I really don't like the first episode of second series. It was worthless and simply boring. The nose job scene was disgusting..
First season was quite ok. As for me, episode the most worth watching was the one with Leo. It was so positive. Leo is a wise and inspiring man. Also Yasmin is a great girl and I think they both learn a lot from each other

Gary is quite young and insecure, and the encounter with Reggie might have not been an obvious influence; Reggie's mild and persistent character directed him, though still quite unconsciously, to overcome at least some of his comfort limits.
Maybe not so persuasive as a completely unselfish act, selling his clothes at the end of the show was a 'touchy' step forward for Gary towards questioning his current insecurities.
Reggie is just a lovely soul... <3

Like Ania-be and Smazi23 highlight, the show introduces some great, really likeable characters to the public, which is important.

However, there must be other ways of making popular shows about 'difference' that don't oversimplify the issues involved!

These types of shows always follow the same model: they never show the vast range of visible differences in terms of differences in severity. The person with the visible difference always has something to teach the public and more often than not, is presented as someone who doesn't engage in 'superficial' beauty practices. I think this type of approach, however unintentionally, further strengthens common stereotypes.

I agree with ChangingFaces.

'Beauty and the Beast' creates two distinct characters; that of the 'unattractive' but altruistic person with a 'disfigurement', and that of the shallow, beauty obsessed person who, although supposedly aesthetically more pleasing, is essentially more damaged. These are then tediously replicated, episode after episode.

This series tries to force the idea that anyone who looks 'different' is some kind of saintly figure, because they don't go to the tanning salon or wear make up, and that this gives them the skills to 'teach' someone else about how to live. The audience is invited to laugh at the someone else as they spend hours putting on make up, usually displaying obvious and distressing signs of body dysmorphia.

This formula is lazy and unrealistic, and dehumanizes both parties. There is nothing particularly 'angelic' about shunning beauty products, and someone with a visible difference is just as likely to want to look attractive as anyone else. 'Beauty and the Beast' forces a polarisation between a person who has a 'disfigurement' and one who values beauty. These are not natural polar opposites, and it makes for uncomfortable and awkward viewing.

I'm not sure I agree with all the negative comments about this show...yes it's a bit of a repetitive formula and they've made changes since the first series which don't work as well for me. However I got a lot from watching Reggie and Debbie on the first two shows...his just ask campaign is one that maybe Changing Faces could look at adapting in some way to break down the initial fears some people have about talking to people like me with a visual difference. And Debbie's overall attitude towards what matters in life is one that should inspire everyone visually different or otherwise.
Have to say I was particularly touched by the moment she and the other lady were getting a facial and it made her a bit emotional. Even as a guy I can relate to that in some way because to have someone take the time and care over a face that hasn't had such positive intense attention before can be a bit overwhelming.
The show has opened my eyes to what goes on behind some of the faces of the beauties of this world and while it raises issues that may be uncomfortable it doesn't necessarily make for awkward viewing for me anyway.
I think the show doesn't polarise the two people who take part in any given show but actually shows they have more in common than what separates them in appearance.
What kind of show should be made if this one isn't serving its intended purpose?

I am not convinced the programme shows that the two individuals have more in common than what separates them. From what I have seen, whilst the show demonstrates really well that a genuine friendship usually forms between the two, they are nevertheless always presented as opposites.

I think the show could be quite alienating to someone who has a visible difference but who still loves make up, clothes/fashion etc because the individuals with a visible difference are never presented in such a way. I think in many of the episodes the person with the difference is used as a side character to highlight how 'superficial' the ''beauty'' is, which I don't think is fair to the ''beauty'' but also meant I ended the show really wanting to hear more about the life journey of the person with the disfigurement. Essentially, the message I get from the show is that the person obsessed with beauty shouldn't be, because they could have it 'so much worse' - and I don't think that is a positive message.

Musicgeek81's response is really interesting to me, because he shows the other side of the coin. It's interesting to me because even though I have strong criticisms of the show, I still watch it! One of the reasons I watch is because I really respect and admire the people with disfigurements who took part in the show, their charisma and spirit really shine through the episodes.