REVIEW: ‘Queer Eye,’ Season 6 Is the Best Yet

It’s been a hot minute since we’ve seen the Fab 5 last. And we definitely know the reason. It begins with a C and ends in “ovid.” But despite the impact of the global virus on the filming of this season, it’s honestly brought about some very emotional and heartfelt episodes in Netflix’s Queer Eye Season 6. While not all episodes are as great as the next, some true gems make this season a must-see.

Even six seasons in, Queer Eye’s message has been the same since the very first episode: helping people help themselves. It’s a reality show that showcases people from all walks of life, often people who give to others much more than they receive themselves. This is where the Fab 5 comes in. Queer and fabulous, the five bring their individual expertise—Tan France deals with fashion, Antoni Porowski with food, Karamo Brown with culture, Bobby Berk with home design, and Jonathan Van Ness with grooming—to the show, all to teach people how to find time to take care of themselves so they can keep caring for others. Season 6 differentiates itself with its shooting location: Austin, Texas.

Having lived in Austin for five years, I was a fan of seeing glimpses of Austin’s landscape—from downtown to the rural areas surrounding Austin proper. We see some great features around Austin in many of the transition shots and visit some well-known locations in a few episodes. It’s great to see the cityscape and the ranches, even if they’re just the focal point for a few seconds.

Food is a huge part of Texas culture and, while not the main focus, we see some great recipes from Antoni. We also see the occasional cowboy boots thrown about by Tan. It would have been nice to have seen a bit more Texas culture, but that’s not the show’s focal point—it’s the people. And Austin is the home of a wide range of people from all backgrounds of life and it’s something Season 6 highlights effortelssly.

For example, episodes feature a 60 something-year-old man who runs a crawfish boil restaurant after his wife passed away, a 22-year-old trans woman struggling with her father’s acceptance and dysphoria, a class of seniors who have been stuck behind a computer all year but now have a chance to get together for prom, a black health care worker who recognized the inequities in her community and has been integral to helping them through Covid, and many more. It’s easy to see why each person featured is on this show and deserves the help they get from the Fab 5. But, nevertheless, there are some dull episodes. It’s not a case that any of these people aren’t interesting or haven’t done amazing things for their families, friends, or communities. But when you have a handful of extraordinary, heartfelt episodes, everything else pales in comparison. And you know it’s emotional when all the Fab 5 are teary-eyed by the end.

Part of what makes some episodes in Queer Eye Season 6 so emotional is that it incorporates the effects Covid has had on all our lives. For example, the Fab 5 throws a senior prom for students who haven’t seen each other outside of online classes. It really delves into how kids are dealing with these changes and even highlights students with some astounding backgrounds who have achieved so much—like a senior who came to the US at the age of 14 not being able to speak English.

Queer Eye Season 6 tackles some big projects, perhaps more extensive than they’ve ever done on this show. From helping set up an entire prom night for a senior class to building a huge barn for an animal rescue, I never expected this season to go all out, especially after Covid. But the Fab 5 has taken not only the effects of Covid but the extent of the projects in stride. The bunch is as excitable and positive as ever. Add in the occasional motivational quotes, dance transitions, and helpful tips at the end of each episode, and each second is filled to the brim with joy even in the face of loss and sorrow.

Queer Eye has brought us another great season, perhaps even the best so far. With some huge projects and some extremely heartfelt and emotional episodes driven by the effects of Covid, it’s a season that reminds us of the power of community, helping each other, and learning to take care of ourselves just as much as others.

Queer Eye Season 6 is streaming now on Netflix.