Smallscreen Reviews

Review: Carson Nation with Carson Kressley best show on OWN

By April MacIntyre Jun 26, 2011, 18:47 GMT

We love Carson - Carson Kressley - Cosmopolitan Magazine Hosts Third Annual Bikini Bash at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas on May 24, 2010 - Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino - Las Vegas, NV, USA © PRN / PR Photos

Oprah's OWN may be well served by her secret weapon: Carson Kressley.

Once a part of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy", Kressley is genuine and kind, and after meeting him and speaking with him over the past few years at Television Critics' Association events and ABC round tables, I have come to the conclusion anything this man touches in the realm of TV is gold.

Why? Sincerity.  Kressley comes at his audience with no malice afoot, no secret agenda or discomfort with his over-the-top exuberance about being a fabulous out gay man who marches to his own beat.

He is a lovely person, and it comes through in his latest OWN series, "Carson Nation."

In fact, I would argue that people like Carson have done more in the cause to soften homophobic hearts in past years, which possibly helped the historic marriage bill in New York pass. 

His latest series is a toss of a dart, devil may care adventure in a sleek airstream with his glam squad in tow.  Kressley chooses stories of people all over who are deserving of a little TLC and bucking up.

During this first season, Kressley helps a bride-to-be battling Lupus; John, a tattoo artist who needs to reconnect with his wife; and Bobi, a Coast Guard medic who lost touch with her feminine side while working in a man's world.

The first episode premiered Saturday, June 25th at 10/9c on OWN.

This is also very family friendly reality, and teaches compassion with a dose of humor and heart.  Kressley intuits people's emotions like a laser and gets it; he never makes anyone feel stupid or lesser than, and he connects in a truly genuine way that made him the breakout star of "Queer Eye" to begin with.

The stories quite touching and educational too, as his tips help us all clear the cobwebs from our own style ruts and venture out a bit.

Oprah is no dummy. TV is well served by having Kressley in the mix.