Why Is There A New Guy On Queer Eye Jeremiah Brent Joins

When fans of Netflix’s hit reality series Queer Eye noticed a new face among the Fab Five in recent seasons, many asked: Why is there a new guy on Queer Eye? The answer lies in both personal loss and creative evolution. Jeremiah Brent, an interior designer and television personality, stepped into the spotlight not as a replacement, but as a thoughtful continuation of a legacy—one shaped by change, resilience, and the show’s enduring mission to uplift through transformation.

The original Fab Five—Antoni Porowski (food and wine), Tan France (fashion), Karamo Brown (culture), Bobby Berk (interior design), and Jonathan Van Ness (grooming)—had become synonymous with the rebooted version of Queer Eye, which premiered in 2018. Their chemistry, empathy, and expertise helped redefine modern makeover television. But when Bobby Berk announced his departure in early 2023 after five transformative seasons, the show faced a pivotal moment. Enter Jeremiah Brent.

A Shift Rooted in Respect and Renewal

Bobby Berk’s exit was met with widespread reaction from fans who had grown attached to his calm demeanor and sophisticated design sensibilities. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Berk explained that while he loved being part of the show, the demands of constant travel and filming no longer aligned with his family life. “I’ve poured my heart into every single space I’ve designed,” he wrote, “but it’s time for me to be home.”

Rather than recast the same archetype, the producers chose to evolve the role. Jeremiah Brent didn’t simply fill a seat—he brought a fresh perspective rooted in emotional intelligence, holistic living, and accessible elegance. Unlike traditional interior designers who focus solely on aesthetics, Brent approaches spaces as reflections of identity, healing, and connection.

“Design isn't just about how something looks. It's about how it makes you feel when you walk into a room.” — Jeremiah Brent

Who Is Jeremiah Brent?

Before joining Queer Eye, Jeremiah Brent built a reputation across television and design media. He first gained national attention on Lifetime’s Real Estate Intervention and later co-hosted HGTV’s Nate & Jeremiah By Design with his husband, Nate Berkus. Together, they became household names in the world of renovation storytelling, known for blending high design with deeply personal narratives.

Brent’s background includes work on high-profile residential projects, collaborations with major brands like Sherwin-Williams and Pottery Barn, and authorship of the book Home Sweet Home, where he emphasizes creating emotionally resonant environments. His philosophy aligns seamlessly with Queer Eye’s core value: transformation begins within.

Tip: When redesigning a space, start by asking, \"How do I want to feel here?\" Your answer should guide color, layout, and furniture choices.

What Jeremiah Brings to the Fab Five

Jeremiah Brent doesn’t replicate Bobby Berk’s style—he expands upon it. Where Berk often leaned into modern minimalism and architectural precision, Brent introduces warmth, layering, and intuitive flow. His designs are less about perfection and more about belonging.

In his debut episodes, viewers saw Brent help a grieving widow reclaim her bedroom as a sanctuary, guide a busy father toward organizing a chaotic family room, and support a non-binary individual in crafting a gender-neutral living space. These moments weren’t just makeovers—they were acts of emotional restoration.

His presence also strengthens the show’s representation. As an openly gay man raising children with his husband, Brent normalizes diverse family structures without making them the focal point of drama. His authenticity adds depth, especially when advising subjects navigating identity, relationships, or self-worth.

Do’s and Don’ts of Emotional Space Design

Do	Don’t
Prioritize comfort and personal meaning over trends	Overcrowd rooms with unnecessary decor
Use lighting to influence mood (warm vs. cool tones)	Ignore natural light and airflow
Involve the homeowner in design decisions	Impose your aesthetic preferences
Create zones for rest, work, and connection	Design one-size-fits-all layouts

Timeline: How Jeremiah Joined the Show

1. March 2023: Bobby Berk announces departure from Queer Eye.
2. April 2023: Netflix confirms the show will continue; casting search begins.
3. May–June 2023: Jeremiah Brent participates in chemistry reads with remaining Fab Five members.
4. July 2023: Official announcement: Brent joins as the new design expert.
5. January 2024: First episode featuring Brent premieres globally on Netflix.

Mini Case Study: Transforming a Grief-Stricken Home

In Season 8, Episode 3, titled “All the Feels,” Jeremiah worked with Sarah, a woman still processing the sudden loss of her husband two years prior. Her bedroom remained untouched—a shrine frozen in time. While others avoided the space out of respect, Jeremiah gently encouraged her to reimagine it not as erasure, but as evolution.

He preserved meaningful elements—a favorite quilt, framed concert tickets—but introduced soft lighting, a calming palette of sage and cream, and a dedicated memory shelf. The result wasn’t a flashy redesign, but a tender reclamation. After the reveal, Sarah said, “For the first time, I feel like I can breathe in here again.”

This moment exemplified Brent’s unique contribution: he sees design as therapy, not decoration.

Checklist: Evaluating Your Own Space for Emotional Wellness

• Walk through each room and note how it makes you feel—calm, anxious, energized?
• Identify one area where clutter causes daily stress.
• Determine if your furniture supports your routines (e.g., reading nook, workspace).
• Assess lighting quality—do lamps create harsh shadows or soothing ambiance?
• Ask yourself: Does this space reflect who I am now, not just who I was?
• Include at least one personal item in every room that sparks joy or memory.

FAQ

Is Jeremiah Brent replacing Bobby Berk completely?

No. While Brent has taken over the interior design role, the show honors Berk’s contributions. Some episodes filmed before his departure aired afterward, creating overlap. Brent brings a different but complementary approach—not a direct replacement.

Will Bobby Berk ever return to Queer Eye?

There are no current plans for his return. However, he has expressed admiration for Brent and support for the team. Guest appearances aren’t ruled out, especially during milestone episodes.

How is Jeremiah’s design style different from Bobby’s?

Bobby emphasized clean lines, open spaces, and modern luxury. Jeremiah leans into texture, warmth, and emotional resonance. He often uses layered fabrics, organic shapes, and sentimental objects to create nurturing environments.

Conclusion: Evolution, Not Replacement

The arrival of Jeremiah Brent on Queer Eye isn’t a disruption—it’s a natural progression. Change is inevitable, especially in a show built on transformation. What remains constant is the mission: helping people see their worth through compassionate intervention.

Brent’s integration into the Fab Five reflects a deeper truth—that growth requires openness, both in design and in life. His sensitivity, lived experience, and human-centered approach ensure that the spirit of the show continues to thrive, even as its form evolves.

💬 What did you think of Jeremiah’s first season on Queer Eye? Share your thoughts, favorite moments, or design takeaways in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation growing.