Nov 26
JoJo Siwa Dives Into Queer Camp: “Escape The Night” Returns for a Neon-Soaked Finale
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
The queer internet is about to get a dose of neon-drenched nostalgia as “Escape The Night, ” Joey Graceffa’s murder-mystery YouTube sensation, returns for its grand finale: “The Lost Tapes.” This time, the cast is queerer, the stakes are higher, and JoJo Siwa is front and center—ready to slay in a world where “trust will be tested, alliances will crumble, and the cursed god sets his final trap” .
For longtime fans, “Escape The Night” isn’t just a show—it’s a digital campfire where the LGBTQ+ community and allies gather for drama, drag, and the occasional monster lurking in the shadows. The new season, premiering exclusively on Tubi November 27, promises a surreal ’80s nightmare “unlike anything they have faced, ” and with Siwa as The Burnout, we’re all in for a ride .
Let’s talk legacy. Since its launch in 2016, “Escape The Night” has become a cult classic, picking up four Streamy Awards and featuring stars like Bretman Rock and other icons who have shaped queer digital culture . But this isn’t just nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. The show’s creator and host, Joey Graceffa—an openly gay digital pioneer—has consistently used the series to spotlight LGBTQ+ talent and narratives, making each season a subtle act of queer celebration .
This year’s cast reads like a who’s who of queer and allied internet fame: Manny MUA , Nikita Dragun , Rosanna Pansino , Tana Mongeau , and, of course, JoJo Siwa. Their chemistry is already crackling in the official trailer, which teases betrayals, monster mayhem, and the kind of found-family dynamics that resonate deeply within LGBTQ+ circles .
JoJo Siwa’s journey from Dance Moms prodigy to queer pop icon has been nothing short of a rainbow rocket launch. This year alone, she’s redefined her sound with her unapologetic single “Karma, ” made headlines for her bold commentary on LGBTQ+ issues, and now she’s stepping into the “Escape The Night” universe as The Burnout—a character full of attitude, resilience, and, dare we say, camp .
The series’ plot is peak 1980s: Joey Graceffa’s character has vanished into Pandora’s Box, and a mysterious VHS tape drags his friends back in time. It’s up to them to find three cursed tapes, each unlocking a new horror universe of monsters, traps, and puzzles . The trailer hints at everything from labyrinthine challenges to moments of queer solidarity. As one cast member jokes, “One thing us gays know how to do is survive…” – a line that lands like a wink to every LGBTQ+ person who’s ever had to navigate a world that didn’t always feel like home.
“Escape The Night” doesn’t just offer jump scares—it delivers catharsis. For queer viewers, the show is a campy, collaborative fantasy where LGBTQ+ people aren’t just sidekicks or victims but heroes, villains, and everything in between. Each season has built a digital safe space, a world where queer icons can slay , form alliances, and, when things get tough, choose each other over the status quo .
In a media landscape often slow to reflect LGBTQ+ realities, Graceffa’s vision stands out. “It is the blueprint for all these shows that are coming up, popping up left and right. We need to show them who the real diva is, ” Graceffa declares in the trailer, calling on fans to “go on social media, share this with everybody” . It’s a rallying cry as much as a promo—affirming the power of queer voices to shape pop culture on their own terms.
This finale isn’t just another YouTuber reunion. By moving to Tubi, the series underscores the streaming revolution’s embrace of digital-first, creator-led queer content. Tubi now boasts over 10, 000 titles from more than 100 creators, part of a wider mission to “champion new voices”—a mission that feels particularly urgent as mainstream media contends with ongoing debates about LGBTQ+ representation .
For LGBTQ+ audiences, “Escape The Night: The Lost Tapes” is more than retro horror. It’s a showcase of resilience, creativity, and the joy of seeing yourself not just survive, but thrive—sequins, neon, monsters, and all.
As the premiere approaches, fans are already buzzing across social media, sharing theories, memes, and support for Siwa, Graceffa, and the rest of the crew . Whether you’re here for the queer icons, the campy horror, or just a night of digital escapism, “Escape The Night: The Lost Tapes” looks set to deliver.
So grab your VHS tapes, dust off your neon scrunchies, and get ready to cheer on a cast that reflects the best of digital queer culture. Because if there’s one thing this show has proven, it’s that when the night gets darkest, the queer family shines brightest .