The What's Underneath Project

The What’s Underneath Project is an inspiring show produced by Fullscreen that seeks to promote self-acceptance and challenge societal constructs of beauty, identity, and worth. The show is a captivating exploration into the lives of its guests who open up to share their journeys, struggles, growth and triumphs.

Based on the popular online series by StyleLikeU, creators and mother-daughter duo Elisa Goodkind and Lily Mandelbaum guide us through this unique visual journey. With their compassionate approach, they invite various guests ranging from artists, activists, entertainers, influencers, and everyday people to strip down to their underwear and share their stories.

However, the physical strip down, far from being a lurid spectacle, is a powerful metaphor for vulnerability. As the participants gradually take off layers of clothing, they simultaneously unveil layers of personal histories, intimate experiences, and core truths. It is a transformative process within the safe, supportive, and accepting environment created by the hosts.

At first glance, The What’s Underneath Project might strike some as daring or even uncomfortable, but the true essence of the show lies in its deeply humanistic approach. Stripping down serves as a catalyst to stimulate a candid exploration of their life stories, their personal highs and lows, their self-image and perceptions about beauty, identity, and self-esteem. The interviews are raw, unfiltered, and deeply emotional, often bringing to light important, even controversial issues related to gender, race, body image, mental health and personal identity.

Each episode runs for about 15-20 minutes, encapsulating a profound exchange between the guest and the hosts. You witness diverse stories of resilience, perception, and self-realization from a wide array of guests, each possessing a unique perspective and individual journey. As the interview unfolds, the guests expose their innermost vulnerabilities and strengths that have shaped their unique identity, evoking potent emotions behind every expression and word.

In this mighty endeavor, Goodkind and Mandelbaum emphasize stripping down as a defiant act against the prevailing superficial notions of beauty and societal pigeonholing, thereby advocating a powerful message of self-love and acceptance. The What’s Underneath Project uses this unconventional technique to dismantle societal constructs around body image and create a space where people are encouraged to embrace their true selves.

The series showcases a stark contrast to conventional media content, shifting focus from surface-level appearances to deep-seated individuality. This format not only allows a thorough exploration of each guest's journey but also subtly encourages the viewer to question and reflect upon their own self-perceptions and societal beliefs. With every episode, it gently nudges audiences to appreciate their unique self and take a step toward self-acceptance.

Above all, The What’s Underneath Project presents a compelling, transformative narrative, where each episode serves as a collective testimony to human resilience, the power of authenticity, and the beauty of diversity. Throughout the series, viewers are reminded of the power of our individuality and the depths of the human spirit. It is a celebration of every human being's worth, beyond societal restraints or judgment.

Overall, The What's Underneath Project is a trailblazing platform that brings to the fore, underrepresented voices and nuanced narratives, which are often overlooked in mainstream media narratives. It serves to challenge and shift the perceptions of conventional aesthetics, promoting an ethos where personal truths and real experiences prevail over superficial standards and societal perceptions. Through raw, emotive storytelling, the show encourages its viewers to embrace their individuality and authenticity and to understand that they themselves hold the power to define their identity and worth. It's a must-watch series for anyone yearning for unfiltered, raw connection to humanity's shared struggles, and the indomitable spirit of resilience.