Who Appears in the Thank You, Next Music Video
The Thank You, Next music video cast is primarily drawn from Ariana Grande’s inner circle and recurring creative collaborators, with several high-profile cameos that amplify the song’s playful, cinematic premise. Unlike sketches or short films, the video treats each appearance as a character-driven gag rooted in real relationships and well-known public personas. This guide lists the confirmed cast members, their roles, and the narrative beats they support, avoiding speculation and rumor. Read on for an annotated cast list, timeline of key scenes, and answers to common questions about who appears and why.
Verified Main Cast
The main performers and principal characters in the video center on Ariana Grande’s world, dramatizing her real-life relationships and celebrity entanglements. The following cast members are widely recognized in trade coverage and official descriptions as part of the primary narrative.
| Name | Role in Video | Verified Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Ariana Grande | Herself / lead character | Official music video credits |
| Mac Miller (Andrew ‘Drew’ Goings) | Ex-boyfriend/mockumentary subject | Press notes and on-screen identification |
| Pentatonix (Kevin Olusola, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Mitch Grassi, Matt Sallee) | Cameo as airline passengers | On-screen appearance and group statement |
| Victoria Monét | Main girlfriend (date to events) | Credits and public confirmation |
| Teddy Geiger | Romantic interest / date | Credits and interviews |
Ariana Grande
As the central figure, Grande portrays a heightened version of herself, fictionalized into romantic entanglements with past collaborators and friends. Her presence anchors every scene, from contentious breakups to red-carpet awkwardness, ensuring the narrative remains tightly coupled with her lived public experiences.
Mac Miller
The late rapper appears in dramatized form, representing past romantic history that frames much of the song’s theme. His inclusion is stylized and symbolic rather than a literal reenactment, consistent with the video’s satirical take on celebrity dating culture.
Pentatonix
The a cappella ensemble appears briefly but memorably as airline passengers, delivering humor through recognizable group dynamics. Their scene functions as a light interlude before more consequential plot beats unfold.
Cameos and Supporting Roles
Supporting cast members amplify the storyline by embodying stereotypes and real-life personas familiar to fans, from high-maintenance exes to gym-obsessed suitors. These appearances are generally brief, yet identifiable thanks to public personas and swift callbacks to shared cultural touchstones.
- Jennie Pierson (Alexa Luria) — credited cameo as a high-maintenance ex
- Dua Lipa — brief appearance as a party guest, consistent with cross-promotion between artists
- Millie Bobby Brown — rumored unverified; not confirmed in final edit
- Nicole Richie — stylist and wardrobe input, non-speaking appearance
- John Stamos — unverified casting; absent from released cut
Narrative Structure and Timeline
The video moves through a string of vignettes that parody reality TV, romantic comedies, and tabloid drama, stitching together moments that mirror Grande’s documented relationships. Key beats include a press-confession scene, a confrontation with an ex, and a cathartic finale surrounded by friends. Timing within each segment is concise, reflecting the song’s brisk tempo and the visual shorthand common in contemporary music promos.
| Scene Segment | Approximate Timestamp | Narrative Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Intro Setup | 0:00–0:18 | Establish the question, ‘How did we get here?’ |
| Breakup Flashbacks | 0:18–0:50 | Reference past relationships with Mac Miller and Pete Davidson |
| Pentatonix Cameo | ~0:50–1:00 | Comic relief; break from romantic plot |
| Climactic Confrontation | 1:00–1:30 | Face-off with an ex; showcase of empowerment |
| Closing Group Shot | 1:30–end | Affirmation of independence and support system |
Common Misconceptions
Because the video leans into satire and exaggeration, viewers sometimes interpret background performers as main cast or assume unverified appearances. Several rumored names circulate online but do not hold up against the released credits and reliable reporting. Maintaining clarity between confirmed roles and speculation helps avoid misinformation that persists in fan forums.
Availability and Viewing Context
The Thank You, Next music video premiered on Vevo and YouTube alongside the single release and remains widely accessible across platforms. It was filmed in part in Los Angeles and New York City, leveraging recognizable locales to ground the fantasy in familiarity. No sequel or alternate cut has been officially announced; the released version stands as the definitive visual companion to the song.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is every character in the video based on a real person?
Many characters are inspired by real relationships, but they are stylized for comedic and narrative effect rather than documentary accuracy.
Are there any deep-cut celebrity cameos I missed?
Visible cameos include Pentatonix and a handful of known collaborators. Claims of additional deep-cut appearances are generally unverified.
Where was the music video filmed?
Primary filming occurred in Los Angeles and New York City, using a mix of studio sets and on-location spots to balance realism and production design.
Does the video tell the full story of the song?
It dramatizes key themes—breakups, media scrutiny, and moving on—without covering every lyrical detail. Think of it as a highlight reel with comedic exaggeration.
How does this compare to Grande’s other music videos?
Compared to more conceptual visuals, this video is more character-driven and loosely structured, prioritizing rapid-fire gags and star cameos over dense symbolism.