TV shows we love: Queer Eye by Gina Agapiou

In addition to anything else, 2022 will be the year I appreciated how empowering it can be to watch five queer guys make over people from across the colourful gender and sexuality spectrum.

But I should clarify that I was emersed in the 2018’s reboot of the show on Netflix and not the Bravo version by the same creator David Collins (yet).

This revived reality show follows a new Fab Five team across different USA locations for each of the six seasons, but one thing remained the same as the original: Queer Eye is so much “more than a makeover”.

It is – probably – the only reality show that communicates key life values and positive messages on self-love and acceptance.

Inspiring quotes are constantly thrown out at random by fashion guru Tan France, food and wine connoisseur Antoni Porowski, licensed psychotherapist Karamo Brown, formerly homeless interior designer Bobby Berk and – my personal favourite – the sharp fierce groomer Jonathan Van Ness.

Throughout the show viewers get the chance to familiarise themselves with the contrasting backgrounds of the five fabulous men while they are introduced to various characters and watch them transform into a better version of themselves.

After every makeover, the team returns to their headquarters, where they all sit down together and watch the “hero” or “heroine” present their new self to their close circle and take a daring step towards a fresh start.

Now, those of us who are watching them watch them must remember to view the pre-recorded show with a pinch of salt. The conversations might not be scripted but sometimes they feel carefully handled.

For Queer Eye fanatics, there is also another season of the series shot in Japan or the German adaptation of the show.