How Queer Eye became the Netflix hit of the year

From politics to pomade, the new series has become a cult favourite by tackling the big issues, finds Guy Pewsey
Guy Pewsey9 March 2018

At some point in our lives we may find ourselves stuck in a bit of a rut. Whether it be professional, romantic, emotional or sartorial, seeking a change is often the solution — but it’s not always easy. Luckily, help is at hand: the five guys of new Netflix smash Queer Eye are here to shake things up.

Last month the streaming site unveiled its contemporary reboot of 2003 favourite Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, which now goes by Queer Eye. And over the past few weeks it has divided the country into two tribes: those who love it, and those who haven’t seen it yet.

Straightforwardly, it’s a makeover show in which a cast of five witty, flamboyant gay men give another man a makeover. Realistically, there’s so much more depth: in transforming the subject physically, the protagonists also draw out real emotions. The result is remarkably profound — and the world is falling for the show’s charms.

Can you believe? By the time the Queer Eye guys are through with you, you certainly will.

The Fab Five

Each of the Fab Five brings something unique to the table, and everyone has their favourite.

First, there’s Tan, the only Brit in the group and the resident fashion expert. He cut his teeth with a fashion course at Doncaster College, pulls off the tricky young silver fox look with aplomb and uses his sartorial nous to refresh each man’s personal style. He sees every makeover as an evolution rather than a total overhaul — and this is, in fact, the most charming feature of the show. The quintet doesn’t just blow into town, draping men in Gucci and foundation before clearing off: they get to know their projects and find a way to unlock their innate potential, to suggest changes that feel consistent with the project’s character. It’s a gentler, kinder approach.

Next up there’s Jonathan, who is in charge of grooming. He is unflinchingly, unapologetically camp, speaking in quippy one-liners, flicking his shoulder-length hair with every syllable and leaving subjects reeling after their first attempt at following the strictures of his moisturising regime. Yes, he’s almost unhealthily obsessed with pomade but he is also kind, whip-smart, hilarious and isn’t afraid to be himself — which, of course, is the message of the show.

Overhaul: Karamo chats to one of the show's participants
Netflix

Karamo’s role is less precise. He is credited as the culture pundit but this loose term also covers aspects of dating and romance. Actually, in every episode, he plays a combination of matchmaker, therapist and life coach, and gently helps each man think about a future after the quintet has disappeared into the sunset.

Bobby is a less annoying version of Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen — he has an incredible eye for interiors and, seemingly, an unlimited budget. When the subject is off having a makeover and grooming session, Bobby will do the gardening, paint rooms, refit kitchens, rewire electrics and haul in the new sofas. We all need a Bobby in our lives.

The Fab Five
Netflix

And then there is Antoni. The series foodie gives cooking lessons, proffers recipes and advises on wine pairings and cocktails, all with a mega-kilowatt smile. Saying he’s been maligned online is an understatement. And sure, when Tan is co-ordinating a wardrobe, Karamo counselling an insecure man and Bobby is and refurbishing entire houses, Antoni’s guidance on how to whip up a guacamole can pale a little in comparison. But a man’s gotta eat.

The ‘projects’

The Fab Five are crucial but the show’s heart is the subjects and how they react to this hurricane of personalities — and the subsequent makeover. There are ups and downs: some of them resist certain changes or struggle to embrace their new way of life. But ultimately all are ready, willing and able to learn.

Makeover: Jonathan grooms Tom
Netflix

Take Tom, the classic-car enthusiast with a Father Christmas beard and a basement flat, who is both perplexed and enchanted by the group’s guidance. He’s lonely and adrift, desperate to reunite with his ex-wife. Or there is Neal, clearly uncomfortable with the affection and tactile nature of the Queer Eyes, but who cannot fail to be charmed and duly converted to them. And watching Joe, the stand-up comedian who hasn’t quite found his voice, learn from the five Queer Eyes is remarkably moving.

Family men, bachelors, straight and gay, each have their own issues and hang-ups but are happy to enjoy the ride.

The tears

And what a ride it is. You’re going to need a tissue — especially if you’re going to attempt to binge it all in one. Granted, it starts light: during episode one you may tear up a little as you watch Karamo help Tom explore his feelings for his ex-wife. But it’s episode four, when the team helps AJ to tell his family that he has a boyfriend, that will melt the coldest heart and put even the toughest guy in touch with his emotions.

The message

The overwhelming message of Queer Eye is acceptance, which is established firmly from the first episode. The programme’s previous incarnation aimed for tolerance, hoping that the men in need would nod politely along as five extrovert homosexuals had their wicked ways with them, and then, once the circus left town, see what parts of their new lifestyle might stick.

Best LGBT films and TV shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime - in pictures

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But times have changed, and being tolerated is no longer enough — and nor it should be. For this version, new layers are being stripped back. Men who have internalised a toxic masculinity go home re-educated. Those with intimacy issues depart feeling comfortable with themselves. An aspiring comedian who seems lost finds his strength. And even hardcore Republicans who, it is not an exaggeration to say, possess racist and bigoted views, realise their thinking has flaws and the lifestyles and individuals they would once have feared and rejected are, instead, something to celebrate.

The politics

The greatest epiphanies often come via Karamo’s attempts to encourage introspection and self-evaluation. In one case, a die-hard Trump supporter exhibits a real desire to change. This is a powerful breakthrough: Karamo deftly addresses issues of police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement with a policeman who has Trump and Pence posters adorning his walls. America has perhaps never been in more need of five handsome, intelligent and talented men spreading a message of diversity and self-belief.

Long may they reign. And please, Queer Eyes, won’t you come to London?

Queer Eye is available to watch on Netflix.

@guypewsey

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