Bobby Berk didn't intend to cast a shadow over anyone's spirits. On July 10, the renowned interior designer unveiled his latest HGTV series, aptly titled "Junk or Jackpot?", mere hours after the heart-wrenching news broke that "Queer Eye" – the show that made him a star alongside Karamo Brown, Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness (JVN), and Tan France, before Jeremiah Brent stepped in to replace him in 2024 – had bid farewell after a decade-long run.
The proximity of Bobby's announcement to the cancellation news raised a few eyebrows, but he assured everyone it was sheer coincidence and not a dig at his former show. "I swear on my mother's life, the date for my show's announcement was already set in stone," Bobby clarified in an interview with People, published on August 22. "This was all meticulously planned. Show announcements don't materialize out of thin air."
The 43-year-old even revealed that one of his former costars reached out for clarification, with Karamo jesting, "Girl, the day after?" to which Bobby replied, "No, no, no. I promise you, it was already on the calendar." Furthermore, Bobby claimed ignorance about "Queer Eye"'s axing, stating that Netflix "could have easily given me a heads-up about the announcement." "I was part of the show for eight seasons," he added philosophically, "but hey, it's all good."
E! News reached out to Netflix for comment on the matter. Bobby, who has been happily married to Dewey Do since 2012, announced his departure from the Emmy-winning series in 2023, noting that it was a wrenching decision to make.
"It hasn't been an easy choice to come to terms with, but it was necessary," he penned on Instagram. "Although my journey with 'Queer Eye' has concluded, my journey with you continues. More of me is coming your way very soon." He also extended heartfelt gratitude to his fans, saying, "The love I've received from you all over the past six years has been surreal. You've tuned in, shown dedication, and together, we've shared the healing power of design. I've learned kindness, love, and acceptance from you, and it's transformed my life for the better."
As for his former "Queer Eye" cohorts, the current Fab Five have been overwhelmed with nostalgia as they wrap up their show. "Today marks our final day of shooting 'Queer Eye' after nearly nine years," Tan shared on Instagram on August 8. "Words escape me right now, and they might for some time, but today, I'm brimming with gratitude, knowing I get to close this life-changing chapter with this extraordinary cast and crew!"
Jeremiah also reflected fondly on his time with the show, writing on Instagram on August 14, "'Queer Eye' has given me the chance to align my passion with a profound sense of purpose." "It's been more than a job – it's been a calling," he added. "Helping others see their own worth, nurturing their dreams, and witnessing transformation in its purest form has been the ultimate gift."
