# Rob Anderson

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For the Canadian politician, see [Rob Anderson (politician)](/source/Rob_Anderson_(politician)).

**Robert Anderson** is an American [internet personality](/source/Internet_celebrity) and comedian. Based in [New York City](/source/New_York_City), he became known on [TikTok](/source/TikTok) for his *Gay Science* series, which satirizes [LGBT stereotypes](/source/LGBT_stereotypes). He also creates [viral videos](/source/Viral_video) that recap and deconstruct the plots of 1990s movies and [TV shows](/source/Television_show) such as *[Beethoven](/source/Beethoven_(film))*, *[The Princess Diaries](/source/The_Princess_Diaries_(film))*, and *[7th Heaven](/source/7th_Heaven_(TV_series))*.[1]

In 2024, Anderson released the book *Gay Science: The Totally Scientific Examination of LGBTQ+ Culture, Myths, and Stereotypes*, a [humor](/source/Humor) publication styled as a satirical [textbook](/source/Textbook). The book became a [*New York Times* bestseller](/source/The_New_York_Times_Best_Seller_list), debuting at number five on the [hardcover](/source/Hardcover) [nonfiction](/source/Non-fiction) list. He is also known for his tongue-in-cheek “Pope Games” coverage of the 2025 [Papal conclave](/source/Papal_conclave) in the style of [reality TV](/source/Reality_television).

## Early life and career

Anderson was raised on the [Jersey Shore](/source/Jersey_Shore).[2] Growing up, Anderson attended a Christian school and frequently performed in musicals during his adolescence.[3] After graduating from college, Anderson moved to [Chicago](/source/Chicago), where he was inspired by the first two films in the *[Scary Movie](/source/Scary_Movie_(film_series))* film series and the television series *[Strangers with Candy](/source/Strangers_with_Candy)* to pursue comedy.[4] There, he performed [improv comedy](/source/Improv_comedy) for seven years, including with the [iO Theater](/source/IO_Theater), [Annoyance Theatre](/source/Annoyance_Theatre), and [The Second City](/source/The_Second_City).[5] He also competed on the reality competition series *[Capture](/source/Capture_(TV_series))* in 2013.[6]

Anderson started his personal [TikTok](/source/TikTok) account, @Heartthrobert, in late 2019 while living in [New York City](/source/New_York_City). He also posted TikTok videos for the food review company [The Infatuation](/source/The_Infatuation), one of which, about granola bars "going everywhere", was posted in 2020 and became popular.[7] His parody of [Charlotte Awbery](/source/Charlotte_Awbery) singing the song "[Shallow](/source/Shallow_(Lady_Gaga_and_Bradley_Cooper_song))" from the movie musical *[A Star Is Born](/source/A_Star_Is_Born_(2018_film))* went viral and he was soon signed to [United Talent Agency](/source/United_Talent_Agency).[8][9][10] He published the satirical [picture book](/source/Picture_book) *The Fergamerican National Anthem*, about [Fergie](/source/Fergie_(singer))'s [performance](/source/2018_NBA_All-Star_Game#National_anthem) of "[The Star-Spangled Banner](/source/The_Star-Spangled_Banner)" at the [2018 NBA All-Star Game](/source/2018_NBA_All-Star_Game).[3][10]

Anderson began posting comedic recaps of the [WB](/source/The_WB) television series *[7th Heaven](/source/7th_Heaven_(TV_series))* in March 2023, which broadened his audience online.[11][12][13] His video about Mama Bear of the children's book series *[Berenstain Bears](/source/Berenstain_Bears)* being an "[almond mom](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Special%3ASearch%2Falmond_mom)", posted in July 2023, also went viral.[14] He also co-hosted the [WOW Presents Plus](/source/WOW_Presents_Plus) series *Glam Slam* with [Monét X Change](/source/Mon%C3%A9t_X_Change).[15] Anderson's satirical social media series *Gay Science*, which uses [fake science](/source/Pseudoscience) to explain the behaviors behind LGBT stereotypes, began in 2020 with a video of him describing why gay men prefer coffee [iced](/source/Iced_coffee) rather than hot.[16][7][17] His book *Gay Science: The Totally Scientific Examination of LGBTQ+ Culture, Myths, and Stereotypes* was published by [Penguin Random House](/source/Penguin_Random_House) in June 2024 and debuted at number five on *The New York Times* Hardcover Nonfiction bestseller list.[8][7][18]

In April 2025, Anderson gained attention for "The Pope Games," a viral [social media](/source/Social_media) series that framed the papal conclave as a reality TV competition.[19][20][21] In late 2025, he premiered a new stage show, *Are You Afraid of the ’90s?*, which lampoons 1990s [pop culture](/source/Popular_culture).[22] Following previews in [New York](/source/New_York_City), he began a 28-city [national tour](/source/Concert_tour) for the show.[23]

As of September 2025, Anderson has approximately 0.825 million subscribers on [YouTube](/source/YouTube) and 1.5 million followers on [Instagram](/source/Instagram).[24][25]

## Recognition

Rebecca Alter of *[Vulture](/source/Vulture_(website))* praised Anderson's *7th Heaven* recaps on TikTok as "painfully funny" and called them "hyper-shortform".[26] *[Elle Canada](/source/Elle_(magazine))'*s Nancy Pierri wrote in 2021 that *Gay Science* had "received a ton of praise" on TikTok.[27] Bernardo Sim of *[Pride](/source/Here_Media)* called Anderson "one of the most popular gay comedians on social media" in 2022.[28]

In 2022, Anderson was included in *[Out](/source/Out_(magazine))*’s "[Out100](/source/Out_(magazine)#Out100)" list of the most influential [LGBTQ+](/source/LGBT) people.[29]

In 2025, [*People* magazine](/source/People_(magazine)) referred to Anderson as TikTok's *unofficial king of nostalgia* for his commentary on 1980s and 1990s media.[30]

## References

1. Macias, Ernesto (June 3, 2022). ["Will Bottoms Survive the Apocalypse? @Heartthrobert Has Answers"](https://www.interviewmagazine.com/culture/search-history-will-bottoms-survive-the-apocalypse-heartthrobert-has-answers). *[Interview](/source/Interview_(magazine))*. Retrieved August 5, 2024.

1. Nunn, Jerry (May 17, 2024). ["Rob Anderson teaches some lessons in 'Gay Science'"](https://windycitytimes.com/2024/05/17/rob-anderson-teaches-some-lessons-in-gay-science/). *[Windy City Times](/source/Windy_City_Times)*. Retrieved August 7, 2024.

1. Sichinava, Nino (October 28, 2022). ["Interview | Rob Anderson"](https://schonmagazine.com/interview-rob-anderson/). *[Schön!](/source/Sch%C3%B6n!)*. Retrieved August 5, 2024.

1. Cook, Michael (June 12, 2022). ["Rob Anderson Finds His Pride In Taking Risks With His Comedy"](https://instinctmagazine.com/rob-anderson-finds-his-pride-in-taking-risks-with-his-comedy/). *[Instinct](/source/Instinct_(magazine))*. Retrieved August 5, 2024.

1. Gomis Expósito, Adrián (June 21, 2022). ["Rob Anderson: The pathway to success"](https://sickymag.com/rob-anderson-the-pathway-to-success/). *Sicky*. Retrieved August 7, 2024.

1. ["Kosior '10 competes on new survival reality show 'Capture'"](https://paw.princeton.edu/article/kosior-10-competes-new-survival-reality-show-capture). *[Princeton Alumni Weekly](/source/Princeton_Alumni_Weekly)*. July 10, 2013. Retrieved August 7, 2024.

1. Duffy, Steve (June 20, 2024). ["Rob Anderson Debunks Stereotypes with 'Queer Science' (And Makes Us Laugh)"](https://www.edgemedianetwork.com/story/333940). Edge Media Network. Retrieved August 7, 2024.

1. Reynolds, Daniel (June 26, 2024). ["In 'Gay Science,' satire meets the scientific method"](https://www.out.com/out-exclusives/rob-anderson-gay-science). *[Out](/source/Out_(magazine))*. Retrieved August 5, 2024.

1. Kelleher, Patrick (September 10, 2022). ["TikTok heartthrob on epic gay science videos and his big sub anthem"](https://www.thepinknews.com/2022/09/10/rob-anderson-tiktok-gay-interview/). *[PinkNews](/source/PinkNews)*. Retrieved August 5, 2024.

1. Donovan, Joshua (October 19, 2022). ["Viral Comedian Rob Anderson Embarks On 'Heartthrob Live' Tour"](https://www.dnamagazine.com.au/viral-comedian-rob-anderson-embarks-on-heartthrob-live-tour/). *[DNA](/source/DNA_(magazine))*. Retrieved August 7, 2024.

1. McClain Merrill, Allison (June 9, 2023). ["Former '7th Heaven' Fans Are Revisiting the Show's Most Absurd Plot Lines on TikTok"](https://www.glamour.com/story/7th-heavens-cringiest-moments-are-giving-fans-something-to-talk-about-on-tiktok). *Glamour*. Retrieved August 5, 2024.

1. Ashcraft, Kady Ruth (May 23, 2023). ["Revisiting '7th Heaven' Through TikTok Has Been a Joy"](https://www.jezebel.com/revisiting-7th-heaven-through-tiktok-has-been-a-joy-1850466505). *[Jezebel](/source/Jezebel_(website))*. Retrieved August 5, 2024.

1. ["Rob Anderson knows you think he's annoying"](https://www.losangelesblade.com/2024/04/20/rob-anderson-knows-you-think-hes-annoying/). *[Los Angeles Blade](/source/Washington_Blade)*. April 20, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024.

1. McGuire, Jen (July 21, 2023). ["Viral TikTok Breaks Down Why Mama From 'The Berenstain Bears' Was Totally An Almond Mom"](https://www.romper.com/life/mama-the-berenstain-bears-too-much-junk-food-almond-mom-viral-tiktok). *[Romper](/source/Bustle_(website))*. Retrieved August 5, 2024.

1. Cook, Michael (April 15, 2024). ["Rob Anderson Brings His Patented Brand of 'Gay Science' To The Masses With New Book"](https://outsfl.com/books/rob-anderson-brings-his-patented-brand-of-gay-science-to-the-masses-with-new-book). *[OutSFL](/source/South_Florida_Gay_News)*. Retrieved August 7, 2024.

1. Song, Sandra (July 12, 2022). ["Rob Anderson on Subverting Queer Stereotypes"](https://www.papermag.com/rob-anderson-tiktok). *[Paper](/source/Paper_(magazine))*. Retrieved August 5, 2024.

1. Bergman, S. Bear (July 21, 2023). ["'Dungeons and Drag Queens' and country music without the gun-toting hate top the QCC playlist this week"](https://xtramagazine.com/culture/dungeons-and-drag-queens-caitlin-metz-tanaka-254715). *[Xtra](/source/Xtra_(magazine))*. Retrieved August 5, 2024.

1. ["Best sellers"](https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/). *The New York Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240508080551/https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/) 8 May 2024 at the Wayback Machine.

1. ["Pope conclave social media"](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/07/world/europe/pope-conclave-social-media.html). *New York Times*. 7 May 2025.

1. Snelling, Grace (May 8, 2025). ["The conclave was briefly the world's most riveting 'sporting' event"](https://www.fastcompany.com/91330897/the-conclave-was-briefly-the-worlds-most-riveting-sporting-event)

1. ["Keeping Up with the conclave: How TikTok memes brought Gen Z to the Church"](https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/keeping-up-with-the-conclave-tiktok-brings-gen-z-closer-to-church). *The Straits Times*. May 6, 2025.

1. ["Things To Do in Columbus OH"](https://www.dispatch.com/things-to-do/events/). *The Columbus Dispatch*

1. ["Rob Anderson | Laurie Beechman Theatre"](https://thebeechman.com/events/rob-anderson)

1. ["Rob Anderson's YouTube Statistics"](https://socialblade.com/youtube/handle/robanderson). *Social Blade*. Retrieved 2025-09-16.

1. ["Rob Anderson"](https://mn2s.com/booking-agency/talent-roster/rob-anderson/). *MN2S*. Retrieved 2025-09-16.

1. Alter, Rebecca (July 7, 2023). ["The Youtube TV-Recap Canon"](https://www.vulture.com/article/youtube-tv-recap-channels.html). *[Vulture](/source/Vulture_(website))*. Retrieved August 7, 2024.

1. Pierri, Nancy (July 28, 2021). ["15 LGBTQIA2S+ Content Creators You Should Be Following"](https://www.ellecanada.com/culture/society/15-lgbtqia2s-content-creators-you-should-be-following). *[Elle Canada](/source/Elle_(magazine))*. Retrieved August 7, 2024.

1. Sim, Bernardo (August 25, 2022). ["Comedy Heartthrob Rob Anderson On Why He's Not Afraid To Get Stupid"](https://www.pride.com/comedy/2022/8/25/comedy-heartthrob-rob-anderson-why-hes-not-afraid-get-stupid). *[Pride](/source/Here_Media)*. Retrieved August 7, 2024.

1. ["Out100 2022: 24 LGBTQ+ Titans of Media and Entertainment"](https://www.out.com/print/2022/10/26/out100-2022-24-lgbtq-titans-media-and-entertainment). *Out*

1. ["Comedian Watches Up to 10 Hours of Nostalgic TV Shows and Movies a Day — and Then Roasts Them Online (Exclusive)"](https://people.com/comedian-became-the-king-of-nostalgia-by-dragging-old-shows-movies-exclusive-11768294). *People.com*. Retrieved 2025-09-16.

## External links

- [Official website](http://heartthrob-anderson.com)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Rob Anderson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Anderson) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Anderson?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.