Bobby Berk Addresses Backlash Over New HGTV Show Announcement Timing After Queer Eye Cancellation

By Sophia Reynolds
August 24, 2025

Los Angeles, CA – Bobby Berk, former interior design expert of Netflix’s Queer Eye, has responded to criticism over the timing of his new HGTV show announcement, which came just one day after Netflix confirmed the cancellation of Queer Eye after its 10th season. The 43-year-old designer insists the announcement of his solo series, Junk or Jackpot?, was a coincidence, not a calculated move, addressing backlash from fans and even a former co-star during an interview at the At Home with Narwal event in Los Angeles on August 21, 2025.

The Timing Controversy

On July 10, 2025, People exclusively revealed that Berk would host Junk or Jackpot?, a six-episode HGTV series set to premiere in late 2025, where he helps collectors manage their overwhelming collections to transform their spaces. The announcement came just one day after Netflix announced on July 9 that Queer Eye, the Emmy-winning makeover show where Berk starred for eight seasons, would conclude after its upcoming 10th season. The proximity of the announcements sparked criticism, with some fans and media outlets questioning whether Berk was capitalizing on the show’s end.

Social media, particularly X, amplified the debate. A user posted, “Bobby announcing his new show the day after Queer Eye’s cancellation feels like shade,” while another wrote, “Couldn’t he have waited a week?” Even Berk’s former Queer Eye co-star Karamo Brown reached out, saying, “Girl, the day after?” as Berk recounted to People.

Berk’s Defense

Berk firmly denied any intentional timing, telling People, “I swear on my mother’s life, my show announcement date was set. This was planned. Show announcements don’t happen on a whim.” He emphasized that he was unaware of Netflix’s cancellation announcement, adding, “I mean, [Netflix] could have easily given me a heads-up on when that was going to be announced. I was on the show for [eight] seasons, but yeah, it’s fine.”

The designer expressed frustration over the lack of communication from Netflix, noting that better coordination could have avoided the perception of insensitivity. He also addressed the broader criticism, saying, “Some people were like, ‘Couldn’t you have waited?’ And I’m like, ‘Well, yes, but no.’”

Context of Berk’s Departure

Berk’s exit from Queer Eye in November 2023 was emotional, with the designer citing personal commitments and the end of his initial seven-cycle contract as reasons for leaving. In a January 2024 Vanity Fair interview, he clarified that he believed the show was over after filming wrapped in 2022, only to learn Netflix renewed it for additional seasons. His co-stars—Karamo Brown, Tan France, Antoni Porowski, and Jonathan Van Ness—chose to continue, leading to Jeremiah Brent replacing Berk in season 9.

Tensions with co-stars, particularly France, also surfaced, with Berk admitting to a personal “situation” unrelated to the show. Reports of strained dynamics within the Fab Five, including allegations of Jonathan Van Ness’s on-set behavior, added context to Berk’s departure, though he maintained his decision was driven by new projects, including Junk or Jackpot?.

Public and Fan Reactions

The controversy has divided fans. On X, some expressed disappointment, with @BuzzFeedLGBTQ sharing, “Bobby Berk Addressed Backlash Over Announcing His New Series 1 Day After ‘Queer Eye’ Was Canceled,” prompting comments like, “Timing’s suspicious, but I’ll still watch his new show.” Others supported Berk, with @TVInsider noting, “Bobby Berk swears it was just a coincidence,” and fans replying, “He’s moved on, let him live!”

Reddit discussions on r/popculturechat highlighted Berk’s contributions to Queer Eye, with users like u/AcceptableVanilla879 praising his design work and lamenting his limited screen time compared to co-stars. “Bobby could have burned the queer eye set to the ground and I’d still be on his side,” one commenter wrote, reflecting strong fan loyalty despite the controversy.

Looking Ahead

Junk or Jackpot?, executive produced by John Cena, marks Berk’s first solo venture with HGTV, following his debut as a guest judge on Rock the Block in April 2025. The show aligns with his design philosophy of transforming lives through thoughtful spaces, as seen in his work with Queer Eye’s “heroes.”

As Berk moves forward, the timing controversy underscores the challenges of navigating public perception in the wake of a high-profile exit. With Queer Eye’s final season looming and Berk’s new chapter beginning, fans and critics alike will be watching to see how he balances his legacy with his future endeavors.

Trending Tags: #BobbyBerk, #QueerEye, #JunkOrJackpot, #HGTV, #ShowTiming, #KaramoBrown

Sophia Reynolds is an entertainment reporter covering celebrity news and pop culture.