We Could All Use "The Fab Five"

The new "Queer Eye is as affecting as the original.

In 2003, the Bravo series, “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” premiered to a somewhat nonplussed audience. As it turns out, this was groundbreaking television.

The premise, five gay guys overhauled the lives of clueless, straight schlubs, who were “nominated” by friends and loved ones for much-needed lifestyle upgrades.

Each “queer” was a guru in a particular area: Ted Allen, food and wine (Allen is now host of the Food Network hit, “Chopped”), Carson Kressley, fashion, Kyan Douglas, grooming, Jai Rodriguez, culture and interior design expert, Thom Filicia.

Every week, the Fab Five would descend upon their unsuspecting target and with a light and often hilarious touch, make the dude over from head to toe.

In record time, Kressley would revamp his wardrobe – never hesitating to burn a pair of flipflops…

Filicia would perform miracles on the guy’s often disgusting domicile…

Rodriguez shared his knowledge of art, music and entertainment…

Allen would work his magic in the kitchen, often “de-junking” the fridge while extolling the virtues of making fresh pasta…

Finally, Douglas did his thing via a fresh hairstyle and skin care tips. Voila! The frog became a prince.

It should be noted that one of Kressley’s things was his frequent use of the word “zhuzh,” the definition of which is “to improve appearance by way of a slight adjustment.” 

You want to zhuzh up your look? Ditch that belt and pull your shirt out of your pants.

I loved “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” which was shortened to just “Queer Eye” in its third season so as to include anyone, regardless of gender and sexual preference.

The show was fresh, compelling and funny. The Fab Five was smart and erudite. And the series’ dedication to spreading the message of “tolerance,” sorely needed. It’s important to remember that “Queer Eye” hit the small screen well before the legalization of gay marriage.

Netflix’s 2018 update of “Queer Eye” is just as good. Maybe better. There is an emotional element to the show that I don’t recall in the original. And “acceptance” is the overarching message, this time around.

Created by David Collins, three seasons are available for viewing, all of which I’ve binge-watched. Immediately, I was drawn in.

Seasons one and two take place in and around Atlanta, Georgia. (Interesting in and of itself.) Season three is set in Kansas City, Missouri.

Frankly, I could eat the new Fab Five with a spoon. Not only are they extremely easy on the eyes, they genuinely appear to be decent human beings. Not just actors in a TV show.

The new Fab Five consists of the following experts: Antoni Porowski (OMG handsome) food and wine, Tan France, fashion, Bobby Berk, design, Karamo Brown, culture and lifestyle and the irrepressible Jonathan Van Ness, grooming.

The chemistry between these dudes is palpable and their joy in helping others, infectious. Plus, the soundtrack kills it!

Van Ness, by the way, is outrageously and unapologetically, feminine. A delight to watch, the episode in where he waltzes with a burly firefighter is a standout. As is the Fab Five’s guidance and support of a young, black girl who was shunned by her family for coming out. And wait until you see what they do with a self-professed “redneck” in the pilot episode, “You Can’t Fix Ugly.”

This incarnation of “Queer Eye,” even takes on couples!

There is so much that is good about “Queer Eye” that I can call it, without hesitation, “must-see TV.” Beautiful men. Interesting locales. Great music. A poignant, timeless message. It’s worth a look. If nothing else, Queer Eye is great entertainment, a diversion from the daily grind. Something we all need.

To the Fab 5 old and new – I f*cking love you guys. And to Antoni, Bobby, Tan, Jonathan and Karamo, especially – if you can’t change hearts and minds, no one can,

To paraphrase Jonathan, you’re all “gorge!”