RuPaul's Drag Race
RuPaul's Drag Race is an American reality competition television series, known for being at the forefront of the Drag Race franchise. The series was produced by World of Wonder originally for Logo TV and later for VH1 and MTV. The show premiered in 2009 and has become a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the art of drag performance and celebrating LGBTQ+ culture.
Format
The show follows RuPaul Charles, an iconic drag performer, as he searches for "America's next drag superstar." Contestants, who are drag queens from diverse backgrounds, compete through various challenges that test their skills in areas such as fashion, comedy, acting, and lip-syncing. The ultimate goal for each contestant is to win the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar," along with a cash prize and other opportunities within the drag and entertainment industries.
Each episode features a main challenge, a runway show, and a lip-sync battle. Contestants are evaluated by a judging panel, which includes RuPaul, Michelle Visage, and rotating judges such as Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews, Ts Madison, and Law Roach, along with special guest judges.
Seasons and Spin-offs
RuPaul's Drag Race has aired for seventeen seasons. It has generated several spin-offs such as:
- RuPaul's Drag U: A series where biological women receive drag makeovers from former contestants.
- RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars: Features returning contestants from previous seasons competing for a spot in the "Drag Race Hall of Fame."
- RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race: Features celebrities competing in drag.
- RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars: A competition bringing together contestants from various international editions of Drag Race.
- RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked: A companion series providing behind-the-scenes content and additional interactions among contestants.
Cultural Impact
RuPaul's Drag Race has had a significant impact on mainstream culture, increasing visibility for the drag community and influencing fashion, language, and pop culture. It has introduced audiences to drag terms and slang, many of which have entered common parlance.
The series has also been a platform for discussing important social issues, such as gender identity, LGBTQ+ rights, and self-expression, making it a powerful voice in contemporary media.
International Editions
The success of RuPaul's Drag Race has led to international versions in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. These adaptations preserve the core format while showcasing local drag talent and cultural nuances.