Queer Eye for the Straight Guy is an hour-long American television series that premiered on the Bravo cable television network on July 15, 2003 and promptly became both a surprise hit (at least by the standards of cable TV) and one of the most talked-about television programs of 2003.
Fitting into the genre of both reality television and "make-over" programs, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy stars five openly gay men (Ted Allen, Kyan Douglas, Thom Filicia, Carson Kressley, and Jai Rodriguez), each of whom has a particular talent (food and wine; grooming; interior design; fashion; and "culture," respectively).
Each episode of the series follows the group of five men (who refer to themselves as the "Fab Five," and are widely described by that term in articles about and promotions for the program) as they attempt to improve the life of a particular heterosexual man who is preparing for some sort of special event in his life (examples include a marriage proposal, a first dinner with a girlfriend's parents, and the like). The "Fab Five" offer advice in each of their fields of expertise, and completely make over the heterosexual man's home, buying him new clothes, food and furniture, and supervising the creation of his new "look."
A typical episode might include the following situations: Ted heads to the refrigerator, generally mocking its contents but also obtaining an idea of the gustatory likes and dislikes of the week's straight man. Kyan heads off to the bathroom, looking for products - that is, grooming products, and an idea of the straight man's general cleanliness. Thom comments extensively on the taste (or lack thereof) of the furniture and decor. Carson rummages through the closet and bewails the lack of couture. Jai looks for signs of intelligent life (books, CDs) or discusses body language with the straight man du jour. The Fab Five manage to tread a fine line between helpful criticism and bitchiness, so that the overall effect is of kindness rather than harshness.
The critical reaction to the series upon its debut was mostly favorable, with reviews and essays about the program appearing in many publications during the summer of 2003. Some homosexuals criticized the program for what they considered to be its stereotypical portrayal of gay men, but such views were not those of the majority of reviewers or critics. Indeed, many other homosexuals praised the program for its matter-of-fact portrayal of openly gay men as well as for its mostly warm-hearted approach which is so at variance with other reality TV programs.
The series' success was such that television networks in both the UK and Australia announced by the autumn of 2003 that they would be creating localized versions of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy for broadcast in their countries.
