Twentysomethings Austin: 8 Best Characters, Ranked

The inaugural season of Netflix’s reality TV show Twentysomethings: Austin features eight strangers from various walks of life, all of whom are forced to live together, get to know each other, pursue careers, and have passionate romances. With distinct personalities to draw viewers in, the appeal of the show comes from the unlikely bonds, surprising friendships, and long-term connections the housemates make in and out of the house. Unlike most reality shows, there are no real villains in the house.

While all of the cast members have their pros and cons, some have proven more appealing for several reasons, be it a sense of humor, playful attitude, radiant star power, level of coolness, the ability to grow, evolve, and remain a positive influence inside the house.

Bruce Stephenson

At first blush, it seemed like Bruce Stephenson’s background as a South Carolinian may have ruffled some political feathers inside the house. Fortunately, he showed a surprising side of himself during his date with Isha, proving he was far more open-minded than initially believed by accepting and embracing people who don’t look like him.

Indeed, Bruce defied stereotypes time and again on the show, including the heartfelt time he lent a shoulder for Keauno to cry on when he couldn’t bottle his feelings of repression any longer. Bruce may come off like a carefree frat boy but has a good heart underneath. His teary goodbye with Keke halfway through the binge-worthy Netflix reality show was pretty touching.

Raquel Daniels

During any given reality show, there always seems to be that one cast member who gets short shrift in terms of screentime. In Twentysomethings: Austin, that person was Raquel Daniels, the super stylish and ultra-glamorous IT expert who, for whatever reason, took a back seat to the other cast members.

Despite her limited screentime, which isn’t her fault, Raquel’s instant attraction to Michael showed how open-minded and willing to date outside her race she was, indicating an open heart and loving acceptance of those unlike herself. The time Raquel went shopping for vibrators in the sex shop with Keke and Natalie was pure gold.

Isha Punja

High maintenance to the point of hilarity, Isha Punja is a 24-year-old UC Berkeley grad whose silliness and playfulness couldn’t be more magnetic. Charming, stylish, and driven to open her fashion line entitled Hut Mentality, Isha is a real go-getter.

After misjudging Bruce’s political affiliations, Isha’s romantic pursuit of Michael lent some of the most entertaining moments on the show, be it watching his bombing stand-up comedy routine, watching him drive for the first time, or simply going out to eat. Isha wears her emotions on her sleeve on the drama-filled Netflix reality show, which makes her extremely vulnerable yet highly relatable.

Abbey Humphries

The resident seductress who struggled mightily to keep her hands of both Kamari and Adam, 25-year-old Abbey Humphries radiates young Mia Farrow movie star energy that makes her a clear standout on the guilty-pleasure TV show. If anyone lands a spinoff series, it has to be Abbey.

As the only housemate previously married and fresh off of a divorce, Abbey brings a unique perspective to the house that informs her entire experience on the show. Torn between living free without commitment and her desire to find romance, Abbey’s constantly in the center of romantic angst. Her open bisexuality is both commendable and the source of highly entertaining drama, especially in the penultimate episode.

Michael Fractor

What can be said about Michael Fractor? The 23-year-old aspiring stand-up comedian is the definition of awkward yet somehow comes off as wildly endearing. Whether he’s driving for the first time, cringingly bombing on stage, or voicing his virginal status time and again, Michael is so unforgettably unique that one can’t help root for him to succeed. Under it all, Michael is quite kind and caring.

Watching Michael attempt to navigate romantic dates with Raquel and Isha are almost as painful as his stand-up routine, which only conjures more heartfelt sympathy for him to get it right. When Michael makes a sacrifice to help Isha’s boutique flourish, his benevolent character is revealed. And later when he gets flowers? Too good.

Kamari Bonds

Without question, the coolest cast member in Twentysomethings: Austin is Kamari Bonds, the ultra-suave 23-year-old model from North Carolina who everyone can’t help but gravitate toward. Funny, laid-back, and with swag for days, Kamari is the one personality viewers would most want to live through vicariously. He just has so much fun!

Whether doing his best to fend off Abbey’s aggressive advances or keeping his room immaculate as a neat freak, Kamari boasts a big beaming smile wherever he goes, which makes him impossible to dislike. He emits a warm and welcoming demeanor, which shines through even more when he meets Roxy.

Keauno Perez

Better known as Keke, Keauno Perez is probably the most adorable and admirable character on the guilty-pleasure reality dating show. Still relatively fresh out of the closet as a gay man, the 28-year-old who has never been kissed comes to Austin and embraces his true identity. Escaping his oppressive Arkansas hometown to enjoy a more accepting culture in Austin, Keke’s time on the show is arguably the most meaningful.

Beyond his prospective romance with Oscar, Keke’s bond with Natalie is easily the best friendship on the show, providing some of the most heartfelt and memorable moments together as true companions.

Natalie Cabo

The award for hands-down the funniest cast member on the show goes to Natalie Cabo, the hysterical 26-year-old who makes a genuinely heartening bond with Keke. Natalie has the funniest quips, quotes, and zingers on the show, including the infamous sex store visit with Keke and Raquel.

Like Keke, Natalie enters the house with the admission that she has never had a boyfriend, which only makes her more endearing. So when Natalie finally meets Zack at the end of the serious, genuine rejoice could be felt. Natalie is not only the funniest cast member but she’s also arguably the best friend on the show.