Bobby Berk Reveals How Pandemic Break Ignited Fab 5’s Passion for More Queer Eye Seasons and Empowered Artists

The unprecedented global pandemic served as an unexpected, yet profoundly impactful, pause for countless individuals across every profession. For many, this forced downtime offered a crucial opportunity to step back from the relentless pace of their careers, to reflect, and to cultivate a renewed sense of gratitude for what truly matters. This period of introspection, while challenging, has remarkably emerged as one of the most positive outcomes of the turbulent past two years for many. For the beloved stars of Netflix’s hit show, Queer Eye, this extended break from filming may very well be the catalyst that ensures audiences will enjoy many more seasons of their heartwarming and transformative series.

In an EXCLUSIVE interview with HollywoodLife, Fab 5 member Bobby Berk, the show’s resident interior design expert, openly shared the group’s initial reservations before the pandemic hit. “When we got there to film season six in 2020, we were like, ‘I barely have this season in me, I definitely don’t have one after this, we’re probably done after this one,’” Berk candidly recalled, painting a picture of creative exhaustion. The relentless schedule, the emotional demands of connecting with and transforming lives, and the constant travel had begun to take their toll. However, the subsequent break completely shifted their perspective. “But now, we definitely don’t feel that way anymore,” he added with renewed vigor. “We’re ready to keep going. We can keep doing this for quite a while. It definitely revitalized our passion to do what we do.” This honest admission from Berk highlights a universal truth about creative burnout and the power of a much-needed reset.

The hiatus allowed the Fab 5 – comprised of Berk, Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness, Karamo Brown, and Tan France – to rediscover their collective purpose and recharge their individual spirits. It wasn’t merely a physical rest; it was a profound mental and emotional recalibration. The world’s struggles during the pandemic amplified the very core mission of Queer Eye: to uplift, empower, and connect. Bobby elaborated on this transformation, emphasizing the profound lessons learned. “Having that over a year off really allowed us to recharge and honestly get our priorities straight of what was really important. It made us realize how important the work that we do is and how important human connection is, and how important hugs are,” Bobby gushed, underlining the simple, yet powerful, acts that became so scarce during lockdown. This profound realization, born from a period of global isolation, directly informed their approach to the upcoming season.

Season six of Queer Eye, which premiered on December 31st, promises to be an exceptionally poignant chapter in the show’s history. Set against the backdrop of the pandemic’s lingering effects, this season delves deep into the lives of multiple “heroes” who have endured significant losses and immense struggles. The Fab 5 arrive not just as style and home consultants, but as beacons of hope, offering their unique expertise to help these individuals navigate their grief, process trauma, and ultimately overcome the challenges that have weighed them down. Berk’s assertion that “It’s a very emotional season and I think our best season yet” speaks volumes about the depth of connection and the raw vulnerability explored throughout these new episodes. The pandemic, while difficult, ultimately strengthened their resolve and deepened their empathy, making their mission more vital than ever.

Beyond his work with the Fab 5, Bobby Berk continues to champion individuals and their unique expressions of self, a philosophy that resonates deeply with the spirit of Queer Eye. As fans eagerly awaited the premiere of the new season, Berk announced an exciting and impactful new partnership with SunChips. This collaboration is designed to highlight and uplift emerging artists, extending Bobby’s passion for transformation and support into the creative community. The snack brand recently launched its inspiring “Be Your Own Wave” campaign, an initiative crafted to celebrate the individuality and distinctiveness that makes each of their fans unique. As a natural extension of this campaign, SunChips later unveiled the “SunChips Art Seen,” a groundbreaking virtual contest. This contest provides a much-needed platform for one-of-a-kind artists, writers, and creators to share their singular visions and individuality with a global audience, with Bobby Berk himself serving as the esteemed judge.

Bobby’s enthusiasm for the SunChips partnership is palpable and rooted in his personal values. “I loved it because SunChips is out there trying to find people who are being their own wave, being unique and lifting other people up,” Bobby explained, highlighting the alignment between the brand’s mission and his own. He stressed the critical importance of supporting the arts, particularly given the immense challenges artists have faced in recent times. “They’re trying to find amazing artists and lift them up and get them exposure because artists have had it tough the last year and a half,” he elaborated. The pandemic drastically altered the landscape for creatives, forcing closures of galleries, cancellation of art walks, and the cessation of in-person showings – traditional avenues through which artists connect with their audience and sell their work. “Small artists usually have gallery walks and art walks, and art showings, and they haven’t been able to do any of that. The only way they’ve been able to get their art out there is through social media, so SunChips Art Seen is highlighting these local artists.” This initiative directly addresses a significant void left by the pandemic, offering tangible support and visibility to those who need it most.

The “SunChips Art Seen” contest offers truly life-changing opportunities for its participants. Bobby Berk and SunChips meticulously selected five exceptionally talented local artists, each of whom will receive a generous $10,000 cash prize. But the support extends far beyond monetary compensation. These artists will also see their work replicated as painted murals, granting them public visibility and a lasting legacy within their communities. Furthermore, their art will gain unprecedented exposure through placement in SunChips sponsored advertising campaigns, on the brand’s prominent social media channels, and directly on SunChips.com. Crucially, the SunChips website will also feature direct links to each artist’s personal website, creating an invaluable conduit for consumers to engage directly with the artists and, most importantly, to shop for their unique creations. This comprehensive package of prizes not only celebrates artistic talent but also provides a vital boost to their careers and financial stability, fostering a sustainable future for their craft. The finalists for this inspiring contest were announced on December 15th, bringing well-deserved recognition to these deserving creators.

Bobby Berk’s journey, from facing potential burnout with the Fab 5 to finding renewed purpose and passion, mirrors the resilience many have discovered in the wake of global challenges. His commitment to both transforming lives on Queer Eye and empowering artists through initiatives like “SunChips Art Seen” underscores a consistent philosophy: that human connection, empathy, and the celebration of individuality are powerful forces for good. The pandemic may have initially threatened the continuation of a beloved show, but it ultimately served to deepen its impact and strengthen the resolve of its stars. Now, with a revitalized Fab 5 poised for more seasons and Bobby Berk actively uplifting the artistic community, the future looks brighter than ever for inspiring change and fostering connection, one transformation at a time.