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Why was 'Queer Eye' Season 8 so short? Internet fumes after Netflix drops just 6 episodes of Bobby Berk's last season

'Queer Eye' filming was cut short after carjacking threats in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: In the new 'Queer Eye' Season 8, which also marks the final season for design guru Bobby Berk, the Fab Five jazzed up the lives of some New Orleans heroes. Viewers, however, are already outraged since Bobby's last season with 'Queer Eye' only contains six episodes.

The cast and crew of 'Queer Eye' had a difficult time shooting in the city known as the Big Easy. Season 8 of the program, which was released on Netflix on January 24, has the Fab Five in New Orleans, and they vow it will be a fantastic season.

However, filming, which took place in the summer of 2022, had some tense moments, including two attempted vehicle robberies followed by one successful, according to The Hollywood Reporter. On July 2, 2022, "five men in ski masks attempted to steal a Queer Eye vehicle outside a field production office while two crew members were unloading it," the outlet noted.

However, the higher security expenditures resulted in a drop in episode count from seven to six, as well as a week off the production timeline.

On X, people wrote, "New season of #QueerEye only being 6 episode and it’s Bobby’s last? 2024 is off to a bad start." While another user chimed in, "They only did 6 episodes for Season 8."   

Sad fan also tweeted, "I can’t believe this is Bobby’s last season :(." A fourth person also wrote, "I’m already missing #Bobby." 

On Reddit, fans also wrote, "I’m so disappointed there’s only 6 episodes. The other seasons have 8-10 episodes. I wonder why it’s less this season." 

Previously, Season 7 with only seven episodes was the smallest season of 'Queer Eye', since prior seasons had at least eight episodes. Season 8 has proven to be the shortest, with only six episodes.

Tan France threatened to leave 'Queer Eye' set if additional security wasn’t provided

On the day of the initial crime, the would-be robbers were apprehended, and producers strengthened security surrounding the shoot, recruiting armed guards to bolster the unarmed ones who were regularly on duty. Then, on July 7, two guys attempted to take another car, described as "a fully decked out GMC truck," but were unsuccessful because the personnel inside had locked the doors.

The men then walked to another adjacent car, took a production assistant out, and drove away. The police ultimately discovered the car and apprehended the culprits.

The cast and crew had an emergency meeting, and everyone was provided therapy. Some members of the Fab Five questioned the decision to film in New Orleans, which was experiencing a crime wave, and style guru Tan France threatened to abandon the production unless greater security was provided for both hosts and crew, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The other hosts backed him up. Netflix and production firm ITV America took action, employing off-duty police officers, providing escorts, and providing other services.

"Following the attempted carjacking and carjacking during Queer Eye filming in New Orleans, production took immediate and extensive action to secure the safety of all personnel," a representative for ITV America told the outlet.

"Measures were taken not only to provide ample security, but also so everyone would feel comfortable continuing to film in the city. Due to the collective steps taken, Queer Eye was able to resume filming safely and without further incident."

'Queer Eye' Season 8 hero Doreen Ketchens accuses production of property loss & exploitation

Renowned traditional jazz clarinetist Doreen Ketchens was chosen as a Hero for 'Queer Eye' Season 8 and required assistance in taking over her family's company. Bobby of the Fab Five did a makeover on her store, Doreen's Sweets.

On January 13, a screenshot of a post, Doreen had written on Instagram went viral, accusing the local clarinet queen and 'Queer Eye' producers, as well as Netflix, of larceny and property destruction. She said in her essay that the production staff was content to take advantage of the actors and had refused to accept any accountability for the losses.

It appears, though, that Doreen may have taken down the post from her Instagram profile. It's unclear if Bobby or the production team got in touch with the musician to offer assistance.

Will there be 'Queer Eye' Season 9?

'Queer Eye' has been renewed for a ninth season, which will take place in Las Vegas. Tan, Jonathan Van Ness, Antoni Porowski, and Karamo Brown will return for the season, but interior design expert Bobby is leaving the show.

'Queer Eye' Season 8 is currently streaming on Netflix in its entirety.