Queer Eye

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
Queer Eye Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

Fun makeover reboot talks acceptance, being your best self.

Netflix Reality TV 2018
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Parents say

age 7+

Based on 10 reviews

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 34 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Queer Eye, a reboot of the popular 2003 series, features a new Fab Five making over straight men of all ages. It's funny, campy, and full of sexual innuendo and a bit of stereotyping. There's also plenty of drinking, occasional cigarette smoking, and cursing. All this being said, it contains positive messages about being self-confident and fully accepting oneself and others who may be different.

What's the Story?

QUEER EYE, a reboot of the hit series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy (2003-2007), features a new generation of gay mentors committed to making over single, straight men of all ages throughout Georgia. The new Fab Five includes interior designer Bobby Berk, culture expert Karamo Brown, and food and wine expert Antoni Porowski. Joining them is styling expert Tan France and grooming professional Jonathan van Ness. They follow the traditional formula: changing hair and clothing styles, transforming living spaces, improving cooking habits, and doing what they can to boost each willing participant's confidence to give him a fresh start on life. Once the process is over and the changes are revealed, the gang sits back and watches a recording of the newly made-over man work his new look and attitude.

Is It Any Good?

This updated version of the Queer Eye franchise remains campy and fun while tapping into some sensitive issues without judgment. The straight men featured are in vulnerable stages of their lives, and often reveal their personal insecurities and intimate thoughts about others. Meanwhile, the new Fab Five often share their thoughts about the kinds of things that impact their lives as openly gay men, including being allowed to legally marry and dealing with misconceptions about how they live their lives.

Despite efforts to challenge some of the stereotypes that continue to exist about the gay community, Queer Eye still manages to rely on some of these generalizations to make the series more entertaining. But unlike the original, it underscores the importance of wholeheartedly embracing people for who they are, despite their many differences, instead of simply tolerating them. Ultimately, there are a lot of positive messages here that people from all walks of life can benefit from.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about some of Queer Eye's messages. Why is it so important to be self-confident? What kinds of things can people do to improve how they feel about themselves?

  • What makes this version of Queer Eye different from the original series? What social and political changes have occurred since the original show aired that inspire these differences?

  • The new Fab Five make quick references to the acceptance of, and challenges to, the gay community. Do you think they make stereotypical statements about gay men? Is it appropriate to do so, even if they're meant to be funny?

TV Details

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