As an avid fan of Bravo’s original Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, I have to admit I was a little worried about how Netflix’s take on the reality show classic would be 15 years after the original’s pilot episode was released (yeah I feel old too.) But as soon as I saw the new ‘Fab Five’ I knew this 2018 version would be equally as good. After all a lot has changed in the past 15 years, gay marriage is legal across the United States, but that doesn’t mean that stigma against the LGBTQ community is a thing of the past, something this new series never shies away from. So without further ado, here are all 8 episodes of season 1 ranked from worst to best, although I should note, every episode is fantastic!
8. Saving Sasquatch (Episode 2)
Pros:
- I’m always a fan of the long hair to short hair make over which was a focus of this episode hence the episode name.
- As the second episode, this serves to show viewers the core ‘quirks’ of the new ‘Fab Five’
Cons:
- There wasn’t really anything at stake besides the makeover reveal to his mother.
- Fell flat after the great pilot episode.
7. The Renaissance of Remington (Episode 6)
Pros:
- Impressive house makeover while still keeping important details for the family.
- Enjoyable look into the family history of Remington.
Cons:
- Again nothing really at stake.
- 'Straight Guy’ and ‘Fab Five’ didn’t have their usual banter which makes the series work so well.
6. Below Average Joe (Episode 7)
Pros:
- Overall a strong episode with the ‘Fab Five’ jumping through hurdles to make their ‘straight guy’ go through a transition.
- Seriously his basement apartment is nicer than mine, although I don’t live in my parent’s basement.
- The photo shoot.
Cons:
- This episode reminded me a lot of another comic makeover episode from the first series that I also felt wasn’t the strongest.
5. Hose Before Bros (Episode 8)
Pros:
- Interacting with all the firemen and helping them raise money to train other firefighters
- The firehouse makeover
Cons:
- Frankly this didn’t feel like an episode of Queer Eye as the ‘straight guy’ wasn’t the main focus of the episode
4. Camp Rules (Episode 4)
Pros:
- The Target sequence since I felt that for the ‘straight guy,’ that would be very beneficial to his large family.
- The house makeover.
- Bobby and the ‘straight guy’ discussing homosexuality and growing up in the church.
Cons:
- Lots of details and smaller arcs which is common with family Queer Eye episodes.
3. You Can’t Fix Ugly (Episode 1)
Pros:
- Very strong pilot episode that made me feel confident about the series overall
- Transformation was very impressive
Cons:
- As it was the pilot episode, they were still trying to find their footing.
2. Dega Don’t (Episode 3)
Pros:
- The makeover and home renovation wasn’t too impressive but was still good.
- The conversation between Karamo and Cory about police brutality and #BlackLivesMatter was the perfect segment on how this Queer Eye has been renovated for the modern age. Seriously, no matter your thoughts on the subject or what side you on, you should watch this episode because their conversation is that constructive.
Cons:
- Personally I didn’t enjoy the ‘Fab Five’ watching Cory after his makeover with his friends, but maybe that’s just me liking the ‘classic’ formula.
1. To Gay or Not Too Gay (Episode 4)
Pros:
- Coming out arc was very powerful (tbh it brought me to tears).
- According to a recent tweet AJ and Drey got engaged! (see below)
- AJ didn’t got through a physical makeover per say, but he did go through an emotional one which makes up for it.
