
Jonathan Van Ness
Self - Host

Jonathan Van Ness lets curiosity lead the way while roving from snacks to wigs in this podcast spinoff chock-full of experts and special guests.
I’ll admit it: I didn’t expect to spend an evening learning about the structural engineering of skyscrapers from Jonathan Van Ness. But there I was, curled on the couch, laughing as he gasped at the idea that buildings sway in the wind—"They what?!"—while a civil engineer patiently explained dampers like she was teaching a particularly excitable golden retriever. This, in essence, is Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness: a show that treats curiosity not as a scholarly obligation but as a full-body experience, one that involves equal parts wonder, silliness, and the occasional snack break.

The series, adapted from Van Ness’s podcast of the same name, is less a traditional talk show than a guided ramble through the things that make its host’s eyes light up. One episode might dive into the history of wigs (a subject close to Van Ness’s heart, given his own iconic hair journey), while the next explores the science of insects or the cultural significance of figure skating.
The format is loose, almost improvisational, with Van Ness playing the role of the eternally fascinated student to a rotating cast of experts. It’s a structure that could easily feel scattered, but the show’s charm lies in its refusal to pretend curiosity has to be tidy. As Rotten Tomatoes notes in its coverage, the series thrives on its ability to explore "complexities in a wide range of subjects" without ever losing sight of the joy in discovery [2].
What makes Getting Curious work—or at least, what makes it so watchable—is Van Ness himself. There’s a reason he became a breakout star on Queer Eye: his warmth is disarming, his enthusiasm infectious. Here, he leans into that persona, but with a twist.
"A lighthearted and quirky talk-style series that charms with Jonathan Van Ness’s personality but struggles to stand out in a crowded genre."
Viewers appreciate Jonathan Van Ness’s infectious enthusiasm and the show’s playful approach to curiosity-driven conversations. However, the series often feels too similar to other talk shows, lacking a distinct hook or depth to keep it memorable beyond its host’s charm. latestnetflix.com's read is that Feedback is sparse, but the few opinions available suggest it’s enjoyable in the moment but forgettable afterward.
Jonathan Van Ness, the beloved Queer Eye star, stepped into a new role in 2022 with Getting Curious, a Netflix series that promised to blend humor, heart, and deep dives into topics close to their heart. The show, described as a mix of reality TV and comedy, offered Van Ness a platform to explore everything from gender identity to societal norms—all while keeping their signature charm intact. But behind the scenes, latestnetflix.com contends, whispers of tension and personal struggles hinted at a more complicated production than the polished final cut suggested.
Getting Curious positioned itself as more than just another celebrity-hosted series. Van Ness, who publicly identifies as non-binary , used the show to tackle subjects like gender binaries, with episodes like "Can We Say Bye-bye To The Binary?" serving as a centerpiece. Clips from the series show Van Ness in raw, emotional moments, particularly when discussing gender identity, suggesting the show was as much about personal exploration as it was about entertainment .
The trailer teased a lighthearted yet thought-provoking vibe, with Van Ness’s curiosity driving the narrative . But while the series leaned into their strengths—charm, wit, and relatability—it also faced criticism. Ratings on SensCritique clocked in at a modest 6/10, with viewers noting that the 30-minute runtime left some topics feeling underdeveloped .
Van Ness’s reputation as a warm, effervescent personality took a hit amid reports of behind-the-scenes turmoil. While Getting Curious itself didn’t directly address these issues, earlier controversies involving Van Ness’s behavior on the Queer Eye set spilled into the public eye around the same time. Sources claimed their "rage issues" created an atmosphere of fear among the Queer Eye cast, with tensions running high enough to strain relationships within the Fab Five .
The allegations didn’t stop there. In a separate video, Van Ness addressed accusations of an "abusive workplace" during their time on Queer Eye, though details about whether these issues carried over to Getting Curious remain unclear . The timing of these revelations—coinciding with the release of their new series—added a layer of complexity to the show’s reception. Was Getting Curious a fresh start, or just another project overshadowed by old drama?
For all its ambition, Getting Curious left some key details frustratingly vague. The evidence doesn’t clarify who created or directed the series, nor does it reveal how many episodes were produced. The show’s short runtime (30 minutes per episode) may have limited its depth, but without more context, it’s hard to say whether that was a creative choice or a production constraint.
What is clear is that Van Ness brought their full self to the project—flaws, passion, and all. Whether Getting Curious will be remembered as a bold step forward or a footnote in their career remains to be seen. For now, it stands as a testament to their willingness to push boundaries, even when the journey gets messy.
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