Parents' Guide to

Queer Eye

TV Netflix Reality TV 2018
Queer Eye TV show poster: The Fab Five

Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 11+

Fun makeover reboot talks acceptance, is more inclusive.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 11+?

Any Positive Content?

  • 1:05
  • Queer Eye TV show screenshot 1: The new Fab Five.
  • Queer Eye TV show screenshot 2: Helping a man with his overall makeover.
  • Queer Eye TV show screenshot 3: Celebrating a job well done.

Parent and Kid Reviews

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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!
missoulagrace
missoulagrace Adult
June 27, 2019
age 10+

Surprisingly deep and very positive

Yes, it's a makeover show-- but it really isn't about the changes on the outside as much as the ways the Fab 5 encourage people to be brave, be themselves, and be vulnerable. It's an emppowering show, and gently pokes fun at... everyone... in ways that are based n love rather than fear. The Fab 5 aren't afraid to be blunt-- calling out intolerance, for example, or telling someone their place is filthy. But they aren't there to shame people-- they're there to unpack the baggage being carried around by the makeover recipient and help them live a life that's more authentic and confident. I do sometimes gasp at the $$$ they mucst spend on the makeovers (especially the remodel/redecorating parts) but there is a thread of "keeping it real" and they rea;ly aren't recommending super expensive things or super complicated grooming regimens. In act, any product placement is very subtle as far as I can tell. My 11 year old and I have been watching and both really like it. It has sparked some good conversations about personal style, self-care, and being honest.
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), kicks off with a new generation of gay mentors committed to making over single, straight men of all ages throughout Georgia. Later seasons focus on people of all genders, sexual orientations, races, and ages. 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 person work their new look and attitude.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (10 ):
Kids say (35 ):

This updated version of the Queer Eye franchise remains campy and fun while tapping into some sensitive issues without judgment. The people 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

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