Eugene Levy Shares Son Dan’s Coming-Out Story on ‘The Reluctant Traveler’

In a recent episode of “The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy” on Apple TV+, acclaimed actor and comedian Eugene Levy offered a rare, candid account of his son Dan Levy’s coming out—a moment that has resonated deeply within the LGBTQ+ community and among allies worldwide. The episode, which aired September 26, 2025, features Eugene engaging with his travel guide, Will Edmond, in Louisiana, where the conversation naturally turns to the topic of coming out and family acceptance .

The catalyst for Eugene’s story is Edmond’s own account of coming out to his religious Southern father, a narrative familiar to many LGBTQ+ individuals who face uncertainty and, at times, fear when revealing their authentic selves to loved ones. Edmond describes his father’s initial shock and hesitation, followed by gradual acceptance with the help of Edmond’s mother. The exchange prompts Edmond to ask Eugene about his experience when Dan came out .

Eugene responds with characteristic warmth and honesty: “We were, I think, well aware that he was gay, but we were just waiting, you know, for the right time for him to feel comfortable enough to tell us. It was out, and it was a huge thing off the plate for him. And it was fine, it was just like, ‘OK, there you go.’” The simplicity and acceptance embodied in his words highlight a family dynamic built on love and respect .

Dan Levy, who gained international acclaim for his portrayal of David Rose on “Schitt’s Creek,” has spoken in various forums about his journey as a gay man, both personally and professionally. The Levys’ openness adds to a growing number of public figures who normalize LGBTQ+ identities in family life—a powerful counterpoint to narratives of rejection that still persist in many places .

The moment between Eugene and Dan, as recounted on the show, is remarkable not for its drama but for its ordinariness. There was no grand speech or emotional confrontation—just a quiet moment of honesty and an immediate embrace of Dan’s truth. “No drama, no grand speech, just a simple, heartfelt exchange that sums up the essence of what true acceptance looks like,” writes Instinct Magazine .

The Levys’ story, both onscreen and off, has inspired viewers and fans to consider the transformative impact of acceptance within families. “Schitt’s Creek,” co-created by Dan and starring both Levys, has received widespread praise for its positive representation of LGBTQ+ characters and relationships, setting a new standard for inclusivity in mainstream television .

Eugene’s approach, as shown on “The Reluctant Traveler,” models a response that many LGBTQ+ people hope for: calm, loving, and matter-of-fact. For those who may still be navigating their own journeys of coming out or supporting a family member, his example offers reassurance that acceptance can be simple and unconditional .

The airing of this conversation on a widely accessible platform like Apple TV+ amplifies its message beyond the Levys’ immediate circle. As anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment continues to pose challenges in various parts of the world, stories like these serve as reminders of the importance of visibility, allyship, and support from loved ones .

Media outlets and LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations have long emphasized the role of family acceptance in the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ people. The Levys’ public sharing of their experience, especially on a program that reaches diverse audiences, contributes to ongoing efforts to normalize conversations about sexual orientation and identity in familial contexts .

“The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy” continues to air new episodes weekly on Apple TV+, inviting viewers not only to explore new destinations but also to reflect on issues of identity, acceptance, and family. The show’s ability to weave personal stories into its travelogue format has been widely praised by critics and audiences alike .

For LGBTQ+ viewers and their families, the Levys’ story is more than just a television moment—it is a testament to the progress that can be achieved when empathy and openness guide family relationships. As the series continues through October, many hope that Eugene and Dan’s example will encourage more families to embrace and celebrate their LGBTQ+ members .

Ultimately, Eugene Levy’s recounting of Dan’s coming out is a reminder that acceptance does not have to be complicated. In the words of Eugene himself, “It was out, and it was a huge thing off the plate for him. And it was fine, it was just like, ‘OK, there you go’” . Such stories, shared openly and without reservation, have the power to change hearts, inform cultural narratives, and help LGBTQ+ individuals feel seen and supported.