RuPaul's Drag Race: Green Screen Christmas

American reality competition television series (since 2009) For the most recent season, see RuPaul's Drag Race season 18. For the franchise, see Drag Race (franchise).

RuPaul's Drag RaceGenreReality competitionDirected byNick MurrayPresented byRuPaulStarringRuPaul's Drag Race contestantsJudges RuPaul Merle Ginsberg Santino Rice Michelle Visage Billy B Ross Mathews Carson Kressley Ts Madison Law Roach Theme music composerRuPaulOpening theme"RuPaul's Drag Race" themeEnding theme List "Cover Girl (Put the Bass in Your Walk)" (season 1) "Jealous of My Boogie" (season 2) "Main Event (Matt Pop 80's Tribute)" (season 3) "The Beginning" (seasons 4–5) "Dance with U" (season 6) "Fly Tonight" (season 7) "Die Tomorrow" (season 8) "Be Someone (Matt Pop Edit)" (season 9) "Kitty Girl" (season 9) "Rock It (To the Moon)" (seasons 10–11) "American" (season 12) "I'm a Winner, Baby" (season 13) "I'm a Winner, Baby (Skeltal Ki Remix)" (season 14) "A Little Bit of Love" (seasons 15–16) "Just What They Want" (season 17) "Good Luck and Don’t F**k It Up (Matt Pop Remix)" (season 18)

Country of originUnited StatesOriginal languageEnglishNo. of seasons18No. of episodes254 (list of episodes)ProductionExecutive producers Fenton Bailey Randy Barbato Tom Campbell RuPaul Steven Corfe Mandy Salangsang Chris McKim Producers Michelle Visage John Polly Camera setupMulti-cameraRunning time42–60 minutesProduction companyWorld of WonderOriginal releaseNetworkLogo TVReleaseFebruary 2, 2009 (2009-02-02) –May 16, 2016 (2016-05-16)NetworkVH1ReleaseMarch 24, 2017 (2017-03-24) –April 22, 2022 (2022-04-22)NetworkMTVReleaseJanuary 6, 2023 (2023-01-06) –presentRelated RuPaul's Drag U RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars

RuPaul's Drag Race is an American reality competition television series, the first in the Drag Race franchise, produced by World of Wonder for Logo TV (season 1–8), WOW Presents Plus, VH1 (season 9–14) and, beginning with the fifteenth season, MTV. The show documents RuPaul in the search for "America's next drag superstar". RuPaul plays the role of host, mentor, and head judge for this series, as contestants are given different challenges each week. Contestants are judged by a panel that includes RuPaul, Michelle Visage, one of four rotating judges (Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews, Ts Madison, or Law Roach), as well as one or more guest judges, who critique their progress throughout the competition. The title of the show is a play on drag queen and drag racing, and the title sequence and song "Drag Race" both have a drag-racing theme. RuPaul's Drag Race has aired for eighteen seasons and inspired the spin-off shows RuPaul's Drag U, RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race, and RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars; the companion series RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked; and numerous international franchises. The show became the highest-rated television program on Logo TV, and airs internationally, including in Ireland, Spain, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Mexico and Israel. The show earned RuPaul eight consecutive Emmy Awards (2016 to 2023) for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program. The show has been awarded the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program four consecutive times (2018 to 2021), and the Outstanding Reality Program Award at the GLAAD Media Awards. It has been nominated for five Critics' Choice Television Awards including Best Reality Series – Competition and Best Reality Show Host for RuPaul and numerous Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

[edit] Season 11 and All Stars 6 contestants Ra'Jah O'Hara (left) and Scarlet Envy (right) competing in a Lip Sync for Your Life Prospective Drag Race contestants submit video auditions to the show's production company, World of Wonder. RuPaul, the host and head judge, views each tape and selects the season's competitors. The chosen contestants compete against each other in various challenges in filmed episodes. Each episode typically concludes with one contestant being eliminated from the competition, but there is occasionally a double elimination, no elimination, contestant disqualification, contestant voluntarily quitting, or removal of a contestant on medical grounds. Each episode features a so-called "maxi challenge" that tests competitors' skills in a variety of areas of drag performance. Some episodes also feature a "mini challenge", the prize of which is often an advantage or benefit in the upcoming maxi challenge. Contestants then present themed looks in a runway walk. RuPaul and a panel of judges critique each contestant's performance, deliberate among themselves, and announce the week's winner and bottom two competitors. The bottom two queens compete in a "Lip Sync for Your Life"; the winner of the lip sync remains in the competition, and the loser is eliminated. Generally, the contestant that the judges feel has displayed the most "charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent" (C.U.N.T.) is the one who advances. The season's winner is crowned in a special finale episode with the final contestants remaining with the previous season's winner presenting the crown and scepter to the winner. In early seasons, the finale was pre-recorded in the studio with no audience. More recently, it has taken the form of a lip sync tournament before a live audience. The whole season is typically filmed in four weeks. The season 12 finale was filmed remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. RuPaul ends episodes by saying, "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you going to love somebody else?" The phrase was inspired by RuPaul's mother.

Mini and maxi challenges[edit] Mini challenges are quick, small assignments that RuPaul announces at the beginning of an episode. One of the most popular mini challenges, which has appeared in every season since season 2, except for season 12, is the reading challenge. In it, contestants satirically criticize one another in a process called "reading", popularized by the 1990 documentary film Paris Is Burning. Maxi challenges test a variety of skills. Some are group challenges that involve singing and acting, while others feature comedy, a talent of choice, dancing, or makeovers. The winner receives a material or monetary prize. Until midway through the fifth season, the winner sometimes also received immunity against elimination the following week. Drag Race's most popular seasonal maxi challenge is Snatch Game, a spoof on Match Game wherein contestants impersonate celebrities or famous fictional personas. Recurring main challenges include "balls" (for which contestants must showcase multiple outfits, often including an original design made in the Werk Room), girl groups, makeovers, roasts, "Rusicals" (musical theatre), and Snatch Game. Over time, the ball challenge has replaced the "drag on a dime" challenge. The girl group challenge has become a "classic" and a season highlight because "it tests the contestant's ability to write a verse, choreograph a dance routine, remember that choreography, and most crucially, work with others in a team". Rusicals (portmanteau of "RuPaul" and "musical") began on the sixth season and have subsequently become "a highly anticipated staple" of the reality competition, allowing contestants to showcase their talents. Usually occurring midway through each Drag Race season, Snatch Game is widely considered among the most important and memorable challenges of the show and, in RuPaul's words, separates "the basic bitches from the fierce-ass queens". Contestants are also often tasked with demonstrating their acting and sewing skills on the show. In 2022, Screen Rant said, "In the first few seasons of Drag Race, given the show's low budget and poor camera quality, the runway, particularly in displaying makeup and fashion looks, were not quite as prominent as it has been in more recent seasons. Instead, mini challenges at the start of the episode took up much more time and effort." Among recurring "mini-challenges", which can give contestants an advantage in the competition, is the "reading" challenge which tasks contestants with playfully insulting each other. The contest comes from the documentary film Paris Is Burning (1990). Played on most seasons of Drag Race, RuPaul introduces the challenge by reminding contestants that "reading is fundamental". Another recurring mini-challenge tasks contestants with using puppets.

[edit] Main article: List of RuPaul's Drag Race episodes RuPaul's Drag Race series overviewSeasonContestantsEpisodesOriginally releasedWinnerRunner(s)-upMiss CongenialityFirst releasedLast releasedNetwork199February 2, 2009 (2009-02-02)March 23, 2009 (2009-03-23)Logo TVBeBe Zahara BenetNina FlowersNina Flowers21212February 1, 2010 (2010-02-01)April 26, 2010 (2010-04-26)Tyra SanchezRavenPandora Boxx31316January 24, 2011 (2011-01-24)May 2, 2011 (2011-05-02)RajaManila LuzonYara Sofia41314January 30, 2012 (2012-01-30)April 30, 2012 (2012-04-30)Sharon NeedlesChad MichaelsPhi Phi O'HaraLatrice Royale51414January 28, 2013 (2013-01-28)May 6, 2013 (2013-05-06)Jinkx MonsoonAlaskaRoxxxy AndrewsIvy Winters61414February 24, 2014 (2014-02-24)May 19, 2014 (2014-05-19)Bianca Del RioAdore DelanoCourtney ActBenDeLaCreme71414March 2, 2015 (2015-03-02)June 1, 2015 (2015-06-01)Violet ChachkiGinger MinjPearlKatya81210March 7, 2016 (2016-03-07)May 16, 2016 (2016-05-16)Bob the Drag QueenKim ChiNaomi SmallsCynthia Lee Fontaine91414March 24, 2017 (2017-03-24)June 23, 2017 (2017-06-23)VH1Sasha VelourPeppermintValentina101414March 22, 2018 (2018-03-22)June 28, 2018 (2018-06-28)AquariaEurekaKameron MichaelsMonét X Change111514February 28, 2019 (2019-02-28)May 30, 2019 (2019-05-30)Yvie OddlyBrooke Lynn HytesNina West121314February 28, 2020 (2020-02-28)May 29, 2020 (2020-05-29)Jaida Essence HallCrystal MethydGigi GoodeHeidi N Closet131316January 1, 2021 (2021-01-01)April 23, 2021 (2021-04-23)SymoneKandy MuseLaLa Ri141416January 7, 2022 (2022-01-07)April 22, 2022 (2022-04-22)Willow PillLady CamdenKornbread "The Snack" Jeté151616January 6, 2023 (2023-01-06)April 14, 2023 (2023-04-14)MTVSasha ColbyAnetraMalaysia Babydoll Foxx161416January 5, 2024 (2024-01-05)April 19, 2024 (2024-04-19)Nymphia WindSapphira CristálSapphira Cristál Xunami Muse171416January 3, 2025 (2025-01-03)April 18, 2025 (2025-04-18)Onya NurveJewels SparklesCrystal Envy181416January 2, 2026 (2026-01-02)April 17, 2026 (2026-04-17)Myki MeeksNini CocoJane Don't Seasons 1–8 (2009–2016): Logo TV[edit] BeBe Zahara Benet (top left), Tyra Sanchez (top right), Raja (bottom left), and Sharon Needles (bottom right), the winners of seasons 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively Season 1 premiered in the U.S. on February 2, 2009, on Logo TV. Nine contestants competed to become "America's Next Drag Superstar". In late 2013, Logo re-aired the season as RuPaul's Drag Race: The Lost Season Ru-Vealed, featuring commentary from RuPaul. For season 2 (2010), 12 contestants competed on the show. A new tradition of writing a farewell message in lipstick on the workstation mirror was started by the first eliminated queen, Shangela. Each week's episode is followed by a behind-the-scenes show, RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked. Season 3 (2011) had Michelle Visage replacing Merle Ginsberg on the judging panel as well as Billy Brasfield (commonly known as Billy B), Mike Ruiz, and Jeffrey Moran filling in for Santino Rice's absence during several episodes. Due to Billy B's continued appearances, he and Rice are considered to have been alternate judges for the same seat on judges panel. Other changes included the introduction of a wildcard contestant from the past season, Shangela; an episode with no elimination; and a contestant, Carmen Carrera, being brought back into the competition after having been eliminated a few episodes prior. A new pit crew was also introduced consisting of Jason Carter and Shawn Morales. Season 4 began airing on January 30, 2012, with cast members announced November 13, 2011. Like the previous season, Rice and Billy B alternated the same seat at the judges table, with Brasfield filling in for Rice when needed.

[edit] Main article: List of RuPaul's Drag Race contestants More than 200 contestants have competed on the American version of the show.

[edit] Conception and development[edit] Fenton Bailey (left) and Randy Barbato (right), founders of the production company World of Wonder Vulture said in 2017, "The road to Drag Race was paved 32 years ago at a music seminar in Manhattan, when 24-year-old RuPaul met Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey, the founders of World of Wonder Productions, who would become his managers and best friends... Barbato started conversations with RuPaul about a reality show in 2004, around the time he and his frequent collaborator, Michelle Visage, began co-hosting a morning radio show in New York... When Tom Campbell, a development executive who had worked at MTV, Warner Bros. Television, New Line Television, and ABC, joined World of Wonder two years later as head of development, he broached the subject with the drag star again." According to Vulture, Campbell (who became World of Wonder's chief creative officer), "came up with the show's format and its titular pun, while the producers and RuPaul came up with challenges, based on obstacles the drag star faced early in his career". Drag Race borrowed from other reality television show formats, including those of America's Next Top Model, Project Runway, and the World of Wonder series ¡Viva Hollywood! According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, "The show's format draws inspiration from 1980s Harlem drag balls and the performances of subversive drag collectives of the 1960s. In Ru's TV version, queens duke it out each week in various acting, fashion and improvisation challenges, and strut their themed looks down the runway before a lip sync showdown to decide who should 'shantay' or 'sashay away'."

Executive production and directing[edit] The show has had several executive producers, including Bailey, Barbato, Tom Campbell, Steven Corfe, Tim Palazzola, Jen Passovoy, John Polly, Pamela Post, RuPaul, Mandy Salangsang (also co-showrunner), and Michael Seligman have also been producers. Jacqueline Wilson was also a producer, prior to her death. Nick Murray is a director; his work on the series has earned him seven consecutive nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Reality Program, winning twice; in 2018 and 2023, for the episodes "10s Across the Board" from the tenth season and "Gettin' Lucky" from the thirteenth season, respectively.

Casting[edit] Thousands of applications to compete on the series are submitted each season. In most cases, hopeful candidates submit audition tapes, though there have been exceptions. Penny Tration, who competed on the fifth season (2013), was cast after being selected "Fan Pick" on social media. Hormona Lisa, who was cast for the seventeenth season (2025), notably gave her audition tape to RuPaul in front of a live audience at a book tour stop. Screen Rant said, "Unfortunately, many drag performers make the mistake of sending audition tapes showing only what they think Drag Race producers are looking for." RuPaul has said of the audition process, "Everyone does the exact same thing. They behave in a way that they think I want them to behave. But the people who stick out are the ones who are authentic and are really just being themselves." According to Screen Rant, "Casting decisions are not only hidden from the public. When the contestants arrive, producers separate them until filming begins. Even in the comfort of their own hotel room they have to be careful not to catch a glimpse of their fellow competitors. It is not until they step into the Werk Room that they discover who they will be competing against. Their surprised reactions to their cast mates are therefore some of the realest moments on RuPaul's Drag Race." Casting is directed by Casting Firm, which was founded by Goloka Bolte and Ethan Peterson.

[edit] Critical response[edit] Critical response of RuPaul's Drag RaceSeasonRotten Tomatoes178% (9 reviews)467% (6 reviews)580% (5 reviews)760% (5 reviews)8100% (6 reviews)9100% (11 reviews)1082% (11 reviews)1189% (9 reviews)12100% (8 reviews) Thrillist called Drag Race "the closest gay culture gets to a sports league". In 2019, The Guardian ranked it 93rd on its list of the 100 best TV shows of the 21st century. Shannon Keating for BuzzFeed News wrote about the show's "subversive, irreverent beginnings" briefly turning "comfortably mainstream... humdrum and derivative" prior to season 13's release. She recalls that a flurry of political disputes, as well as "overexposure", threatened to ruin Drag Race's legacy before the refreshed 2021 season. Coleman Splide for The Daily Beast wrote in 2021 that "RuPaul has continually allowed the legacy of his subversive landmark reality show to be slowly chipped away at". Though Splide states that the show is "a critical part of bringing empowering inclusivity to the forefront of mainstream culture", he maintains that it also invites indignation from an ever-expanding and oftentimes toxic fanbase, as well as contributing to the increasingly capitalised nature of pride celebrations around the globe.

Accolades[edit] Main article: List of awards and nominations received by RuPaul's Drag Race RuPaul's Drag Race has been nominated for thirty-nine Emmy Awards, and won twenty-four. It has also been nominated for nine Reality Television Awards, winning three, and nominated for six NewNowNext Awards, winning three. Series host RuPaul has won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program, including in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023; RuPaul was nominated in the same category in 2024. His eight consecutive wins in the category make him the host with the most wins since the inception of the award in 2008, as well as the first and only African-American host to receive the award to date. RuPaul also holds a Guinness World Records title for the most Emmy wins for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program, featured in the 2021 edition. Numerous members of the production crew have won or been nominated for Creative Arts Emmy Awards and other awards.

[edit] In March 2014, Drag Race sparked controversy over the use of the term "shemale" (a play on "Tyra-Mail" on America's Next Top Model) in the season 6 mini challenge "Female or She-male?". Logo has since removed the segment from all platforms and addressed the allegations of transphobia by removing the "You've got she-mail" intro from new episodes of the series. RuPaul did not prefer to discontinue use of the catch phrase. This was replaced with "She done already done had herses!" RuPaul also came under fire for comments made in an interview with The Guardian, in which he stated he would "probably not" allow a transgender contestant to compete. He compared transgender drag performers to doping athletes on his Twitter, and has since apologized. Sasha Velour (season 9) disagreed, tweeting "My drag was born in a community full of trans women, trans men, and gender non-conforming folks doing drag. That's the real world of drag, like it or not. I thinks it's fabulous and I will fight my entire life to protect and uplift it". In March 2026, during Season 18, the show faced scrutiny after featuring the story and photographs of Barry Winchell, a soldier murdered in a 1999 hate crime. Transgender activist Calpernia Addams, Winchell's partner at the time, stated she was 'shocked' and 'gobsmacked' that the production used their images and history during a makeover challenge without contacting her beforehand.

[edit] For the first twelve seasons, RuPaul would say, "Gentlemen, start your engines, and may the best woman win," before the contestants' runway looks for the episode were shown. In the thirteenth season, it was changed to: "Racers, start your engines, and may the best drag queen win." In season 6 of All Stars, an altered version of the show's opening theme was introduced with the new tag line. Performers of any sexual orientation and gender identity are eligible to audition, although most contestants to date have been gay, cisgender men. Transgender competitors have become more common as seasons have progressed; Sonique, a season 2 contestant, became the first openly trans contestant when she came out as a woman during the reunion special. Sonique later won All Stars 6, becoming the first trans woman to win an English-language version of the show and the second overall. Monica Beverly Hillz (season 5) became the first contestant to come out as a trans woman during the competition. Peppermint (season 9) is the first contestant who was out as a trans woman prior to the airing of her season. Other trans contestants came out as women after their elimination, including Carmen Carrera, Kenya Michaels, Stacy Layne Matthews, Jiggly Caliente, Gia Gunn, Laganja Estranja, Gigi Goode, and Adore Delano. Additionally, Gottmik (season 13) was the first AFAB and openly transgender male contestant in the franchise's history. Various contestants have come out as non-binary as well, such as Jinkx Monsoon. Season 14 is the first regular season to feature five transgender women in the cast—Kerri Colby, Kornbread "The Snack" Jeté, Bosco, Jasmine Kennedie, and Willow Pill. While Kerri Colby and Kornbread entered the show openly trans, Jasmine Kennedie came out in episode 7 of Untucked and Bosco and Willow came out after the show's taping.

[edit] Australia: In Australia, lifestyle channel LifeStyle YOU regularly showed and re-screened seasons 1–7, including Untucked. In addition, free-to-air channel SBS2 began screening the first season on August 31, 2013. On March 13, 2017, it was announced that on-demand service Stan would fast-track season 9 (including Untucked). As of 2020, Stan streams all seasons since season 1, as well as Untucked, All Stars, All Stars Untucked, Canada's Drag Race, Secret Celebrity, Drag Race UK and season 2 of Drag Race Thailand. Canada: The series airs on OutTV in Canada at the same time as the US airing. Unlike Logo, OutTV continues to broadcast Untucked immediately after each Drag Race episode. Beginning with season 12, OutTV has shared its first-run rights to the main series (but not Untucked) with the more widely subscribed Crave streaming service, with episodes available on Crave shortly after they premiere on OutTV, in connection with Crave and OutTV's co-production of Canada's Drag Race. Past seasons are also available on Netflix in Canada, with each season released there shortly before the next season begins. Ireland: In Ireland, seasons 2-8 of the program were available on Netflix; as of the release of season 10, only seasons 8-9 are available. Netflix has started airing season 10 episodes one day after they air in the US. All seasons of the show have been made available on Netflix since October 2018. Indonesia: In Indonesia, seasons 1-13 of the program were available on Netflix, alongside the Christmas spectacular. As of the release of All Stars, only seasons 4-5 are available. Netflix also aired Untucked season 10 episodes one day after they aired in the US. UK: E4 aired season 1 in 2009, followed by season 2 in 2010. Since its success on Netflix in the UK, TruTV acquired the broadcast rights for all eight seasons of the show including Untucked episodes. In June 2015, TruTV started airing two episodes of the show a week, starting with season 4, followed by All Stars, then season 5. As of May 2018, the series airs on VH1 UK Monday–Thursday at 11 p.m., beginning with All Stars season 3. Israel: Yes has broadcast all seasons and Untucked episodes. Seasons 1–12, All Stars seasons 4–5 and Untucked seasons 11–12 are also available on Netflix. Full seasons of shows in the Drag Race franchise are available to stream on WOW Presents Plus in over 200 territories. The show is also currently available on the following streaming platforms:

United States — Hulu (seasons 2–9; All Stars 1–4); Paramount Plus (seasons 1–14, All Stars 1–8, Untucked seasons 9–13, All Stars Untucked seasons 2–5), WOW Presents Plus (Untucked seasons 7–9, Thailand season 2, and all other international series) Canada — Netflix (seasons 1–12, All Stars 4, Untucked seasons 11 and 12), Crave (all seasons, All Stars 1–6, UK series 1–3, Canada season 1 and 2, Down Under season 1), WOW Presents Plus (seasons 1–10, Untucked seasons 1–10, All Stars 1–4) UK & Ireland — Netflix (seasons 11–13, Untucked seasons 11–13, All Stars 4–6, Celebrity season 1), BBC iPlayer (UK series 1, 2 and 3, Canada season 1 and 2, Down Under season 1), WOW Presents Plus (seasons 1–10, Untucked seasons 1–10, all episodes of All Stars and Holland) Australia — Stan (all seasons of original, All Stars, Untucked, UK, Canada, Down Under and Thailand season 2), WOW Presents Plus (UK series 1, Canada season 1)

[edit] Specials[edit] RuPaul's Drag Race: Green Screen Christmas (2015): On December 13, 2015, Logo aired a seasonal themed episode. The non-competitive special was released in conjunction with RuPaul's holiday album Slay Belles and featured music videos for songs from the album. The cast included RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Siedah Garrett, and Todrick Hall, and former contestants Alyssa Edwards, Laganja Estranja, Latrice Royale, Raja, and Shangela. RuPaul's Drag Race Holi-slay Spectacular (2018): On November 1, 2018, VH1 announced a seasonal themed special episode scheduled to air on December 7, 2018. Eight former contestants competed for the title of "America's first Drag Race Christmas Queen". Competitors included Eureka O'Hara, Jasmine Masters, Kim Chi, Latrice Royale, Mayhem Miller, Shangela, Sonique, and Trixie Mattel. RuPaul's Drag Race: Corona Can't Keep a Good Queen Down (2021): On February 26, 2021, the one hour special aired on VH1 in between episodes 8 and 9 of Season 13 and detailed the contestants' journeys with filming the season amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Television series[edit] RuPaul's Drag U (2010–2012): In each episode, three women are paired with former Drag Race contestants ("Drag Professors"), who give them drag makeovers and help them to access their "inner divas". RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars (2012–present): Past contestants return and compete for a spot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame. The show's format is similar to that of RuPaul's Drag Race, with challenges and a panel of judges. Dancing Queen (2018): In April 2013, RuPaul confirmed that he planned to executive-produce a spin-off of Drag Race that stars season 5 and All Stars season 2 contestant Alyssa Edwards, who shared its original title is Beyond Belief and that his dance company in Mesquite, Texas is the setting. The series aired on Netflix on October 5, 2018. RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race (2020–present): On April 10, 2020, VH1 announced a celebrity edition of Drag Race scheduled to air for four weeks beginning on April 24, 2020. The series featured a trio of celebrities receiving makeovers from former contestants. After receiving help from "Queen Supremes" Alyssa Edwards, Asia O'Hara, Bob the Drag Queen, Kim Chi, Monét X Change, Monique Heart, Nina West, Trinity the Tuck, Trixie Mattel and Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, the celebrities competed in fan-favorite challenges and on the runway to be named "America's Next Celebrity Drag Race Superstar" and prize money for choice charities. RuPaul's Drag Race: Vegas Revue (2020): On July 22, 2020, it was announced that a docu-series would premiere on August 21, 2020. International adaptations[edit] Main article: Drag Race (franchise) Drag Race has been franchised into numerous international adaptations.

Drag Race Down Under (formerly RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under) Drag Race Belgique Drag Race Brasil Canada's Drag Race The Switch Drag Race Drag Race France Drag Race Germany Drag Race Italia Drag Race México Drag Race Holland Drag Race Philippines Drag Race South Africa Drag Race España Drag Race Sverige Drag Race Thailand RuPaul's Drag Race UK As well as the following spin-off competitions:

[edit] DVD releases of the seasons include bonus scenes and other special features

Season Release date Special features Discs

2

December 6, 2011

Interviews with contestants Extended reunion moments

3

3

December 6, 2011

Interviews with contestants Extended reunion moments

4

4

June 26, 2012

Episodes of Untucked Episodes of Drag Ya Later with Jon & John

5

5

June 10, 2013

Episodes of Untucked

5

6

October 21, 2014

Episodes of Untucked

5

7

June 8, 2016

RuPaul's Drag Race: The Ru-les Episodes of Whatcha Packin'

4

8

July 29, 2016

Episodes of Whatcha Packin'

3

[edit]

Soundtrack albums

Title

Album Details

RuPaul's Drag Race: The Rusical

Released: April 22, 2016 Label: World of Wonder Records Formats: Digital download, streaming

Compilation albums

Title

Album Details

RuPaul Presents: The CoverGurlz

Released: January 28, 2014 Label: World of Wonder Records Formats: Digital download, streaming

RuPaul Presents: CoverGurlz 2

Released: February 23, 2016 Label: World of Wonder Records Formats: Digital download, streaming

Extended plays

Title

Album Details

RuPaul's Drag Race Live: The Official Vegas Soundtrack

Released: January 27, 2020 Label: World of Wonder Records Formats: Digital download, streaming

Moulin Ru: The Rusical

Released: March 26, 2022 Label: World of Wonder Records Formats: Digital download, streaming

Wigloose: The Rusical!

Released: March 18, 2023 Label: World of Wonder Records Formats: Digital download, streaming

The Sound of Rusic

Released: February 17, 2024 Label: World of Wonder Records Formats: Digital download, streaming

Bitch I'm a Drag Queen, Vol. 1

Released: January 24, 2025 Label: World of Wonder Records Formats: Digital download, streaming

The festive season is all about sparkle, performance and a dash of theatrical pop‑culture, which makes a drag‑queen Christmas the perfect mash‑up. Drag artists excel at subverting expectations, and the glitter‑laden aesthetic of a green‑screen set lets them remix classic carols with drag flair, turning familiar tunes into runway anthems. Audiences appreciate seeing beloved holiday motifs – think reindeers and tinsel – re‑imagined through bold fashion, lip‑sync battles and witty banter, creating a shared moment that feels both nostalgic and fresh. This blend of camp and tradition has helped the special become a repeat favourite for viewers looking for something beyond the usual Christmas fare.

Watch the special with a group of friends and keep a notebook handy for the most quotable one‑liners – they often become meme‑material for the season. Pair the viewing with a themed snack spread: think glitter‑sugar‑rimmed cupcakes or rainbow‑coloured cocktail mocktails to match the drag aesthetic. If you’re feeling creative, pause during the green‑screen moments and try your own DIY backdrop using cheap fabric or a phone‑app, then re‑watch the clip to see how the original design amplifies the performance. Sharing screenshots on social media with the hashtag #DragChristmas can also spark fun discussions and expose the show to new fans.

Many assume the Christmas special is a straightforward festive variety show, but it retains the competitive edge of the main series. The contestants are still judged on runway looks, lip‑sync prowess and overall charisma, meaning the laughs are underpinned by genuine skill. Another myth is that the green‑screen effects are a low‑budget gimmick; in reality, they are a deliberate artistic choice, allowing designers to create over‑the‑top, otherworldly backdrops that would be impossible on a traditional set. Recognising these layers makes the viewing experience richer, highlighting both the spectacle and the craft behind it.