Summary
Gorgeous or gross? This is an energetic and educational series from Jonathan Van Ness that tackles important issues of our time as well as the downright random.
This review of the Netflix series Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness season 1 does not contain spoilers.
Yass queen! Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness has taken a short break from his Fab 5 duties to go solo in this intriguing new docu-series from Netflix. The energetic grooming expert has been hosting his very own podcast series since back in 2015, which has now made the leap over to the streaming realm. Consisting of six short episodes, Jonathan Van Ness explores his most passionate topics in great detail, these include bugs, hair, non-binary, snacks, skyscrapers, and figure skating.
Our dynamic host is as energized as ever, with a thirst for knowledge that is just infectious. He dives headfirst into every topic, asking a million thoughtful questions and adding his own unique twist to the subject matter. Like with Queer Eye, Van Ness talks directly to the camera and buzzes around the screen with his distinct love for life. Imagine your typical television presenter, but Van Ness will tell a scientist that ‘I love your haircut’.
The format is fast-paced and hyperactive. There’s lots of information hurled at the screen, with nice little touches like little fact boxes and an ingenious section titled ‘Dancing On A Tangent’. In these digressions, Van Ness goes silly and satirical. The bugs episode involves a ‘Bug Gala’, whilst in the non-binary episode, Van Ness spoofs retro adverts to discuss pronouns. The Queer Eye host always brings his own personal touch to each subject and manoeuvers issues towards a modern viewpoint. Even in the end credits Van Ness has a final flourish of creativity and sings his very own song that links back to the episode.
Each episode explores a different topic, with Van Ness keen to represent all communities and minorities in the process. His warmth and cheery disposition are commendable, as he allows a platform for those who are discriminated against. It’s in episode 3 (“Can We Say Bye-Bye To The Binary?”) where all these ideas and notions encapsulate his overall vision. Clearly, this is one of his most personal topics and he openly discusses his own struggles with gender identity and conformity. The episode is addressed in the same respectable if humorous style.
Not only for fans of Queer Eye and the sensational TV personality Jonathan Van Ness himself, but this is also an educational and enlightening delve into some of society’s most contemporary talking points. Van Ness, as always, brings a light-hearted and fun approach to the educational structure. The series is highly entertaining and hey you may learn something along the way.
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