David Spade
Self - Host
Overview
Stars of the fiery hit discuss the show's magic, play trivia and chow down on hot wings. Then, Taylor Tomlinson shares how she would use fairy powers.
Cast
9 people
Reviews
6 min readFairy Dust and Hot Wings: The Afterparty That Almost Wasn’t
I’ll admit it: I didn’t expect to care about Fate: The Winx Saga – The Afterparty. Not because it’s bad—though, let’s be honest, it’s not exactly Citizen Kane—but because it exists in that strange limbo of Netflix’s Afterparty franchise, a series of post-show specials designed to milk a little more engagement out of already-finished stories. These things are usually the cinematic equivalent of a fast-food dessert: sweet, forgettable, and gone before you realize you didn’t actually want it.
But here’s the thing: The Afterparty for Fate: The Winx Saga is so aggressively, unapologetically itself that it somehow becomes weirdly charming. It’s not good in the way we usually mean when we talk about film or television. It’s good in the way a late-night diner conversation with friends is good—messy, a little ridiculous, and occasionally revealing in ways you didn’t see coming.
The special is, at its core, a talk show. Or maybe a game show. Or maybe just a loosely structured hangout session where the cast of Fate: The Winx Saga and a handful of comedians (David Spade, Fortune Feimster, London Hughes, and Taylor Tomlinson) sit around a table, eat hot wings, and pretend to be interested in each other’s answers to trivia questions.
The premise is simple: take the cast of a fantasy series about fairies at a magical boarding school, throw in some professional funny people, and see what happens. What happens, mostly, is a lot of laughter, a few genuinely funny moments, and the occasional glimpse into the actual dynamics of the show’s cast. It’s the kind of thing that feels like it was filmed in a single take, even if it probably wasn’t.
There’s no pretense of depth, no attempt to dissect the themes of the series or the cultural significance of fairy lore. It’s just… people talking. And yet, in its own way, that’s kind of refreshing.
The special opens with Spade, Feimster, and Hughes setting the tone: this is going to be silly. Spade, in particular, seems to be having a blast, cracking jokes at a mile a minute and generally acting like he’s hosting a roast rather than a companion piece to a YA fantasy series. The Winx Saga cast—Abigail Cowen, Hannah van der Westhuysen, Precious Mustapha, Eliot Salt, and Elisha Applebaum—are game, if a little overwhelmed at times.
Audience Opinions
Limited evidence
"A lighthearted but forgettable comedy special that struggles to justify its existence beyond the original series' fanbase."
Viewer feedback on *Fate: The Winx Saga - The Afterparty* is sparse, with most attention still focused on the main series rather than this standalone special. Those who did watch describe it as a fun, low-stakes diversion with some laughs, but few memorable moments or deeper engagement. latestnetflix.com's take is that the humor and cast chemistry are the main draws, though the material doesn’t stand out as essential viewing.
What viewers praise
- Cast chemistry The ensemble’s comedic timing and rapport provide the special’s most enjoyable moments, particularly from the returning cast members.
- Lighthearted tone The afterparty setting keeps the mood breezy and undemanding, offering a low-pressure watch for fans of the series.
Common complaints
- Lacks substance The special feels more like an extended gag reel than a meaningful extension of the story, leaving little lasting impact.
- Niche appeal Outside of dedicated fans of the series, the humor and references may fall flat, limiting its broader appeal.
Recommended for
Fans of *Fate: The Winx Saga* Casual comedy special viewers David Spade and Fortune Feimster fans
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsInside the Chaos of Fate: The Winx Saga – The Afterparty
Netflix’s Fate: The Winx Saga already stirred up drama with its live-action take on the beloved Winx Club animated series, but the behind-the-scenes antics of its 2021 afterparty special—The Afterparty—might be just as messy as the show itself. Directed by Joe Guidry and featuring a mix of the original cast and comedy heavyweights like David Spade, the one-off special promised a lighthearted debrief of the first season. latestnetflix.com's take is that instead, it became a microcosm of the franchise’s polarizing reception, cast dynamics, and a few eyebrow-raising moments.
A Cast Divided by Reactions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6Vj09pcdkc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpRP-ri0e8c
The Winx fandom’s split over Fate: The Winx Saga was no secret—some fans adored the darker, teen-drama twist, while others called it a betrayal of the source material . The afterparty didn’t bridge the gap. Clips and cast interviews suggest the special leaned into self-aware humor, with the actors playfully roasting their own performances. Abigail Cowen, who played Bloom, later joked about her “bad kissing” scenes in a behind-the-scenes Q&A, hinting at on-set awkwardness that made it into the final cut . Meanwhile, comedians like Fortune Feimster and London Hughes brought a raunchier energy, possibly clashing with the younger cast’s more reserved vibe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQr_BOxc7F8
Rumors of tension between the original Winx purists and the new cast have swirled since the show’s debut. Some sources claim the afterparty was an attempt to smooth things over, but with the special’s tone veering between meta-comedy and genuine reflection, it’s unclear if it landed . One thing’s certain: the cast’s chemistry—forced or natural—was under a microscope.
The Comedy Cameos: A Hail Mary?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdMd689hdqk
Bringing in David Spade, a veteran of Saturday Night Live and Just Shoot Me!, was a bold move for a special tied to a YA fantasy series. His presence, alongside stand-up comedian Taylor Tomlinson, suggested Netflix was aiming for a Reunion-style roast rather than a heartfelt retrospective. Clips from the special show Spade cracking jokes at the expense of the show’s CGI and plot holes, while the cast gamely played along . But was it funny—or just awkward?
The afterparty’s format mirrored the show’s own identity crisis. Was it a celebration of the series, a parody of its flaws, or a desperate bid to win back skeptical fans? The mixed reactions to Fate: The Winx Saga itself (a 5.1/10 rating on SensCritique 
) likely set the tone for the special’s reception. If the goal was damage control, the jury’s still out on whether it worked.
What We Still Don’t Know
For all the behind-the-scenes chatter, The Afterparty remains a footnote in the Winx saga. Key details are missing:
- No full special footage: Clips and cast interviews are the only glimpses we have, leaving the special’s structure and runtime a mystery.
- Fan reactions: Unlike the show, the afterparty didn’t spark widespread discussion, suggesting it either flew under the radar or fizzled out.
- Cast dynamics: While Cowen and others have joked about on-set mishaps, there’s no confirmation of real tension—or if the special’s humor was scripted or improvised.
One thing’s clear: The Afterparty was a gamble, banking on the cast’s ability to laugh at themselves. Whether it paid off is anyone’s guess.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.