Top 10 Queer Eye Season 5 Moments

Ryan Dyer, who goes by the stage name DJ High Def, was nominated for “Queer Eye” by his parents in the hopes that he would get help with his self-esteem and eventually find someone to enter into a stable relationship with. The most emotional moment in this episode comes when we see Ryan have a talk with his father about his expectations of him. Ryan feels insecure about his career path and how his dad sees him. His dad asserts that all he wants is for Ryan to live the life he wants, making us all wish we had parents this supportive.

In the fifth episode of the season, we’re introduced to Abby, who is willing to spend all her time fighting for the causes she believes in but has a hard time making the time to take care of herself. In a lot of ways, she’s an unconventional “Queer Eye” candidate, but there’s a powerful moment when she talks about how hard it is to be taken seriously as a young woman that certainly resonated with many young female viewers. Luckily after her makeover, she was definitely given a boost of confidence!

Marcos, who dreams of having a restaurant of his own, is instantly likable when we meet him in episode eight. But there’s a rift between him and his oldest daughter that is causing him and the rest of the family strife. Partway through the episode, Karamo organized a communication session between the two estranged family members where they’re finally able to open up about what came between them. It’s clear that this discourse helps them to finally be able to understand each other, and none of it would have been possible without the Fab 5.

Rahanna is behind the doggie styling (and dyeing!) business Stylish Pooch, but when she meets the Fab 5 her business premises are in need of a serious spruce up. Not only do they give her a head to toe makeover, but they also provide her with a brand new van for her mobile grooming company. The episode is one of the most fun in the whole season and features a doggie fashion show where her canine clients are able to strut their stuff down the runway. What more could a viewer ask for?

Pediatrician Lilly worries that she spends too much time at work and ends up feeling like an outsider in her own family. Her husband, Jon, spends so much more time with their daughter, Annabelle, that she always feels like she’s encroaching on their time together. But in this scene, she watches as they work in a pottery class together and then Karamo uses his classic inspirational magic to convince her to join in. He assures her that she’s a great mom despite her self doubt, and that her daughter doesn’t notice when she’s gone, but rather appreciates when she’s there.

Season five kicks off with a great episode featuring Pastor Noah Hepler who is gay and out, but still has reservations about his place in the Lutheran Church. Not only does Bobby give the Church of the Atonement a major makeover, but Karamo also brings Noah to meet with some other queer members of the clergy so he can begin a dialogue with people who have a similar lived experience to him. It’s clearly an inspirational (and emotional) encounter for Noah, who gets the insight to move forward with more confidence.

Bride-to-be Haley nominated her dad Kevin for “Queer Eye” to help him figure out a new direction for himself because she was going to be leaving home after getting married. Of course, the Fab 5 did everything they could to help him get ready for his daughter’s big day, including getting him a new set of pearly whites. Kevin’s reaction to seeing his updated smile is heartwarming and brings a tear to our eyes. And Haley’s jaw dropping moment when she sees her dad brings the whole episode full circle.

Sometimes, the physical makeovers aren’t nearly as important as the internal work that the heroes are doing, but in this case the two really go hand in hand. Nate is self-conscious because of the hair loss he has suffered, but of course Jonathan came up with the perfect style that would make him feel great regardless. And Nate isn’t the only one to get a new look in this episode. “Queer Eye’s” very own JVN shaved off his signature moustache in the very last scene, wrapping up the season with a bonus makeover.

Before her husband was diagnosed with ALS, Jennifer was a stay-at-home mom. But since then, she has become both the family’s caregiver and breadwinner, leaving her with little time to focus on herself. Her daughters wanted to have her on the show in the hopes that it would allow her to have a little “me time”. But Jennifer has a hard time thinking about anything but her family, as evidenced when she reveals her fears about losing the life she has worked so hard to build. While it’s a difficult moment to witness, the episode ends on a high note when her family surprises her with a party in her honor.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Sister Act Redo
"The Anxious Activist"

Noah Apologizing to Bobby on Behalf of the Church
"Preaching Out Loud”

Meeting Walter & Honoring Bruley
"Preaching Out Loud”

Fab Five Playing Patty Cake
"The North Philadelphia Story"

Karamo Putting on Jennifer's Shorts
"Silver Lining Sweeney"

The thread running through Tyreek’s episode of “Queer Eye” was the rift that had come between him and Ruth, the woman who acted like a mother to him in his youth. While he makes many changes on his journey, it’s clear that the most important thing is repairing this relationship. The conversation they have at the end is a tearjerker, because it’s almost painful to know that Tyreek was living under incorrect assumptions about why Ruth had to give him up for so much of his life. In the end though, the only thing that matters is that they were finally able to reconcile.