Entertainment Weekly Spotlights Portland's "The Benefits of Gusbandry"

The Portland-centric web series is buzzing in national news.

By Russell Hausfeld

Portland-based artist and creative powerhouse Alicia J. Rose's free YouTube series, The Benefits of Gusbandry, beat out Radiohead and Justin Timberlake on Entertainment Weekly's newest "Must List."

Gusbandry, which just wrapped season one, follows the unconventional relationship of Jackie and River (MADtv's Brooke Totman and Wild's Kurt Conroyd) over seven, 10-minute episodes. What makes their relationship so interesting? They're meant for each other, but they both like men.

Along with Entertainment Weekly, the unique couple got shout-outs from Think Out Loud, Willamette Week readers and the Hotel Eastlund, which just added Gusbandry as a binge-watchable option on guests' TVs.

Gusbandry's popularity not only highlights the success of free internet programming, it also spotlights Portland's comedic talent in a way we haven't seen since Portlandia (ending in 2018). You'll recognize Sunshine Girl Paige McKenzie and local faces from The Siren Theater and Velo Cult's comedy night, like Scott Engdahl, Michael Fetters and Bri Pruett.

The query "Gusbandry" also boomed in online searches after the show first appeared on YouTube in September 2015.

Searches for the term "gusbandry" rocketed after the premier of the show.
Searches for the term "gusbandry" rocketed after the premier of the show.

"The Benefits of Gusbandry" takes #5 spot on the May 20 edition of "Entertainment Weekly's" Must List. “The Benefits of Gusbandry” takes #5 spot on the May 20 edition of “Entertainment Weekly’s” Must List.

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