Alright, it’s time to talk about RuPaul’s Drag Race, everyone gather your popcorn and favorite pair of sunglasses because the library is now open, officially. You may be wondering what exactly RuPaul’s Drag Race is, let me break it down. RPDR is my all-time favorite TV game show. Okay, so it’s a game show, what else? I know you might be thinking race cars, but I promise I would never in a million years write an article about Formula One or NASCAR (yuck). Drag Race is for Drag Queens! In simpler terms, men who dress up as women. Now that I’ve explained to you the concept of Drag Race, let me also explain why I could binge-watch all 13 of the regular seasons every night on my couch.
RuPaul’s Drag Race was originally hosted and produced by the namesake of the show, RuPaul Charles. Ru, as he’s lovingly called on the show, initiated his rise to fame after making an appearance in the music video of “Love Shack” by the B-52’s in 1989. Since then Ru went on to make many more appearances in TV shows and music videos on his journey to fame.
After making a name for himself, Ru aired the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2009. Since then, the TV show turned into an industry of its own, with not only regular seasons, where viewers are introduced to new drag queens, get to know their personalities and watch the race for the crown. There are also six seasons of “All Stars,” which feature returning queens from previous seasons as they compete to win the crown again. The All Stars seasons do not include the regular season victors, however—they are meant for those who came in second place or less.
I won’t spoil any seasons just in case you want to watch it yourself, but I will tell you what makes the show great. Firstly, acceptance is my big trait here, I didn’t even know what a Drag Queen was until I watched this show. Shoutout to my best friend and now roommate Jakob for getting me addicted to a television show I didn’t even know existed. Together, our obsession extends so far that we can remember a lip sync battle by song and who performed it together, no matter the season.
The way that the people on this show are so open with their experiences through life, their good and bad times, makes me love how transparent they can be with their costars around them. I’m all for vulnerability. By opening up about past trauma due to ridicule and relationships, the queens show that this show is not scripted and even though they are performers, they’re people too.
Also, on a less sappy note, this show is just overall fun to watch. Between perfectly executed runway challenges, lip sync slip ups and tricks, and the shade being thrown all around, you never really know what to expect.
I truly think that RuPaul’s Drag Race is unique in its creation, so unique in fact that the show has branched out to other countries besides America. I would highly recommend to anyone that they watch the show, no matter what background they come from. You can always learn more about the world and people around you, and by watching shows such as Drag Race you can educate yourself further on LGBTQ+ matters especially.
RuPaul is iconic honestly, he showcases that anyone can make someone out of themselves if they have the “Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent.” I especially like a quote of his that states “We’re all born naked and the rest is drag.” So watch the show or don’t watch it (I obviously can’t control you). Just know that you might actually enjoy it, or learn something you had absolutely no idea about. Don’t be shy, experiment! I’m also taking new TV series recommendations, so I’ll update in the future upon investigation.
However, for now, “Good luck, and don’t mess it up!” – RuPaul Charles.