Queer Eye for the Straight Guy: Bravo Fab Five Say Goodbye

You may recall back in August that we published a story about the imminent demise of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. The tip came from an interview with Queer Eye’s self-proclaimed “Cultural Vulture” Jai Rodriguez himself. Bravo very quickly denied the show’s demise and said that a decision wouldn’t be made until the end of the year. Well, it appears Rodriguez was correct and the series’ goose is now officially cooked.

Queer Eye began airing on July 15, 2003 and quickly became a breakout hit for Bravo. The show stars five openly gay men as they help culturally transform a male “victim;” providing makeover for his wardrobe, appearance, home and overall style. The “Fab Five” experts are comprised of Rodriguez, Carson Kressley, Kyan Douglas, Ted Allen and Thom Filicia. (Incidentally, though it may seem like they’ve been together for all 90 episodes, only Kressley and Allen have been part of the show since the pilot episode.)

The show has been so popular that it’s inspired versions in various foreign countries and languages. In addition, a Los Angeles-based spin-off series, Queer Eye for the Straight Girl, debuted in 2005 and was cancelled after one season. Now the original has been put to rest as well.

Bravo has announced that the 10 episodes of Queer Eye: The Final Season will begin airing this summer. A special episode will commemorate the finale, perhaps reuniting the five — since the last episodes were shot last summer when the cast supposedly had no idea about the cancellation. Interestingly enough, Bravo has also announced plans for a similar makeover show starring Project Runway judge Tim Gunn.

But you don’t have to worry about missing the “Fab Five.” They’re all very active in other projects and shows. Filicia, for one, just announced that he is hosting a home makeover show for Bravo competitor the Style Network.

NBC Universal has also been pushing reruns of Queer Eye. The distributor is pushing suggesting affiliates use the show to fill the slot left by the recently cancelled Megan Mullally Show. Chances are you’ll see the Queer Eye guys popping up on daily NBC daytime schedules by the beginning of February.