After previously responding coyly to a Summer 2006 report that the show was being canceled, Bravo announced today that Queer Eye will come to an end this summer when the cable network plans to air the reality show's final 10 all-new episodes.
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"The unforgettable Fab Five have taken Bravo and viewers worldwide for an eye and mind-opening ride since they made their fabulous debut," Bravo executive vice president Frances Berwick stated in the network's announcement. "We proudly watched as viewers embraced the series that really helped open the closet doors on gays and their presence on television and in popular culture."
Dubbed Queer Eye: The Final Season, the final episodes will follow the "Fab Five" of Ted Allen, Kyan Douglas, Thom Filicia, Carson Kressley and Jai Rodriguez as they continue their mission to better the lives of each episode's participant, with a warring artsy family, a monster truck-loving clutter bug and a divorced biker dad serving as three of the final season's final makeover subjects.
A one-time huge ratings hit that ended up launching the struggling former film and performing arts network into a whole new direction, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy rewrote Bravo's ratings record book when it first premiered in July 2003. When NBC aired a special episode of the series later that month, it drew 6.7 million viewers.
As ratings for the series continued to soar, the show became a pop-culture phenomenon, leading to book deals, product placements, overseas editions, a 2004 Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality Program, and even a makeover of members of the 2004 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox. During the production of its third season, Queer Eye dropped for the Straight Guy to expand its repertoire.
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Last August, it was reported that Rodriguez stated the series would not be back in 2007, a statement that Bravo said was false and based on a misquote. A statement from the cable network said Queer Eye had "just wrapped its production cycle" and "a whole new season is slated for 2007." Unfortunately for "Fab Five" fans, this summer's season will be the show's last.
According to Bravo, the series will air with a "not-to-be-missed special final episode."
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio