Astoria's Jack Tracy Takes the Lead in "Danny will Die Alone"

The gay comedy series Danny Will Die Alone offers a bold and nuanced take on the complexities of modern queer relationships, exploring themes like polyamory, gender norms, and open relationships.

Created by and starring Jack Tracy, the series premiered last year as a nine-episode web series but has now expanded into a half-hour show that dives deeper into both the main character and the vibrant New York City backdrop. Shot in Astoria, Queens, the series provides a unique blend of humor and heart, as it unpacks contemporary relationship issues through the perspective of a character who, as Tracy notes, is "extremely judgmental for purposes of comedy."

At the heart of Danny Will Die Alone is the main character, Danny, played by Tracy, who is navigating the modern dating landscape in a way that reflects the creator's own experiences. Tracy, who is nearing 42, explains that the show mirrors his exploration of non-traditional relationship dynamics after years spent in monogamous partnerships. “Dating for the last six years, I find that traditional relationship models seem to be going out of style,” Tracy shares. This observation fueled his creative inspiration for the show, which tackles a range of relationship models, from open relationships to polyamory, through Danny’s hilariously judgmental lens.

The first episode of the series' second season premieres today on the gay streamer Dekkoo. In it, Tracy’s character Danny is fleshed out beyond the comedic archetype of the first season, revealing a depth and duality that fans of the series will find refreshing. As Tracy elaborates, Danny’s struggle between his desire for romance and his hypersexuality brings moments of introspection and vulnerability to the show, counterbalancing its sharp humor. “We learn a lot about Danny’s duality, his desire for romance and his hypersexuality, and how they interact or even sabotage each other at times,” Tracy says. The addition of these layered character dynamics elevates the show, allowing it to engage viewers on an emotional level as well as a comedic one.

Astoria, Queens, serves as the vibrant setting for Danny Will Die Alone, although the show does not focus too much on the specific neighborhood. Tracy, who lives in Astoria, describes the show as a “general New York story,” allowing the setting to provide an authentic yet universal backdrop for the characters. While the exact locations may not always be specified, Astoria’s charm subtly permeates the show, offering a distinct sense of place that enhances the narrative.

Filming in Astoria brought unique advantages for Tracy and his team, especially when it came to finding the right venues to capture the show’s nightlife and social scenes. Tracy credits LGBTQ-owned Fresco’s Grand Cantina with providing a crucial backdrop for the series. “Every restaurant and bar scene takes place at one of their two locations,” he shares. By redressing the spaces to make them appear different in each scene, the show seamlessly blends various settings into a cohesive world. The collaboration with Fresco’s Grand Cantina not only underscores the series' support for local queer-owned businesses but also reinforces its commitment to authenticity in depicting queer life in New York City.

In Danny Will Die Alone, Jack Tracy has crafted a story that resonates with today’s LGBTQ community by tackling relevant, sometimes difficult themes with both honesty and humor. Through Tracy’s sharp writing, relatable character work, and commitment to depicting contemporary queer life, Danny Will Die Alone offers both laughter and insight, making it a standout in queer television.

The show’s distinctive narrative style—often breaking the fourth wall—adds to its hyper-real, almost theatrical quality, giving viewers a unique window into Danny’s thoughts and judgments. This technique amplifies the humor, as Danny's often unfiltered insights contrast sharply with the complex realities of modern relationships. For Tracy, the direct-to-camera approach allows him to explore Danny’s psyche more fully, establishing an intimate connection between character and audience.

The first episode of Danny Will Die Alone season 2 is streaming now on Dekkoo.com, along with the show's entire first season.