Bobby Berk Details Losing Money On Hit Netflix Show

For Bobby Berk, one of the Netflix hits most beloved makeover shows hasn't been much of a financial glow-up. The Queer Eye design guru, who won over fans with his stylish transformations and sunny demeanor, recently revealed that e was actually losing money during the show's early years. In a refreshingly frank chat on the Networth & Chill podcast, Berk did not pull any punches as he discussed the financial hardships he experienced while filming the first two seasons of the show that catapulted him to international stardom.

"They were paying us basically nothing," he confessed, looking back at his first-ever paycheck from Queer Eye. The series provided exposure and a fan base, but the downside was extreme, Berk pointed out literally. As the interior design lead, every moment away from his own business was a lost opportunity for revenue and stagnation.

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"We were gone for five months, so half the year, we were gone, and then we were on constant press tours," he said. The requirement to film on location, along with a whirlwind publicity tour, prevented Bobby from accepting client projects or running his own design firm. It was a big blow for a self-made entrepreneur. While Queer Eye puts forth the appearance of five thriving lifestyle gurus transforming lives one episode at a time, Berk's story provides a crucial dose of reality. Fame doesn't always pay off immediately, at least. As viewers watched the Fab Five thriving, Berk was, behind the scenes, struggling to cover the cost of his time, effort, and lost business.

It also raises a larger point in the entertainment industry: the space between visibility and fair pay, particularly in the early phases of the business for significant projects. It's a reminder that success isn't always as smooth as it seems or as glamorous and that even breakout stars can have financial troubles. In 2023, Bobby Berk announced that he had been on Queer Eye for an official 8 seasons. Though his time on the show resulted in some heartwarming transformations and hard-fought lessons, his current truth offers a rare and needed look at the price of fame when the cameras stop rolling.