Entertainment
Craig Conover Is the Unsung Hero of ‘Southern Charm’ in 2023: Here’s Why on December 30, 2023 at 1:00 am Us Weekly
Craig Conover has come a long way since his reality TV debut in 2014. His evolution during season 9 — and his hilarious one-liners — make him the unsung hero of Southern Charm in 2023.
Craig’s transformation has been apparent since the September premiere. “[I] started to get healthier and cut my drinking and try to be a little less reactive,” Craig, 34, exclusively told Us after the season began, noting he’s transformed. “Fortunately, I’ve grown up a little bit, so my behavior has changed, hopefully for the better, but it’s just me being myself.”
Craig’s new outlook on filming has also led to an overall happier lifestyle, which his castmates have noticed. “It’s hard to ever feel bad for Craig because, Craig’s, like, kinda perfect,” Jarrett “JT” Thomas said during a November episode of the Bravo series.
Craig isn’t always perfect, but he did continually bring the laughs this season. Case and point: When Craig told the cameras why he was convinced that pal Austen Kroll was lying about hooking up with Taylor Ann Green.
“You only have to watch a handful of spy movies to know if you look down and to the left that means you’re lying,” Craig claimed with a straight face during a September clip after noticing Austen’s body language. “Watch any show where there’s an interrogation and they’ll talk about it. It’s based off something!” (Austen, 36, and Taylor, 28, later confessed to kissing after previously denying it.)
Scroll down to see why Craig is Southern Charm’s 2023 MVP:
Bryan Steffy/Bravo
1. He’s a Hopeless Romantic
During a boys’ trip to North Carolina, Craig got excited after learning that his BFF Austen was abstaining from sex for two months. “This could be the start of a great rom-com,” Craig exclaimed. “Like, you meet the right girl, but you’re like, ‘I have to wait two months still.’ Then the big night finally comes!”
2. He Became a Style Star — With Paige’s Help
Craig has upgraded his wardrobe from Charleston frat boy to a sophisticated businessman. Even though the Pillow Talk author still wears a lot of pastels, which his girlfriend, Paige DeSorbo, usually shies away from, his style is much more adult.
Alan Smith/Bravo
3. He Wasn’t Afraid to Call Out Shep and Austen
The biggest drama from season 9 stemmed from Austen kissing Shep Rose’s ex-girlfriend Taylor just months after they split in 2022. Austen, meanwhile, was fresh off a breakup with costar Olivia Flowers, who was close with Taylor at the time.
As the drama played out, Craig became the voice of reason. “I’m not preachy with you ever, but you know my theory on spending time with exes,” Craig told Austen during a sitdown, warning him to keep his distance from Olivia, 31.
Elsewhere in the same November episode, Craig slammed Shep, 43, and Austen for not being honest with each other about the Taylor scandal. “No, you didn’t choose to be a gentleman. You chose to be like, ‘I don’t how the f–k to deal with this right now, because one of my best friends hooked up with my ex,’” Craig told Shep during a group dinner. “You are a lot angrier than how you let off.”
Craig confessed that he had “some serious s–t against” what Austen did to Shep, but noted that Shep “burying” his feelings about the betrayal was making things worse. Craig alleged that both Shep and Austen were “burying s–t because they’re boys and they don’t talk about their feelings.”
4. His Desire to Be a Dad Is Too Cute
“I want that story book life. I do want the white picket fence,” Craig confessed during a November episode, noting he was ready to “be engaged” to Paige, 31, by the end of 2023. “I just want to make sure we continue to trend in that direction.”
Craig explained that his “future always consisted of a family with kids,” which led to him questioning whether Paige is worth the wait. “What do I want more? Do I want to be with Paige and be patient to eventually have that family with her? Or do I want the family so bad that I’m going to leave the love of my life?” he pondered, before confirming that he doesn’t want kids with someone he doesn’t love.
“Paige is 30 and when we talk about this stuff, usually she’s like, ‘Well, I’ll have kids at 35.’ Five years from now, I’ll be 40,” Craig told the cameras. “My biological clock is ticking.”
Paul Cheney/Bravo
5. His Sewing Empire Is Thriving
Craig launched Sewing Down South in 2019 after being ridiculed for his sewing by ex-girlfriend Naomie Olindo on season 5. “Sewing Down South has grown exponentially,” he explained during a September scene, noting that he started in his house before expanding to online sales, a flagship store and most recently a warehouse. “Move over Martha Stewart, I’m here to stay!” he declared.
6. He Stood By His Outlandish Theories, No Matter the Backlash
“Do you think panda bears are real? I really wanted them to be real,” Craig revealed while hanging out with the guys in a November episode. When the group asked why Craig doesn’t think the animal is real, he replied, “There’s just no evidence of it.” Craig later told the cameras, “Pandas definitely aren’t real. They are people in panda suits.”
Craig once again shared his theories on how the world works during their trip to Jamaica, telling Madison LeCroy that the best way to get rid of hiccups was to say, “I’m not a fish.” He explained, “Hiccups come from the fact that we evolved from fish. We used to breathe underwater and they forget [we are] not fish.” Madison, 33, followed his instructions, but surprisingly it didn’t work.
Alan Smith/Bravo
7. He’s a True ‘90s Kid at Heart
Craig showed off his moves during a trip to Jamaica after revealing he wanted to learn how the locals danced. “I love dancing. I remember watching YouTube videos trying to learn how to dance like Justin Bieber,” he said during a December scene. “I probably started with, like, ‘NSync, then Usher and Justin Bieber.”
8. He Was the Ultimate Host During the Group’s Jamaica Trip
The gang’s tropical getaway was dramatic from start to finish, but Craig kept everyone’s spirits up as he organized one fun activity after the other. The best part was that he had dress codes for each occasion. “Adventure chic is the theme tomorrow with a swimming aspect to it,” he told his friends during a November episode before they headed out to see waterfalls.
Jordan Strauss/Bravo)
9. He Is in Love and He Doesn’t Care Who Knows It
Throughout the season, fans got a better glimpse into Paige and Craig’s romance in Charleston. Craig, who has been dating Paige since 2021, also gave more insight into his feelings toward her during his confessionals, sharing in an October episode that “Paige has the attitude and energy of a Yankee, we’ll say. … She’s feisty!”
In a separate clip, Craig revealed why he thinks Paige and costar Madison became fast friends. “Paige loves Madison, actually, because they’re both fiery as heck sometimes,” he teased. “But see, I love fire. I love fireworks. As long as it doesn’t blow up in my face, I enjoy it.”
During a December scene, Craig gushed to the cameras about his girlfriend, saying, “I’m so appreciative that I have someone that I get along with and that I love. All that matters is that I’m happy and she’s supportive of me.”
Craig Conover has come a long way since his reality TV debut in 2014. His evolution during season 9 — and his hilarious one-liners — make him the unsung hero of Southern Charm in 2023. Craig’s transformation has been apparent since the September premiere. “[I] started to get healthier and cut my drinking and try
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AfriqueFest: Pan-African Musical Experience — World Cup Edition is set to take over Noto Houston on Sunday, June 28, bringing together East, South, and West African sounds in one immersive celebration of music, culture, and connection. Presented by Experience Noir and Bolanle Media, the event is designed as a cinematic night for the culture, blending global energy with Houston nightlife in a way that feels elevated, intentional, and deeply rooted in African creativity.
Spotlight on DJ Shinski
At the heart of this year’s experience is DJ Shinski. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and now based in Houston, DJ Shinski has built an international name off high-energy sets that move effortlessly across Afrobeats, Amapiano, hip‑hop, dancehall, reggae, and electronic sounds.
He has also become Africa’s most‑subscribed DJ on YouTube, crossing the 2‑million‑subscriber mark and turning his mixes into a global destination for music lovers.
DJ Shinski’s style is precise but unpredictable: one moment it’s classic Afrobeats, the next it’s East African anthems, then a run of throwback hip‑hop or R&B that still feels fresh. That ability to read a room and connect multiple worlds in a single set is exactly why AfriqueFest is building so much of the night’s energy around him.
At AfriqueFest, DJ Shinski helps drive the Safari Grooves segment, representing East and Central Africa from 4 PM to 6 PM. Expect a journey that moves from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Addis, and beyond, all filtered through his signature “vibes on vibes” approach behind the decks.
DJ Tunez and the rest of the night
Supporting that energy, DJ Tunez leads the Gold Coast Beats chapter from 8 PM to 10 PM, bringing his own Nigerian‑American Afrobeats pedigree to the stage. Together with the Diamond Rhythms segment (South) and a curated roster of DJs, the night stretches across the continent in three distinct musical chapters, all connected by a single dance floor.
Hosted by @chris_gone_crazy, @kingdrewwskyy, @roselynomaka, and @samsnewleaf, AfriqueFest is positioned as more than a party—it’s a celebration of sound, style, and Pan‑African identity in Houston, with DJ Shinski anchoring the experience from the moment doors open.
Brought to you by Bolanle Media & Experience Noir
Brought to you by Bolanle Media and Experience Noir, this World Cup edition of AfriqueFest is crafted as a night where global DJs, storytellers, and music lovers collide and create a shared cultural memory. With DJ Shinski front and center—and DJ Tunez helping close the night—guests can expect a show that reflects both the future of African nightlife and the power of the diaspora to create unforgettable live moments.
If you want to experience DJ Shinski live at AfriqueFest, now is the time to lock in your spot. Purchase your tickets now at AfriqueFest.com and get ready for a night of music, movement, and culture at Noto Houston.
Laughter Meets Inspiration: Our Ladies Show Lands on The Roku Channel
A bold new sketch comedy series for women premieres June 13 across the U.S., U.K., and Canada — arriving on the back of a festival-winning run that has critics and audiences already paying attention.
It isn’t every day a brand-new comedy arrives already wearing a row of trophies. Our Ladies Show does. The seven-episode inspirational sketch comedy series — created, written by, and starring Christin Jezak — begins streaming on The Roku Channel on Friday, June 13, 2026, available free to viewers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Produced in partnership with global media services leader Encompass Digital Media, the series sets out to do something rare in today’s streaming landscape: make women laugh out loud and leave them lifted. In a media moment crowded with noise and cynicism, Our Ladies Show is a deliberate counterweight — comedy with a conscience, built for women of every age and background.
A Show Built Around Real Life — and Real Laughs
Each of the seven episodes opens with a monologue from one of the cast members introducing the theme, then rolls into three or more sketches that hit the subject from every comedic angle. The series tackles the things women actually carry: holding grudges, comparison, beauty, patience, gift giving, the importance of community, and dealing with anxiety.
The comedy comes from a place of warmth rather than mockery — a “laugh at ourselves” spirit that runs through a gallery of unforgettable characters: a nosey neighbor, an overwhelmed mom, relentlessly optimistic flight attendants, beauty pageant winners past their prime, and a crew of unruly campers with a counselor who simply cannot hold it together.
Then the show does something most sketch series don’t. In the final segment of every episode, the cast gathers in a living-room setting and invites the audience in — sharing real inspiration drawn from the theme, the sketches, and their own personal stories. It’s the moment the laughter turns into something that stays with you.
The Women Behind the Show
Our Ladies Show brings together three performers with serious range:
- Christin Jezak — creator, writer, and star (Miracle at Manchester, Raising Hope, Jimmy Kimmel Live!)
- Hillary Hawkins — (Primal, Nick Jr.’s Play Along, Gullah Gullah Island)
- Sarah Hernandez — (Nefarious, Unplanned, House of Payne)
“In a world with so much division and depression, I hope women of all ages and backgrounds will watch this show, laugh, be reminded of how beautiful, unique, and loved they are, and remember how much we need each other.”— Christin Jezak, Creator & Star
Already a Festival Favorite
The series’ recurring long-form sketch, Neighborhood Watch, didn’t arrive quietly. Originally released as a web series and revamped for Our Ladies Show with new footage, sound, and music, it has been sweeping the festival circuit:
- 🏆 Best Webseries — 2026 New Media Film Festival (Los Angeles)
- 🏆 Best Web/TV Series — Paris Film Awards
- 🏆 Best Web Series — Dallas Movie Awards
- 🏅 Additional wins at the London Movie Awards, Florence Film Awards, and Hollywood Gold Awards
- 🎬 Official Selection — 2026 Harvard Divinity School Film Fest
- ⭐ Finalist — Houston Comedy Film Festival
- 📣 Three nominations — 2025 Content Christian Media Conference, including Best Actress in a TV and Web Series nods for both Christin Jezak and Sarah Hernandez
Where and When to Watch
Our Ladies Show premieres Friday, June 13, 2026, streaming on The Roku Channel — the home of premium and free entertainment — in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. All seven episodes deliver the series’ signature blend of sharp sketch comedy and genuine encouragement.
Watch the trailer now on your platform of choice:
For more information, visit www.ourladiesshow.com and follow @ourladiesshow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
About Christin Jezak
Christin Jezak has worked for over 15 years in the entertainment industry. She created and stars in Our Ladies Show and the award-winning web series Neighborhood Watch. She produced the EWTN TV program For the Sake of the Gospel and the all-women web series Ladies Keepin’ It Real, played Dr. Sam in Miracle at Manchester (starring Dean Cain, Daniel Roebuck, and Eddie McClintock), and voices Agnes in the podcast Confessions of a Catholic Single. She held a lead role in a short film for NTT Data directed by Academy Award–winning cinematographer Janusz Kamiński, has co-starred on Raising Hope, and appeared in Jimmy Kimmel sketches and a Grubhub Super Bowl commercial.
About The Roku Channel
Roku pioneered streaming on TV and is the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico by hours streamed (Hypothesis Group, Dec. 2025). The Roku Channel is the home of premium and free entertainment, alongside Roku’s Howdy and Frndly TV services. Roku is headquartered in San Jose, California.
About Encompass Digital Media
Encompass Digital Media is a global managed services company — technology-driven, software-defined, and people-powered. Trusted by world-leading broadcasters, networks, sports rights-holders, and OTT platforms, it processes over 25,000 hours of content daily, serves 850 channels to 84 countries, distributes over 243,000 live events annually, and reaches 400 million radio listeners weekly worldwide. Learn more at www.encompass.tv.
Media & Interview Requests: To interview creator Christin Jezak or the cast, contact Christin at cjezak@p2ptheatre.com.
Most of the talk about Euphoria asks one question: was it realistic? That’s the wrong question if you make films. The better one is simpler. How did Sam Levinson get an audience to feel addiction from the inside? And what did it cost him to end the show the way he did?
Strip away the noise and Euphoria is a clinic in three choices: point of view, style, and the ending. Here’s what’s worth taking — and what isn’t.
1. Put the Camera Inside the Character
Most shows about drugs watch from across the room. Euphoria doesn’t. When Rue is high, the camera is high too. Walls breathe. Floors tilt. Time skips. You’re not watching her — you’re stuck inside her head.
That’s the lesson: point of view is a decision you make with the camera and the cut, not a mood you add later in color. Levinson builds it into the lens, the blocking, and the edit.
So before you shoot a scene through a character’s eyes, ask one thing on set: whose eyes is this lens standing in for? Then make every cut respect that.
2. Your Style Has to Mean Something
The glitter. The slow push-ins. The impossible club lighting. Euphoria‘s look got copied everywhere. That’s the trap.
The style worked because it carried weight. The beauty wasn’t decoration — it was the lie addiction tells you, the reason the next high looks worth it. The camera made self-destruction gorgeous on purpose.
The copies missed that. A thousand music videos took the look and left the meaning behind, and you can feel how hollow they are. So here’s the test: if your signature style could be swapped onto any other project and still “work,” it’s not a style. It’s a filter. Every choice should have a reason behind it.
3. The Ending Tells the Audience What It All Meant
When Euphoria ended for good in Season 3, Levinson killed Rue — an accidental, fentanyl-laced overdose. He called it “the honest ending,” saying he wanted to tell a true story about addiction and grief in a time when one mistake can be the last one. Reportedly, that wasn’t the original plan; the death of Angus Cloud, who played Fezco, changed the script.
Forget whether you agree with the choice. Study how it works. An ending is the last instruction you give your audience about how to read everything before it.
By ending on consequence instead of recovery, Levinson reframed seven years of beautiful chaos as a story about cost — not a celebration of it.
It’s also the show’s most debatable move, and that’s worth noticing too. A show that spent years making pain look beautiful had to fight to make that pain land as loss. Did it earn the ending, or enjoy the wreckage too long to stick it? Smart filmmakers will disagree — and that argument is exactly what a good ending is supposed to start.
What Not to Take
The neon grief is the most copied part. It’s also the least useful. Take the surface — the colors, the slow-mo, the trauma-as-texture — and you get the costume without the body.
The real craft is underneath. Commit your camera to a real point of view. Make every stylistic choice earn its place. Treat your ending as the point of the whole thing. Do that, and your work won’t look like Euphoria. It’ll do what Euphoria did.
This piece touches on addiction and substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available through the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
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