Van Der Beek Joined Anthony Anderson, Taye Diggs, Chris Jones, Tyler Posey and Bruno Tonioli in December 2024, Bearing All to Raise Awareness for Cancer Testing and Research
Special Encore Will Air Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 8 PM ET/PT on FOX
FOX will re-air its powerful two-hour special The Real Full Monty in tribute to James Van Der Beek, who was courageously battling colorectal cancer at the time of the special and joined in the hope of inspiring others to get tested early. The encore celebrates his participation in the unforgettable event that brought together a group of male celebrities to raise awareness for cancer testing and research. It honors Van Der Beek’s strength, humor and heart, reaffirming the importance of early detection, and through a QR code that will be visible throughout the broadcast, encourages viewers to support the battle against colorectal cancer by donating to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. The Real Full Monty encore will air Wednesday, February 18 (8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
Inspired by the beloved, award-winning 1997 film, The Real Full Monty features Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actor, comedian and producer Anthony Anderson, who also executive produced, rallying a cast of fellow celebrities to step far outside their comfort zones for a meaningful cause. The special also stars Anderson alongside Taye Diggs, NFL's Chris Jones, Tyler Posey, Bruno Tonioli and James Van Der Beek.
Throughout the special, Anderson leads Diggs, Jones, Posey, Tonioli and Van Der Beek as they train and rehearse for the most revealing performance of their careers. The journey culminates in a bold, high-energy strip-tease dance performed before a live audience, choreographed by Emmy Award-winner Mandy Moore (So You Think You Can Dance, La La Land, Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour).
In the lead-up to the final performance, the men push their limits, test their modesty and forge a powerful brotherhood through a series of rehearsals and deeply personal experiences, both private and public, designed to build confidence and break down stigma. Along the way, each celebrity shares how cancer has personally impacted his life, underscoring the special’s mission to encourage men to get checked and prioritize their health.
Originally based on the international unscripted format first broadcast on the U.K.’s ITV in 2017, The Real Full Monty has garnered awards, massive viewership and critical praise, expanding successfully into multiple countries including Australia, France and the Netherlands.
FOX’s The Real Full Monty is produced by Spun Gold TV (a 53 Degrees Global company) and FOX Alternative Entertainment. The Real Full Monty is executive produced by Anthony Anderson, Dan Norris and Ashley Edens, who also serves as showrunner. Executive producers from Spun Gold include Nick Bullen and Daniela Neumann.