Queer Eye is one of those rare binge-able shows that's not just entertaining, but also really good for you. It's the antidote to endless voyeuristic thrillers and reality TV that offer nothing more than a slickly packaged dollop of sludge to your already overloaded binge-watch queue.
This latest spin-off from the American original lands on Netflix with an all-new cast of queer men, each of whom takes a different approach to helping a person in need of a makeover. It's a bit of a departure from the usual format, which sees Jonathan Van Ness, Bobby Berk, Tan France, and Karamo Brown work their magic on the 'heroes'.
But that's only on the surface. What's more important is the way these mentors inspire their subjects. They don't just make them look better or give them a new wardrobe, they help them find the spark that was lost.
And it's a powerful thing to do. It's no surprise that the German version of the show, Queer Eye Germany, has been lauded for its positive energy. It may be a little more slick than its American counterpart, with fewer technicolour cornfields and small-town high streets, but it's still inspiring, charming, and occasionally even a touch cloying.
But there's a real earnestness to the work of the Fab Five, who are all committed to making people feel seen and appreciated. And while they might not have the same charisma as their American counterparts, it's hard to imagine anyone not being won over by Leni Bolt's life coaching, Jan-Henrik Scheper-Stuke's expertise on fashion, David Jakobs's beauty know-how, and Ayan Yuruk's design skills.
