Parents' Guide to

Queer Eye

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Fun makeover reboot talks acceptance, being your best self.

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Queer Eye Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 7+

Based on 10 parent reviews

janawellness
janawellness Adult
November 6, 2019
age 12+

Wonderful show

The emotional intelligence educational value outweighs the adult content. These are real people with real struggles and the gay team steps in and changes their lives for the better in so many ways. My daughter goes to Christian school but I like for her to be exposed to the world. We both love this show!

This title has:

Great messages
MsSnazzy
MsSnazzy Parent of 8 and 10-year-old
October 15, 2019
age 6+

Positive and Uplifting

This show teaches the best kind of family values: it's about loving and supporting others, helping people grow, and the importance of community. I watched it with my 8 & 10 year old and they loved it. Not sure why it's rated 14+. Most of the episodes are pretty darn wholesome; there may be a few episodes with a some very mildly risque jokes, but the overall value far outweighs them. I'm pretty picky, but I think this show is for everybody.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 10 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (10):
Kids say (34):

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

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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