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Queer Eye for the Straight Guy

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Where to watch: Bravo, DVD, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Fun, feel-good makeover show for teens and up.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The five leads poke lots of fun at gay stereotypes. They help their subjects feel better and more confident about themselves and are always generous. Even though they usually belittle the subject's current style and decorating choices at the beginning of each episode, they make an effort to get to know each subject and tailor their suggestions to each one's tastes and means.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Plenty of teasing sexual innuendo and banter. Sometimes the guys go looking for sex toys and porn in their subject's drawers or pretend to hit on him -- but it's all in fun. Some episodes are more explicit in their discussion of sex (usually between married or longtime couples) and include visuals of things like sex toys. One episode featured a nudist, but the crucial bits were blurred out.

  • Language:

    Some mild swearing is bleeped out.

  • Consumerism:

    Rampant. Every product used in the makeover is named, and companies sponsor big giveaways (laptops, diamond rings) in exchange for plugs on the show. Famous names sometimes drop by the show in exchange for a little publicity, too.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The five have celebratory cocktails at the end of each episode, and often share social drinks with their subjects, too.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Queer Eye for the Straight Guy

Parents need to know that the main characters in this makeover reality series are five gay men who, while witty, say and do things that might offend some audiences. There's also no shortage of celebratory drinking and subtle sexual references. As makeover shows go, this is one of the more positive, feel-good ones; the guys actually refer to what they do as a "make-better," and they're generous and engouraging as a rule.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about stereotypes. Why are people judged on things like race and sexual orientation? Is it ever difficult to put prejudices aside when meeting someone for the first time? Why? How can people work to change that? On a more frivolous note, families can discuss the changes the Fab Five make in each subject's life. Do you agree with their suggestions and fixes? Which one would you most want to have come over to your house to work his magic?
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