Bobby Berk is sharing former costar and pal Karamo Brown’s reaction to the announcement of his new HGTV show, which coincidentally came immediately after news that Queer Eye would end after its upcoming 10th season.
“Karamo was like, ‘Girl, the day after?'” Berk told PEOPLE in a recent interview. “I’m like, ‘No, no, no. I promise you it was already planned.'”
The interior designer explained, “Show announcements don’t happen on a whim. I swear on my mother’s life, my show announcement date was set.”
Berk, who left the Fab Five ahead of Queer Eye’s most recent season, said his former costar wasn’t the only person to criticize the timing of his announcement.
“Some people were like, ‘Couldn’t you have waited?’ And I’m like, ‘Well, yes, but no,'” Berk added.
He also quipped that Netflix could have given him a “heads up,” adding, “I mean, I was on the show for [eight] seasons, but yeah, it’s fine.”
Berk debuted as interior design expert on Queer Eye, Netflix’s Emmy-winning reboot of the Bravo series of the same name, in 2018 alongside culture expert Brown, fashion’s Tan France, food’s Antoni Porowski, and grooming’s Jonathan Van Ness.
After eight seasons on the show, Berk announced his exit ahead of season 9 in the fall of 2023. Berk explained that he simply opted not to renew his contract, sharing that his former costars considered the same route before switching course. He also confirmed swirling rumors of drama with France, but clarified that the two are now on good terms.
He was replaced by designer and HGTV alum Jeremiah Brent.
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly’s free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
Netflix announced last month that Queer Eye, the streamer’s longest-running unscripted series, would end with the Washington, D.C.-set season 10. A day after that notice, HGTV announced that Berk would headline the show Junk or Jackpot? (working title), set to follow collectors as they go through their massive and unusual collections — from an “overwhelming stash of superhero figurines” to “rare puppets and dolls” — to decide if they’re willing to part ways with the items to raise funds for a renovation. The show, executive produced by John Cena, premieres in late 2025.
Read more on Entertainment Weekly
