“Queer Eye” has become a cultural phenomenon, capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide with its heartwarming transformations and empowering messages of self-love and acceptance. Each episode of this hit reality TV show follows the Fab Five—Antoni, Bobby, Jonathan, Karamo, and Tan—as they embark on a mission to uplift and inspire individuals from all walks of life. With so many memorable scenes and life-changing makeovers, it’s no wonder that fans have been buzzing about this show, so much so that we decided to delve into some of the best “Queer Eye” episodes to air, following the most unforgettable and impactful moments that have left a lasting impression on both the participants and the viewers.
The impact of “Queer Eye” on the world shouldn’t be taken lightly. The effects it has had on the world are undeniable. By showcasing the power of self-love, acceptance, and personal transformation, “Queer Eye” has inspired millions of viewers to embrace their authentic selves and treat others with kindness and understanding.
The show would not be the same without the Fab Five. What makes the members of the Fab Five so special? In the world of makeovers and self-discovery, each talented member brings their unique expertise and personalities to the table. Tan France, the resident fashion guru, guides individuals towards expressing their authentic selves through stylish outfits and confidence-boosting advice. Bobby Berk, the design maestro, transforms living spaces into functional and beautiful havens that reflect their clients’ true selves. Jonathan Van Ness, the grooming extraordinaire, works his magic with haircuts, skincare, and infectious enthusiasm, leaving everyone feeling fabulous inside and out. Antoni Porowski, the food and wine connoisseur, whips up delicious and approachable meals, fostering connection and joy through the power of shared culinary experiences. Finally, Karamo Brown, the culture expert, tackles personal challenges with empathy and guidance, helping individuals overcome self-doubt and embrace their true potential. Together, the Fab Five create a transformative experience that goes beyond aesthetics, empowering individuals to live their most authentic and fulfilling lives.
Luckily, some of the best examples of these positive moments of awareness and change happen in the very episodes we have ranked for you today. As always, we at StudyFinds have researched multiple expert sources to bring you today’s list of the top seven best episodes of “Queer Eye” yet! Don’t agree with our list or feel we missed out on a good suggestion? No worries. We would love to hear from you in the comments below. Now, onto the list!
➡️ How Our “Best Of The Best” Lists Are Created
StudyFinds’ “Best of the Best” articles are put together with the idea of taking the work out of common consumer research. Ever find yourself searching for a product or service on Google and reading multiple reviews to find items listed across many of them? Our Best of the Best lists are created with that process in mind, with each item ranked by how frequently it appears on expert reviews or lists. With Best of the Best, you are getting consensus picks — making them truly the best of the best!
The List: Best “Queer Eye” Episodes That Fans Love
1. “To Gay or Not Too Gay” (Season 1, Episode 4)
The first episode that intensely affected viewers was “To Gay or Not Too Gay.” It is truly a benchmark episode for anyone who has ever struggled with their self-identity and worth and hits a chord with both those who identify as LGBTQ+ and those who do not. Cinema Blend describes the fourth episode of season one as the episode that solidified their continued viewership. The episode features the Fab Five helping out a civil engineer named AJ, who is frightened about coming out.
In a world with media saturated with self-discovery stories, this season one episode sheds light on the often-untold story of coming to terms with being gay. “To Gay or Not Too Gay” is one of the first episodes to shed light on the LGBTQ+ community’s difficulties building self-confidence. MovieWeb describes the “deep” conversation between AJ and Antoni as an especially deep and powerful moment, showing there is “no one right way to embody an identity.”
Antoni, Bobby, Jonathan, Karamo, and Tan are stand-outs, as always being open and understanding towards the hero and showing AJ that there is no such thing as “too gay or not gay enough” and that he can express himself however he sees fit. “It’s a powerful message for anyone struggling with identity issues,” adds Collider.
2. “Black Girl Magic” (Season 3, Episode 5)
the black girl magic episode of Queer Eye is powerful for so many reasons, but this particular scene, where Jess talks about her journey from giving up on unconditional love to loving and embracing who she is, is truly beautiful pic.twitter.com/aglXAKTKBq
— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) March 21, 2019
Our number two pick is “Black Magic Girl.” This season’s third episode features Jess, a young woman struggling to find her place in the world. Black Girl Magic is also the first episode of the series to feature the Fab Five helping a lesbian hero. Snip Daily adds that Jess’s story is especially heartbreaking, as her “adoptive parents threw her out due to her sexual orientation.”
Unfortunately, Jess’s story is one that is not unique in the LGBTQ+ community, as many youths to this day find themselves without a family or a home after coming out or being outed. Jess was even forced to drop out of school due to the mounting debt. Because of her traumatic past, Jess is weary of building relationships, which is why “Jess’ week on the show is all about encouraging her to create connections,” explains Thrillist.
Though this episode is an emotional one, the Fab Five come together to restore Jess’s faith in humanity, giving her a light at the end of the tunnel. Specifically, Bobby, who had a similar experience with his adoptive parents, shows her that her past doesn’t need to define her present. “The episode teaches Jess, and any queer kids at home who need to hear it, the importance of chosen families,” notes Collider. The episode is spent building Jess up and restoring her confidence as she creates a sense of home, community, and self-worth.
3. “Jones Bar-B-Q” (Season 3, Episode 3)
Everyone deserves a little TLC, and in “Jones Bar-B-Q,” the team behind this family-owned barbecue spot finally gets the full package. The episode follows two sisters who built a business on slow-cooked barbecue and a secret sauce. Ranker says they finally get the break they deserve with the help of the Fab Five.
Touching down in Kansas City for this very special season three episode, the gang plans to give these two sisters all the love they’ve given to their father’s business back to them in spades. Little and Shorty are the siblings who run the famous Jones Bar-B-Q restaurant, and it’s the Fab Fives’ mission to not only help them but do so while expanding and “preserving” their father’s business, according to MovieWeb.
Of course, no “Queer Eye” episode is complete without a makeover scene, and this heart-touching episode features multiple, from the women to the restaurant. One of the makeovers even includes a new set of veneers for one of the sisters, whose response is truly one to be remembered, according to The Game Of Nerds. The restaurant’s transformation is also worth noting as one of the best redesigns on the show to date.
4. “Disabled But Not Really” (Season 4, Episode 2)
“Disabled But Not Really” is the next pick on our list. This episode features the story of a self-proclaimed former “bad boy” who turned his life around when he became paralyzed. The transformation doesn’t stop there, as the gang helps him receive a wheelchair-accessible home and a “new image to match his positive outlook,” explains Episode Ninja.
This episode, though rated highly, has mixed reviews on how it handles its subject matter. Though the episode does a great job of showcasing Wesley’s journey from being shot to his activism, others were, needless to say, “divisive” over the show, focused more on overcoming disability and being inspirational than the day-to-day reality. Nevertheless, “it does still make for a powerful and emotional episode,” adds MovieWeb.
The core five shine in this episode despite mixed reviews. Bobby especially does a great job making accessible changes to Wesley’s home, but “Karamo’s contribution is the real heart-stopper,” says Collider. The episode ends with Wesley confronting the man who shot him, and Karamo is there to help guide not only Wesley but also viewers through the moment.
5. “God Bless Gay” (Season 2, Episode 1)
For number five, we are pivoting back to what “Queer Eye” does best with “God Bless Gay,” a title with more than just one meaning. This episode ironically takes place in Gay, Georgia. Here, we meet Miss Tammye, a devoted member of her church who not only goes above and beyond for her fellow church patrons but also requests Bobby to renovate the church’s community center rather than her home. But it’s not only Miss Tammye the team comes to the aid of; her 22-year-old son Myles has not felt “welcomed in the church since he came out,” writes Collider.
This episode follows both Tammye and Myles on their separate journeys and highlights the struggle religious-raised children feel when coming out. The Fab Five is doing double duty this episode, helping both the main hero, Tammye, and Myles. Myles is “concerned about how he’ll be received in the tiny town’s religious environment,” notes Thrillist. What unfolds is a dual mother-and-child makeover as we see what true family support looks like. During the climactic homecoming service, Tammye preaches about a God who is loving of all people.
This episode truly serves as soup for the soul for anyone with roots in religion, whether they still practice or not, and does an excellent job of “showing all the nuances of sexuality and religion,” states MovieWeb. Both Bobby and Karamo are able to use their past experiences specifically to bond with Myles, while Tammye’s attitude is infectious to anyone who watches. However, be sure to bring the tissues, as this episode will certainly hit some heartstrings.
6. “On Golden Kenny” (Season 4, Episode 5)
“On Golden Kenny” may seem like a simple episode on the outside, but we promise you, the emotions you will experience watching this season four stunner are unmatched. The episode tells the story of Kenny, an older man who is struggling post the loss of both his parents and family dog. Kenny feels isolated, but the “Fab Five helps him get back into the world and share more of himself with his family,” comments MovieWeb.
Out of all the heroes the group has helped thus far, Kenny and the gang, from the outside, seemingly have little to converse about, “yet they can bridge the gap,” adds Collider. The episode has even been described as “healing” as it showcases a relationship between younger queer individuals and an older generation.
Right from the start, viewers are rooting for Kenny, and the core five give him their all when it comes to making the right changes in his life. They help him make connections not only with other people but with a new furry friend. The episode follows as JVN and Antoni accompany Kenny to his local shelter. Of course, there are many beautiful dogs, but the true highlight is when Kenny finds one that reminds him of his buddy who crossed the rainbow bridge. He subsequently adopts the pup and names it Fab for the crew that helped him. A very touching tribute by a truly memorable individual.
7. “Snow White of Central Texas” (Season 6, Episode 7)
On the tail-end of a heavily emotional pet episode comes “Snow White of Central Texas.” It’s the last episode to make the cut, and for good reason. Telling the often-untold story of animal rescues and the people behind them. This episode features Jamie, the founder of a rescue that helps animals with special needs, “who is so busy taking care of others that she doesn’t make time for herself,” reports Episode Ninja.
On top of featuring animal rescue work, the episode also highlights the daily struggles of motherhood and the need to take time for oneself. In the episode, which takes place in Texas, the gang meets Jamie at Safe In Austin, her rescue center. Jamie, however, has her hands full as not just the owner of a highly demanding business but also a mother of three. The Fab Five, however, comes in to not only help lessen her workload but also to “revamp her rescue center,” notes Snip Daily.
The episode is full of great moments from the gang, as well as some funny ones to break up the emotional undertones. For instance, Bobby helps with the barn to take a load off of Jamie, who Karamo takes the opportunity to address the possibility of “burnout” with and how she could add some more self-care into her routine, adds Collider. And if you ask us, the episode is essential viewing for any animal lovers out there!
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