Markelle Smith Gives Us Naughty and Nice in ‘12 Dates of Christmas’

Ho, ho, ho! The steamiest holiday series returns November 25 for Season Two.

Last year, HBO Max introduced reality TV fans to a brand-new dating show called 12 Dates of Christmas, which was created by some of the producers behind Netflix’s Love Is Blind. Unlike other dating competitions, this series features both straight and LGBTQ leads as contestants.

Narrated by actress and comedian Natasha Rothwell, viewers are introduced to three singles—Amanda Jenkins, Danny Escalante, and Markelle Smith—as they escape to a stunning winter wonderland in search of someone special to bring home for the holidays.

“I’m not just taking anybody to meet my family,” Smith says in the new trailer.

Growing up Demopolis, Alabama and currently working as dentist in New York, Smith is a 32-year-old gay man following his passion to stay fit and healthy by working towards getting his yoga teaching certification. This is the first reality dating show he has ever participated in, and he believes 12 Dates of Christmas is binge-able for all the right reasons.

“There are so many twists, turns, and surprises,” he exclusively tells OFM. “This season is super steamy, and I think it will tug a lot of people’s heartstrings because there are a lot of nice stories to follow.”

When it comes to this trio of singles, they spice up the festive season with dating drama, romance, and surprises from inside the fantasy lodge. Smith enjoyed meeting so many great people.

“We had such a unique experience and we bonded so quickly,” he says. “I think it just speaks to the human experience. How we are social creatures and how you can take a random group of strangers, put them into a house, and watch great friendships form.”

In each episode, eligible suitors are brought in to vie for the attention of each lead and hope to make it through the gift giving ceremony. Last season, we saw one proposal between fan-favorite couple Chad Savage and Kate Steinberg.

According to Smith, it was difficult to say goodbye to some of the suitors.

“So many amazing people were there,” he says. “Being in the position of the lead, we have to decide who gets to stay versus who leaves. Saying goodbye to some people when you created such a strong bond was hard.”

Smith went on 12 Dates of Christmas in search of the same spark he had with his ex. Although he says he had a great experience with the show, he admits that it was challenging to put himself out there.

“I would say that was one of the biggest challenges,” he says. “It is kind of difficult trying to date someone and get to know someone with a room full of cameras surrounding you. Once that shock wore off, it became easier to ignore that and just focus on getting to know the person that’s in front of you. Being vulnerable and having open, honest conversations isn’t difficult, but I would say it was different. I am a pretty open person, and I pride myself on being able to show the vulnerable side of myself. I think it’s good for mental health.”

Additionally, there has been a lot of conversation about the lack of diversity in reality dating shows, and 12 Dates of Christmas is a great example of a series doing it right—a mix of people no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity and a mix of ethnicity and backgrounds that feels organic and truly reflective of the world we live in.

Smith agrees.

“I have never seen a reality TV show where there were not one, but two people of color in the spotlight that are also part of the LGBTQ community,” he says. “I think it’s super underrepresented, not just necessarily in the LGBTQ community, but just in society. I am excited to be a part of this show for any young, Black gay boy who is growing up in a small town or rural place, like I did in Demopolis, seeing someone like them on TV.”

To stay up-to-date and connect with Smith, follow him on Instagram. Season 2 of 12 Dates of Christmas premieres Thursday, November 25 on HBO Max.

Photos Courtesy of Joe Magnani/HBO Max