Bros

The curtain rises on "The Eleventh Brick at Stonewall", the irreverent podcast/radio show of Bobby Leiber (Billy Eichner), as he engages in lively discussions with callers about the nuances of gay history and iconic figures, while also navigating his own writing projects. With a healthy dose of skepticism, Bobby has turned down requests to create a stereotypical Hollywood romantic comedy that caters to mainstream expectations of LGBTQ representation, instead choosing to remain true to his artistic vision.

As he connects with friends at a local eatery, the camera pans out to reveal a tapestry of relationships and experiences. Tina (Monica Raymund) and Edgar (Guillermo Diaz) are a loving couple with young families, while Lucas (Becca Blackwell) and Tom (D'Lo) await the arrival of triplets via surrogate, and Peter (Peter Kim) and Paul (Justin Covington) explore the joys and challenges of their throuple with Marty (Symone). This diverse cast of characters provides a rich backdrop for Bobby's own romantic misadventures.

The spotlight soon shifts to an awards ceremony honoring the LGBTQ community, where Kristin Chenoweth makes a dazzling appearance donning a Stonewall-themed hat. Amidst the glamour and celebration, Bobby takes home the prize for "Best Cis Male Gay Man" and uses his platform to announce that he has accepted a position as curator for the upcoming National LGBTQ+ History Museum. As he works alongside a diverse team of experts, including Robert (Jim Rash), Cherry (Dot-Marie Jones), Wanda (Miss Lawrence), Tamara (Eve Lindley), and Angela (TS Madison), Bobby's vision for the museum takes shape.

As the evening wears on, Bobby joins his friend Henry (Guy Branum) at a trendy nightclub to launch a new dating app designed specifically for gay men. It is here that he locks eyes with Aaron Shepard (Luke Macfarlane), a handsome but seemingly unimpressive individual who piques Bobby's interest. Their banter-filled conversation gradually gives way to a flirtatious exchange, culminating in a tentative kiss on the dance floor. However, it becomes clear that Aaron is not entirely invested in Bobby's charms.

As their relationship unfolds, we catch glimpses of Aaron's professional life as a lawyer specializing in wills and estates. During a client consultation, he is reminded by the individual that his line of work must be emotionally draining at times. This poignant moment hints at the complexities beneath Aaron's stoic exterior, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their connection.

As Bobby navigates the uncharted territories of online dating, he finds himself in a precarious situation where a potential suitor demands a compromising photo as a prerequisite for further connection. Undeterred, Bobby embarks on an arduous journey to achieve the desired aesthetic, only to be left feeling deflated and rejected. It is then that Aaron, a familiar name from Henry's social circle, intervenes with a text message invitation to hang out and share some common ground.

As the two men explore the city, their bonding experience takes them to a cinema screening of a cinematic masterpiece about gay pioneers, a poignant nod to the iconic "Brokeback Mountain." The evening's festivities are punctuated by an unexpected encounter with Josh (Ryan Faucett), Aaron's old acquaintance, and his fiancée Samantha (Jillian Gottlieb). Later, as they delve deeper into their connection, Aaron confesses to having harbored a secret crush on Josh, a revelation that inadvertently sparks a defensive response from Bobby. The tension eventually boils over, leading to a brief but telling argument.

As the dust settles, Bobby and Aaron reunite at his apartment, their desires driving them toward a passionate encounter. However, their intimacy is soon disrupted by the arrival of two other individuals who command attention. Bobby's departure leaves Aaron with more questions than answers.

In the days that follow, the museum prepares for its grand opening gala. Bobby extends an invitation to Aaron, hoping to rekindle their connection amidst the cultural artifacts and exhibits. However, Aaron's existential crisis is triggered by his surroundings, as he grapples with feelings of inadequacy stemming from his professional dissatisfaction and limited opportunities. His abrupt departure leaves Bobby feeling perplexed and hurt.

The unexpected call from Aaron's mother, Annie (Amanda Bearse), sets off a chain reaction of events. Her announcement that Josh has ended his engagement due to his recent revelation as gay sends shockwaves through Aaron's world. He frantically scours social media for confirmation, only to find Josh's heartfelt coming-out video.

At work, Bobby is tasked with facilitating a meeting between Debra Messing and the museum. His role is to provide a personalized tour and charm her into donating. However, as he engages with the esteemed actress, Bobby finds himself pouring out his emotions and frustrations regarding his complicated relationship with Aaron. Debra's empathetic ear is quickly exhausted by the litany of complaints, leading her to abandon the meeting without the desired outcome or museum donation.

As the days tick by without a peep from Aaron, he finally breaks his silence with a text to Bobby, his tone poised between apology and evasion. However, instead of concocting an excuse to avoid their encounter, Aaron's resolve softens, and he agrees to meet up. The pair heads to the park, where they engage in effortless conversation, punctuated by playful jabs and laughter. But as they stroll along, Bobby catches Aaron surreptitiously ogling a group of shirtless guys engaged in a rousing game of football. This discovery sparks a lighthearted wrestling match, culminating in a passionate makeout session. As the afternoon wears on, their physical intimacy gives way to a deeper emotional connection, and they retreat to Aaron's place for a night of revelry.

As the evening unfolds, Aaron opens up to Bobby about his long-abandoned dream of becoming a chocolatier, crafting intricate confections that brought him joy. However, he confided in Bobby, he ultimately abandoned this passion, believing it was an impractical and foolish pursuit that would only invite ridicule from his family. Bobby's empathetic ear and words of encouragement prove the perfect balm for Aaron's wounded heart.

As their bond continues to grow, Bobby invites Aaron on a journey to Provincetown, where they settle into a cozy Airbnb courtesy of Louis (Harvey Fierstein). Their trip takes an unexpected turn when Bobby asks Aaron to join him in pitching a proposal to Lawrence Grape (Bowen Yang), a wealthy and enigmatic patron with the potential to donate $5 million to the museum. Initially, it appears as though Lawrence is unimpressed by Bobby's pitch, but Aaron's persuasive powers prove instrumental in convincing the eccentric millionaire to listen.

Lawrence's suggestion: a thrilling cart ride through a haunted house dedicated to LGBTQ trauma. While Bobby finds this idea bizarre, Aaron's insight proves invaluable in convincing Lawrence to part with his fortune. In gratitude, Bobby plants a romantic kiss on Aaron's lips, and their relationship deepens further as they explore the city together.

As the days turn into weeks, Aaron invites his close-knit family – including Annie (his partner), his dad, and brother Jason (Jai Rodriguez) – to join them in the city. However, Bobby's enthusiasm for sharing gay history and culture with Annie, coupled with Aaron's request that he "be normal," proves a recipe for disaster. The tension culminates during dinner when Bobby presses Annie about her decision not to teach gay history in her classroom, sparking an uncomfortable atmosphere.

The final straw comes when Bobby blurts out his hurtful observation that Aaron hates his life. This incendiary remark sets off a heated argument between the two lovers, ultimately leading them to separate and reevaluate their relationship.

As the days unfold, Bobby finds himself entangled in a complex web of emotions when he stumbles upon Josh (actor's name) and Aaron (actor's name) sharing a tender moment. The discovery sends him into a tailspin, prompting another heated argument with Aaron. This time, however, it's not just about their budding relationship – it's about Bobby's deep-seated insecurities and the lingering sense that he's been living a life that's not truly his own. His frustration boils over as he implores Aaron to acknowledge his feelings, only to be met with reassurance that he is indeed more lovable than he gives himself credit for. The emotional outburst leaves Bobby reeling, and he storms off, leaving the fragile atmosphere between them in tatters.

Meanwhile, Bobby's desperation for validation leads him down a perilous path as he turns to steroids in an attempt to transform his physique. However, just as he's about to embark on his "workout window," a sudden crisis at the museum demands his attention. The controversy surrounding the gay Lincoln exhibit has reached a boiling point, with threats of boycotts and withdrawal of donations hanging precariously in the balance. Bobby's coworkers are content to sacrifice the exhibit for the sake of appeasement, but not Bobby – he's determined to fight for what he believes in, even if it means going toe-to-toe with his colleagues.

The tension simmers just below the surface until Bobby finally loses his cool, brandishing a pride flag and engaging in a heated confrontation with his coworkers. The aftermath is just as turbulent, as Bobby seeks solace in a chance encounter at the gym. There, he meets Joel (Jamyl Dobson), who's immediately drawn to Bobby's newfound physique – but only when he's using his "bro" voice. As they head back to Joel's place for a nightcap, things take an unexpected turn when Bobby reveals his true self. The sudden shift leaves Joel reeling, and the evening ends with Bobby being asked to leave.

As the dust settles, Bobby returns to work, confronting the aftermath of his outbursts and the lingering effects of his steroid use. His coworkers, including Angela and Wanda, are more than happy to offer him a sympathetic ear – and a chance to reflect on their own struggles with anger and identity. The collective epiphany leads them to find common ground and compromise on the exhibits that will be presented, a move that ultimately brings about a sense of unity and understanding.

In the end, Aaron makes the bold decision to leave his job behind and pursue his passion for chocolate-making, creating unique pieces with specific themes – and donating all proceeds to the museum. The gesture is a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity for growth, forgiveness, and creative expression.

As the museum's grand opening unfolds, a sea of enthusiastic attendees converges on the venue, drawn in by the promise of celebrity cameos. The red carpet is rolled out for an all-star lineup that includes Ben Stiller as a virtual museum guardian, paying homage to his iconic role in "Night at the Museum." Kenan Thompson brings his signature wit and charm to the persona of James Baldwin, while Amy Schumer injects her irreverent humor into Eleanor Roosevelt's presence. Seth Meyers rounds out the star-studded cast as Harvey Milk, adding a touch of levity to the proceedings.

Meanwhile, Bobby is grappling with feelings of nostalgia for his estranged brother Aaron. After confiding in Tina about his emotions, he decides to reach out to Aaron via text, sending a casual "Hey what's up?" message that serves as a gentle reintroduction. Aaron, who has been spending time with Jason, is encouraged by his brother's overture and makes the bold decision to show up at the museum in person.

As Bobby delivers an impassioned speech to the crowd, Aaron arrives just in time, drawing Bobby's attention away from the proceedings. Inspired by Aaron's favorite country music artist, Garth Brooks, Bobby has written a heartfelt ballad about his relationship with Aaron, which he proceeds to perform for the awestruck audience. The emotional resonance of the song is palpable, and Bobby seizes the moment to make a beeline for Aaron, culminating in a romantic kiss that sends the crowd into raptures. The pair agrees to date for three months before re-evaluating their relationship.

Fast-forward three months, and Annie brings her 2nd-grade class on a field trip to the very same museum where Bobby and Aaron's love story first unfolded. As they explore the exhibits together, Bobby and Aaron are still going strong, enjoying each other's company amidst the artifacts of history. However, when Aaron broaches the topic of having children in the future, Bobby makes a hasty exit, playfully dodging the question as he disappears into the museum's vast expanse, leaving Aaron to ponder the implications of their relationship.