In an age of reboots, remakes, and revivals, reality television staple Queer Eye has made one of the more notable comebacks, becoming a fixture at Netflix as their unscripted space began to grow.
A ‘make-better’ show, as creator David Collins calls it, Queer Eye follows the Fab Five—five gay men, experts in five lifestyle disciplines—as they revamp the lives and living spaces of various subjects. Retaining the essence that made Queer Eye a smash hit at Bravo, all the way back in 2003, Collins’ revival has also evolved to reflect life in a new era.
It would be an understatement to say that America has changed significantly in the 15 years since Queer Eye’s Bravo launch. In 2004, Massachusetts became the first state to recognize same-sex marriage; and now, in 2018, gay marriage is recognized nationwide.
Of course, fundamental social problems remain—homophobia and bigotry among them. But what Queer Eye spotlights is quite the opposite, people from all different backgrounds coming together to acknowledge and celebrate what it is that they have in common. Amidst a polarized political climate, Collins’ series works toward healing, embracing all perspectives.