Let’s be honest for a second. The idea of a group of famous men getting naked on national television sounds like a desperate sweeps-week stunt or a weird fever dream from the late nineties. But The Real Full Monty Fox special isn't just about the shock factor or the "will-they-won't-they" tension of a final reveal. It’s actually a pretty heavy, oddly emotional piece of television that uses a famous movie trope to talk about something most guys would rather ignore: cancer.
You’ve probably seen the headlines. Anthony Anderson, Taye Diggs, James Van Der Beek—these are guys we’ve watched for decades. Seeing them standing in a dance studio, looking genuinely terrified of a choreographed striptease, hits differently than your average reality show. It’s vulnerable. It's awkward. Honestly, it’s kinda brave in a way that has nothing to do with vanity.
What is The Real Full Monty on Fox Actually About?
Basically, Fox took the DNA of the 1997 British cult classic film and turned it into a two-hour awareness campaign. If you remember the original movie, it was about unemployed steelworkers in Sheffield who decided to form a male striptease act to make some cash. It was gritty, funny, and deeply human.
The 2024 Fox special, hosted by Anthony Anderson, keeps the "baring it all" part but swaps the financial desperation for a health mission. The goal? To get men to stop being embarrassed and go get checked for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer.
The lineup for the special included:
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- Anthony Anderson: The host and resident "fearless leader" (who has his own personal health journey with Type 2 diabetes).
- Taye Diggs: The Broadway and All American star who, let's be real, probably had the least to worry about regarding the dance moves.
- James Van Der Beek: Dawson's Creek royalty who brought a surprising amount of gravitas to the group.
- Chris Jones: A 3x Super Bowl Champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, proving that even "tough guys" find this stuff daunting.
- Tyler Posey: Known for Teen Wolf, representing the younger generation's stake in the conversation.
- Bruno Tonioli: The Dancing with the Stars judge who, unsurprisingly, was the one most comfortable with the "show" aspect of it all.
The Connection to the Original Series and Film
There’s often a bit of confusion when people search for "The Full Monty" because there are actually three different things going on. First, you have the 1997 movie. Then, in 2023, Disney+ and Hulu released a limited sequel series that followed the original cast (Robert Carlyle, Mark Addy, etc.) 25 years later.
That 2023 series was much darker than people expected. It wasn't about stripping anymore; it was about the crumbling social safety net in the UK. One of the standout characters in that series was Brian, played by William Fox—which is likely where some of the "Full Monty Fox" search traffic comes from. He played the "despicable" boyfriend of Gaz's ex-wife, and he was the guy everyone loved to hate.
But the The Real Full Monty Fox special is a different beast entirely. It’s a US adaptation of a format that’s been huge in the UK (on ITV) and Australia for years. The Fox version takes these celebrities and puts them through a boot camp led by Emmy-winning choreographer Mandy Moore (the La La Land one, not the singer).
Why This Matters in 2026
We’re living in an era where everyone is "over-sharing" on social media, yet men are still dying because they’re too stubborn or embarrassed to talk to a doctor about their colons or their prostates.
It sounds silly. A striptease to save lives?
But think about the psychology. These men—men who are often put on pedestals for their looks or their strength—are showing their "imperfections." They’re talking about their own scares and family losses. James Van Der Beek, for example, has been very open about his own health journey. When these guys stand on a stage and say, "I'm willing to be this exposed so you’ll go get a colonoscopy," it breaks through the noise.
The "Real" Behind the Special
The rehearsals weren't just about learning how to take off a shirt without getting it stuck on your head. They were therapy sessions. Throughout the special, the cast members visited clinics and spoke with survivors.
They highlighted some staggering statistics without making it feel like a boring lecture. For instance, did you know that prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, aside from skin cancer? Or that early detection has a nearly 100% five-year survival rate? When you put it that way, the embarrassment of a doctor’s visit seems pretty small compared to the alternative.
Breaking Down the "Fox" Version vs. The British Originals
The UK version, The Real Full Monty: Blue Ball, set a high bar. They’ve done versions with women (to raise awareness for breast cancer) and specialized versions for different health crises.
The Fox version leaned a bit more into the "Hollywood" production value. It’s glossy. It’s loud. But the heart is the same. The "Full Monty" isn't the point—the conversation is the point.
If you missed the live airing on Fox, it usually lands on Hulu the next day. It’s worth a watch, not just for the spectacle, but for the moments where the "celebrity" mask slips and you see six regular guys who are genuinely scared of what they’re about to do.
Actionable Next Steps for Men’s Health
Watching a show is one thing; actually doing something is another. If the special inspired you (or if you’re just here because you like Taye Diggs), here is what you should actually do:
- Age 45 is the new 50: The guidelines for colon cancer screenings have changed. If you’re 45 or older, it’s time for your first colonoscopy. Don't argue with the science.
- Know your history: Most of the guys in the Fox special had a family connection to cancer. Talk to your parents or siblings. If it’s in your genes, you need to start screenings earlier.
- Self-exams are free: Testicular cancer is the most common cancer for younger guys (ages 15-35). It takes thirty seconds in the shower once a month to check for lumps. Just do it.
- Don't "tough it out": If something feels off, or if you’re noticing changes in your bathroom habits or energy levels, go to a doctor. Being a "man" means taking care of your responsibilities, and your health is at the top of that list.
The "Full Monty" is about baring everything. Maybe it's time to be that honest with your GP.