Queer Eye for the Straight Guy
"Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" helped put the Bravo channel on the network map. This successful reality show featured five gay men, known as the Fab Five, who all specialized in a different area. The show started in July 2003 and it was one of the most talked about shows of the year. In season three, the titled was shortened to Queer Eye as they began helping not only straight men, but women and gay men as well. The last ten episodes of Queer Eye aired on Bravo last fall.
The Fab Five are:
- Ted Allen - the food and wine connoisseur (food, drink, cooking, and meal preparation)
- Kyan Douglas - the grooming guru (hair, personal hygiene, and facial care)
- Thom Filicia - the design doctor (interior design and home organization)
- Carson Kressley - the fashion savant (clothing, fashion, and personal style)
- Jai Rodriguez - the culture vulture (pop culture, relationships, and social interaction)
Only Carson and Ted appeared in the pilot. Kyan and Thom eventually replaced Sam Spector and Charles Daboub, Jr. The pop culture specialist, Blair Boone, was replaced by Jai after two episodes. While an episode may look like it happens all in one day, it is just editing. The actual production of the show takes place over a span of four days.
The format for each show was basically the same. After arriving at the home via SUV, the Fab Five assess the level of style the straight guy has, which usually, it isn't much. They also speak to family members and friends to get an idea of what needs to be updated. There is also usually some special event involved, such as a wedding proposal or gallery opening. They look over the furniture, organization of the home, accessories, clothing, and even personal care products of the straight guy. The Fab Five have been known to toss sofas out of a window to get rid of the style, or lack there of.
Then, the Fab Five escort the straight guy around town to get new clothes, select new furniture, and usually, get a new hairstyle while Thom is taking care of redoing the home. Ted usually briefly talks about food and shows how to prepare and serve it. Kyan talks about how to groom for the big night and Carson shows him how to put the different outfits they purchased together. After that, the Fab Five sit back and watch the straight guy on television as he gets ready for family and friends to see the new look.
When "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" first premiered, it bought in 3.34 million viewers per episode. Soon, the Fab Five were media celebrities, a trait that has continued despite the show ending. Ted Allen often appears as a food critic and judge on Bravo's "Top Chef" and the Food Network's "Iron Chef America." Kyan has become a spokesman and product advisor for L'Oreal and works with many charities including HRC, DIFFA, and amFAR. Thom has his own makeover show on the Style Network called "Dress My Nest." He is also working on his own furniture and home collections line and is writing a how-to book on interiors. Carson has dabbled in acting (The Perfect Man and The Year Without a Santa Claus) and also debuted his own clothing line "Perfect" for QVC. Jai too has ventured into acting, taking on roles in The Producers on Broadway and the FX hit "Nip/Tuck." He has appeared as a judge on MTV's "Shower Power" and CourtTV's "The Jury." He will also be co-hosting "Ultimate Style" on the Style Network with Daisy Fuentes.
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