Jonathan Bailey: What Most People Get Wrong About the Hottest Man Alive

You’ve seen the photos by now. Jonathan Bailey, drenched in ocean water, wearing a cable-knit sweater that looks like it weighs fifty pounds, staring into the camera with that specific mix of "I’m an international movie star" and "I’m slightly confused why I’m here."

When People magazine announced him as the hottest man alive for 2025, the internet basically had a collective meltdown. But honestly? The title is kinda ridiculous when you think about it. Bailey himself even called it "completely absurd" while sitting on a talk show couch with Jimmy Fallon.

Yet, here we are in January 2026, and the obsession hasn't cooled down. If anything, with the recent release of Jurassic World: Rebirth and the second half of the Wicked movie musical hitting its peak, we’re seeing a shift in what "sexy" actually looks like in the mid-2020s. It’s not just about having a six-pack or being able to pull off a Regency-era cravat.

It’s something else entirely.

Why the hottest man alive title finally feels different

For decades, the Sexiest Man Alive (let's use the official brand name for a second) followed a very specific, very predictable script. You had the rugged action stars like Harrison Ford, the charming leading men like George Clooney, and the occasional "guy-next-door" like Paul Rudd.

Then came 2024, and John Krasinski took the mantle. People were... divided. Some loved the "dad energy," while others were literally calling for a recount. It felt like the magazine was playing it safe.

But then Jonathan Bailey happened.

Bailey isn't just another handsome British actor. He’s the first openly gay man to ever hold the title in its 40-year history. That’s not a small detail; it’s a massive pivot in how mainstream media defines "allure." For years, the hottest man alive was a title reserved for a very specific type of hetero-masculinity. Bailey broke that mold. He didn't do it by trying to "act straight" or fit into an old-school box. He did it by being exactly who he is—a guy who loves his dog Benson, cries at his niece's school achievements, and runs a charity called The Shameless Fund to help LGBTQ+ youth.

The "Bridgerton" effect and the rise of the Internet’s Boyfriend

We can’t talk about why Bailey is the hottest man alive without talking about Lord Anthony Bridgerton. That 2022 season of Bridgerton didn't just break viewership records; it rewired how people look at romantic leads.

It wasn't just the sideburns. It was the "I burn for you" intensity that felt both incredibly theatrical and deeply vulnerable.

Most people think being the "hottest" is about physical perfection. But if you look at the guys who actually stick in the public consciousness—the ones who become "Internet Boyfriends"—it’s usually because they have a specific kind of wit. Bailey has it in spades. Have you ever watched his interviews? He’s self-deprecating. He talks about his irrational fear of snakes. He admits he’s bad at backflips.

That’s the secret sauce. In 2026, we’re tired of the "perfect" celebrity. We want the guy who’s a bit of a nerd but also happens to look like he was sculpted out of marble by a Greek god.

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A quick look back: The recent lineage

To understand how we got to Bailey, you have to see who he took the torch from:

• 2025: Jonathan Bailey (The charming, boundary-breaking talent)
• 2024: John Krasinski (The relatable, multi-hyphenate dad)
• 2023: Patrick Dempsey (The "McDreamy" nostalgia play)
• 2022: Chris Evans (The Marvel powerhouse)

The "Wicked" factor: Why his star is still rising

The timing of his win wasn't an accident. People magazine is a business, after all. They pick the hottest man alive based on who’s dominating the zeitgeist.

In late 2024 and throughout 2025, Bailey was everywhere. He was Prince Fiyero in Wicked, singing his heart out alongside Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. He was dodging dinosaurs in Jurassic World: Rebirth with Scarlett Johansson.

But it’s his role in Fellow Travelers that really cemented his status among the critics. Playing Tim Laughlin, a closeted congressional staffer in the 1950s, required a level of emotional nakedness that most "action stars" wouldn't touch. He earned an Emmy nomination for it, proving that he wasn't just a pretty face in a period piece.

When you combine that kind of "prestige" acting with a blockbuster movie schedule, you get a superstar. And when that superstar happens to look like Jonathan Bailey? You get the hottest man alive.

Is the title even relevant anymore?

Honestly, some people think the whole concept of a "hottest man" is outdated. In an era of TikTok trends where a new guy is "the internet’s favorite" every Tuesday, having a legacy magazine crown someone feels a bit 1995.

There’s also the valid criticism of diversity. For a long time, the list was overwhelmingly white. While Michael B. Jordan (2020) and John Legend (2019) broke through, the magazine has often been slow to change.

However, there’s a reason we still care. These titles act as a time capsule. They tell us what the world valued at that specific moment. In 2026, we seem to value a mix of high-fashion glamor and genuine social activism. We want guys who aren't afraid to be "soft" or "absurd."

Bailey represents that perfectly. He’s a guy who can go from a high-fashion Burberry catwalk in London to a muddy hike with his dog without losing a shred of his appeal.

What it actually takes to get the crown

It’s not just a photoshoot and a dream. The process behind picking the hottest man alive is actually pretty intense.

• Reader Feedback: The editors look at who people are actually talking about on social media and in search results.
• The "Year of": You usually have to have at least one major movie or show that came out in the last 12 months.
• Philanthropy: It sounds cheesy, but having a "good heart" is part of the brand. Bailey’s work with The Shameless Fund was a major talking point in his cover story.
• The Vibe Check: Do they look good in a white t-shirt? Can they handle a self-deprecating interview with Stephen Colbert or Jimmy Fallon?

If you can’t laugh at yourself, you probably won't win. Just look at guys like Ryan Reynolds or Paul Rudd. Their "sexiness" is about 40% looks and 60% being the guy you want to grab a beer with.

What's next for the hottest man alive?

The reign of Jonathan Bailey isn't over just because the calendar turned to 2026. He’s currently filming Richard II in London, proving he’s still a theater kid at heart.

As for who's next? The rumors are already swirling. Some are pointing toward Aaron Pierre after his breakout year. Others think it’s finally time for a comedian like Will Ferrell to "campaign" his way onto the cover (he’s been joking about it for years).

But for now, Bailey is the benchmark. He’s managed to take a title that could easily feel shallow and turn it into a moment of genuine representation and charm.

If you want to keep up with the conversation, the best thing to do is follow the upcoming awards season. Usually, the "sexy" candidates are the ones doing the rounds on the red carpets in early 2026. Keep an eye on the breakout stars of the spring blockbusters—that’s where the 2026 winner is likely hiding right now.

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Check out the latest philanthropic projects from past winners, like Michael B. Jordan or John Legend, to see how they use the platform once the "hottest" hype dies down. It's often the most interesting part of the whole journey.