Karamo Brown’s final words to Netflix’s beloved reboot of Queer Eye came as the show wrapped up its 10-season run on Wednesday, January 21, 2024. The star’s message, delivered in the credits of the first episode of season 10, urged viewers to stay positive, kind, and loving, and to keep supporting one another.
At a Glance
- Karamo Brown delivers a heartfelt goodbye in the finale’s first episode.
- The rest of the cast follows with their own farewell messages in episodes 2-5.
- Brown skipped live interviews before the finale, citing mental and emotional well-being.
- Queer Eye premiered on Netflix in February 2018 and ended its decade-long run.
- Why it matters: The show’s ending marks the end of a cultural phenomenon that has helped millions feel seen and heard.
Final Episode Farewells
In the opening credits of season 10’s premiere, Karamo Brown-the show’s longest-tenured host-addressed fans directly:
“Ten years of Queer Eye has been my greatest joy. It has given me so much. It has made every dream come true. I have met people who are gonna be my family for the rest of my life. I’m so thankful for this experience,” he said.
He continued, “There are so many people out there that feel alone; they feel like no one’s hearing their story. This show has given me so much hope for the impact that you can make when you continue to walk in your truth and just show up.”
Brown’s closing promise was simple yet powerful: “Anybody comes in my path, you’re gonna feel heard and seen.”
Brown’s Message of Positivity
After the initial broadcast, the other four cast members-Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Jonathan Van Ness, and Jeremiah Brent-shared their own parting messages in the credits of the next four episodes. Each delivered a personal note of gratitude and encouragement.
- Antoni Porowski (41) said, “Anything can change if a person experiences real love. And it’s pretty incredible to think that I was part of this thing that brought hope to people.”
- Tan France reflected on the show’s impact on his own life and the lives of others.
- Jonathan Van Ness (38) praised Brown for prioritizing his own well-being.
- Jeremiah Brent (41) noted that the series had given him a platform to share stories that mattered.
Brown’s emphasis on kindness, positivity, and mutual support echoed throughout the final episode, reinforcing the series’ core values.
Behind the Scenes: Brown’s Absence from Live Interviews
Ahead of the finale’s premiere, the cast appeared at two live morning-TV interviews on January 20, 2024-one on CBS Mornings with Gayle King and another on Today with Jenna & Sheinelle. Brown was noticeably absent.
An assistant released a statement to the press: “Brown has felt mentally and emotionally abused for years and was advised by his therapist to protect himself and his peace by not attending.” Brown did not disclose who was responsible for his feelings of abuse.
When Porowski heard of Brown’s decision, he said he was “definitely a little surprised” but supportive, adding that Brown was “taking care of himself.” Van Ness applauded Brown’s choice, noting that “he’s been teaching people how to take care of themselves on Queer Eye for almost 10 years,” and that it was “not easy” to make such a statement.
Legacy of Queer Eye
Queer Eye debuted on Netflix in February 2018 and ran for ten seasons before concluding in 2024. The show’s format-four experts transforming a person’s life-has become a cultural touchstone. Brown, who joined the reboot in season 9, was the only original cast member to remain until the end.
The series’ impact is evident in the way it has helped viewers feel seen, heard, and empowered. Brown’s final words underscore that legacy, encouraging fans to continue the work of kindness beyond the screen.
Key Takeaways
- Karamo Brown’s farewell is a call to action for viewers to remain positive, kind, and loving.
- The rest of the cast echoed this sentiment, each offering personal reflections.
- Brown’s absence from live interviews highlights the importance of mental health.
- Queer Eye‘s decade-long run has left an indelible mark on pop culture.
Queer Eye is now available to stream in full on Netflix.
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Note: This article is based on statements and footage released by the cast and the network.
