She has returned! Get ready for the return of everyone’s beloved, unqualified, self-centered showbiz shrink, who is looking fabulous and ready to lend an ear! Yes, the long-awaited Season 2 of the popular comedy series “Dr. Jackie: Unlicensed Psychotherapist” has arrived. So let the healing commence! Although Dr. Jackie’s hair may not be natural, the issues her patients face are genuine. Okay, so maybe they’re not real, but they’re absolutely hilarious! The 6-part series made its debut on OUTtv on May 16, and new episodes will be released weekly. The last episode is scheduled to be broadcast on Thursday, June 20th.

Season 2 of “Dr. Jackie: Unlicensed Psychotherapist” features an impressive lineup of special guests… Movie and television celebrities Rose Abdoo (Hacks), Nancy Allen (Carrie), Amanda Bearse (Married… With Children), Bridget Everett & Murray Hill (Somebody Somewhere), Dierdre Friel (Physical), and Neil Patrick Harris & David Burtka (Drag Me To Dinner) Featuring an incredible lineup of talented actors and performers, including Jane Lynch from Glee, Oscar Montoya from Minx, Parker Posey from White Lotus 3, Cecily Strong from SNL, and Michelle Visage from RuPaul’s Drag Race! Drag Darlings: Bianca Del Rio, Lady Bunny, Manila Luzon, Trixie Mattel, Varla Jean Merman, Ginger Minj, Jinkx Monsoon, Peppermint, Alaska Thunderfuck, Nina West, and Willam! Check out this hilarious lineup of comedy cut-ups: Muffy Bolding, Julie Brown, Jazzy Byner, Stephanie Courtney, Drew Droege, Nadya Ginsburg, Tom Lenk, Teddy Margas, and Travis Walck! Highlighting LGBTQ Icons: Calpernia Addams, Justin Vivian Bond & Mario Diaz! Also featuring Music Legends and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Debbie Harry of Blondie and Jane Weidlin of The Go-Go’s!

I had the privilege of interviewing the incredibly talented Jackie Beat to discuss the series, season 2, and her perspective on Pride Month.

Cox: Before we get into Season 2 of Jackie Beat, Dr. Jackie Unlicensed Psychotherapist, I would like to know a little background on Season 1. Highlights and memorable memories from your first season?

Jackie Beat: I must say that I was quite surprised that just about everyone I asked to be involved said yes without hesitation. As you can imagine, we do this on a fairly modest budget — most of it is spent on my makeup — so these supremely talented, downright hilarious and very busy people must have done it for the sheer love of the project. Or maybe they just love ME!

Cox: Tell us one main thing you hope viewers of season one might’ve learned?

Jackie Beat: That laughter truly is the best medicine. And that it’s okay to laugh about serious things like mental health. And that beauty filters are not only a wonderful thing, but mandatory when working with me.

Cox: How might you characterize Dr. Jackie’s approach to assisting her patients in resolving their issues?

Jack Beat: Well, the show is a comedy that includes the word “unlicensed” right in the title, so it’s really about how unqualified and self-centered I am, I guess. This shameless, greedy, egotistical lady is probably the last person anyone should be taking advice from.

Cox: Naturally, people are adoring Season 2.  What’s your favorite episode?

Jackie Beat: That’s like Sophie’s Choice! But I must say that having Bianca Del Rio, Trixie Mattel, Alaska Thunderfuck and Willam all in one scene was pretty fun and epic! Oh, and having Nancy Allen from my all-time favorite movie Carrie (1976) dump a bucket of blood on me is something I will never forget.

Cox: Your guest list in Season 2 is incredible. Tell us who is among your favorite guests and favorite moments (Yes we know you love them all, I know, but which one makes you giggle uncontrollably when you think back?)

Jackie Beat: My all-time favorite moments are with my drag sister Sherry Vine who plays my receptionist. We have been working together for over 3 decades now so the chemistry is undeniable. She finishes my sentences and I finish her sandwiches. The episode where we switch places like in the movie “Freaky Friday” might be my favorite moment of season 2. It cracks me up every time I see it!

Cox: Every patient of Dr. Jackie has distinct feedback and comments after a session (they are all humorous). Which one’s make you think, “Well, I did my job?”

Jackie Beat: Seeing how I wrote what everyone says on the show I really do have to say they are ALL brilliant! Seriously, I particularly love the episode with Trixie Mattel because her problem is that she has no problems: She’s rich, successful, beautiful, thin. Well, I quickly get to work serving her a generous portion of Tough Love, pointing out that she is, in fact, a total loser. Her session ends with her saying that out loud and, strangely enough, it actually makes her feel better!

Cox: As Pride Month is upon us, I must inquire: What does pride mean to you?

Jackie Beat: Personally, it means that being Gay is not something to hide or be ashamed of, but a blessing! I am so happy to be Gay. I mean, I’m already white and male so thank Liza I’m a homosexual. We are the creative people who make the world a more exciting place. I want to say to all these conservatives complaining about us “Just imagine this world without us!” They enjoy how we beautify and entertain them. They enjoy the music and art we create. They watch our TV shows, movies and even porn. Just admit that we’re amazing, honey!

Cox: In addition, how do you view the diversity of gay representation in movies and television, given networks like OUT TV and shows like yours?

Jackie Beat: I love the fact that there is true representation all over the place now. I remember when I was a kid, I couldn’t even imagine a future for myself. I couldn’t picture myself as an adult — because I never saw anyone like me in popular culture or advertising. Everything was so heteronormative. And if anyone like me was featured they were the butt of the joke or, even worse, the victim of bullying or violence. So, now that women, POC, LGBTQ+ folks and disabled people are not just thrown the occasional crumbs in the form of a rare token character but can actually see themselves represented frequently, I love it! And we’re the leads and the heroes and we get happy endings! I can’t help but think of this video montage I saw with all these adorable young girls of color watching the new “Little Mermaid” and being absolutely thrilled upon realizing that this new Ariel looked like them! So many people bitched and moaned about that, but how can you see these beautiful little girls beaming with joy and not know how important that is? But sadly, lots of people are afraid of change. And to all those fearful people I say, “Evolve!”

Cox: Will season 3 be released and what may we anticipate?

Jackie Beat: That is still up in the air. I guess like every TV show, it depends on how well season 2 does. So everyone please watch and tell your friends!