Critic Reviews

If anything, the self-improvement show manages to boil itself down to its purest form in Season 2 leaving us with more of what we loved from Queer Eye‘s debut outing: real, honest moments of genuine connection between people from starkly different walks of life who might otherwise never cross paths.

In a franchise first, the Fab Five even outsource some of their counseling and coaching this season to former heroes, both a lovely catch-up with characters from seasons past and also a moving reminder that the show does actually spur long-term changes in the lives of these people.

The ending’s always pretty predictable, in the best way. ... The group as a whole embody a natural chemistry, though Jonathan Van Ness becomes a clear standout.

Whatever your religious beliefs (or lack thereof), by the end of this episode, you’ll be yelling “Amen!” through your tears.

The lack of bitchiness admittedly makes this Queer Eye a little less funny than the first; most of the comedy weight is provided by Van Ness, the most quick-witted of the group. But all five of the consultants are likable and go out of their way to match their guidance to the interests and circumstances of the men they advise. ... Engaging.

Come for the serial reveals, stay for the life lessons. (Don't judge a book by its cover. Pick up your room.) Or come for the lessons and stay for the reveals. It works either way.

It’s a formula, but damned if it doesn’t do the job and generate the tears, most of them happy.

Queer Eye seems to have decided that facing challenges and adjusting expectations shouldn’t solely be the province of its experts. As a result, it’s as fascinating as it’s ever been, a document of gay men in 2018--proud but uncertain about Pride, liberated but carrying wounds from an all-too-recent past--that feels unexpectedly vital.

Anyone who fell in love with this charming Queer Eye crew will be happy to know that they remain very much in character during season two. ... Because there’s such an established formula to Queer Eye, binge-watching isn’t necessarily the best way to enjoy it. Spreading out the episodes will cut down on one’s awareness of the repetitiveness in its structure, as well as the repetitiveness in some of the advice being offered.

It is great, great TV. Much credit goes to the group of highly watchable experts, whose breakout stars include Karamo, a satin-swathed bro whisperer; Jonathan, a whirligig of sass and kilts and moisturizing wisdom; and Antoni, the self-consciously pretty boy and supposed food whiz. Their targets are nicely varied and likable, too.