it as an opportunity to learn, to empathize, and to celebrate the creativity and courage of those who often exist on society’s margins.
Ultimately, discernment is key. Philippians 4:8 urges us to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. For me, Legendary is a mix of these things. It’s a celebration of creativity and resilience, but it also carries elements that require careful navigation.
Final Thoughts: A Glittering, Imperfect Gem
So, how does Legendary fare under a Christian lens? It’s a complex picture. On one hand, the show offers a stunning display of God-given creativity and a powerful testament to the strength of community. On the other, it misses opportunities to educate, connect, and uplift in deeper ways.
Would I recommend it? That depends on the viewer. If you can approach it with discernment, appreciating its artistry while remaining grounded in your faith, there’s much to admire. But if you’re looking for something that aligns perfectly with Christian values, you might find Legendary a challenging watch.
Rating: 7/10
A glittering spectacle with room for more heart, more depth, and more authenticity. But oh, the dancing? Absolutely everything.
