Since first airing in 2009, there have been over forty aggressive seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race. To say she executed already executed had herses can be placing it flippantly. The drag actuality competitors has turn into a worldwide phenomenon, giving a platform to performers the world over and entertaining a passionate, ever-expanding fan base – so to face out as an incredible season, you higher werk!
There are some key components to make a season really stand out. Memorable queens who stick with viewers lengthy after watching, and snappy catchphrases that bear repeating lengthy after the finale. Iconic runway appears to be like are a should, and the all-important Snatch Sport have to be unforgettable (for the suitable causes). Enjoyable challenges ought to pop up, and though followers like to feast on the drama between queens, there’s one thing much more scrumptious in seeing the forged assist one another, shifting past cattiness to camaraderie. On all fronts, there are some standout seasons that current tens, tens, tens throughout the board.
Up to date on Could 8, 2023, by Hannah Saab:
Season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars is ready to premiere on Paramount+ on Could 12, bringing again some proficient queens able to slay the runway. Solely time will inform how All Stars 8 will evaluate to one of the best seasons of Drag Race, lots of which have rewatchable episodes undoubtedly price trying out earlier than the brand new season.
10 ‘Holland’ Season 1 (2020)
Holland’s season one queens proved they have been world-class rivals with a few of the most spectacular, polished appears to be like in RPDR historical past. Envy Peru and Janey Jacké have been persistently excellent on the runway, serving subtle selections and excellent make-up. One other triumphant look was Sederginne’s Marie Antoinette, whose hooped skirt opened to disclose cabinets of truffles – a high-camp traditional for the herstory books.
Removed from being simply “look queens,” the Dutch rivals showcased comedic skills in a exercise video problem, and a powerful Snatch Sport that includes ChelseaBoy’s impeccable efficiency as Joe Unique. A truncated season in comparison with the American format, however the Dutch queens packed a punch in among the best Drag Race seasons.
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9 Season 3 (2011)
With the format nonetheless discovering its toes, there are components of the older seasons of RPDR that really feel jarring – significantly, watching the queens enter the Werk Room apologetically, moderately than with the boldness they deserve. But season three remains to be among the best for impressed appears to be like and stand-out queens.
4 design challenges examined the queen’s mettle for setting up clothes and using inventive selections. Notably memorable have been Raja’s appears to be like, although different queens made lasting impressions: Yara Sofia, Shangela, and Manila Luzon all maintain area within the hearts and minds of followers. Season three additionally taught the vital lesson that drag just isn’t a contact sport, after a surprising interference throughout an ill-fated lip sync.
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8 ‘España’ Season 2 (2022)
This season had one of the best expertise extravaganza up to now. An opera-singing queen, a duet with a puppet sidekick, and a performer dropping into the splits from a painful peak have been only a few surprising highlights that instructed audiences these queens have been right here to slay.
Onyx introduced detailed and indulgent appears to be like to the runway, from a nude-effect angel to an enormous insect; Drag Sethlas was polished in flawless make-up and impossibly excessive heels; Juriji offered empowering appears to be like that have been difficult and ultra-feminine. This forged of high-caliber queens delivered one thing thrilling each week.
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7 Season 10 (2018)
Season ten featured memorable queens Miz Cracker, Monét X Change, lip-sync murderer Kameron Michaels and quotable queen: “Miss Vanjie…Miss Vanjie!…”. Eureka additionally returned after sustaining a brutal knee damage the earlier season, giving followers a satisfying redemption story.
Presenting superior appears to be like all through the season, Aquaria shocked with a sickening Snatch Sport as Melania Trump. A very pleasing episode took the franchise again to its roots, difficult the queens to make appears to be like with unconventional supplies in Drag on a Dime. This hadn’t been executed since season three, and yielded inventive outcomes.
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6 ‘UK’ Season 2 (2021)
Filmed on the cusp of precedented and unprecedented occasions, this season paused filming for months because of COVID. It was fascinating to see how emotional the contestants have been after they returned. There was a shift within the air, and seeing the truth of the consequences of lockdown hit house for viewers. Energy was borne from vulnerability, and the second half of the season felt palpably totally different.
The season offered a range of queens from the UK with Wales, Nice Britain and Scotland represented, amongst them comedy queens, look queens, and dancers. The track “UK Hun” is undeniably one of the best of the franchise, and contestant tremendous group The United King Dolls went on to international excursions and nice success. Katie Value is an unmissable Snatch Sport character, carried out by the unforgettable Bimini Bon Boulash.
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5 ‘All Stars’ Season 2 (2016)
That includes fan-favorite queens Katya, Ginger Minj and several other season 5 alumni, All Stars 2 delivered the personalities followers have been itching to see return for the crown. Alyssa Edwards and Coco Montrese have been once more in competitors after a long-standing rivalry, and the troupe of RoLaskaTox, season 5’s poisonous clique, had a significant and mandatory shift in energy.
The change in format this season had the queens eliminating one another, permitting for vendettas and alliances to play out. Alaska delivered an iconic Snatch Sport efficiency as Mae West, and the ultimate track that includes the highest 4 queens gave each one of the best (“However your Dad simply calls me Katya”) and worst (“I am right here to make it clear, I do know you like me child, that is why you introduced me right here”) lyrics of any RuPaul track.
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4 Season 12 (2020)
There was lots to like about season twelve, and never solely as a result of its launch coincided with a time when the world was shifting with lockdowns and losses, needing escapism, leisure, and the heartfelt connection of the present greater than ever.
A ravishing hijab runway look from Jackie Cox introduced visitor choose Jeff Goldblum to tears. Gigi Goode and Jaida Essence Corridor offered appears to be like that had followers excited to see what they might deliver to the runway every week. Gigi’s Snatch Sport as Maria the Robotic was a dicey alternative, however performed to hilarious perfection. Catchphrases “Look over there!” and the perennially likable Heidi N’ Closet’s “Delicate and supple” are as onerous to neglect as Crystal Methyd’s fantastical fashions.
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3 ‘All Stars’ Season 7 (2022)
That includes All Winners, it is onerous to look previous All Stars 7 for one of the best performances and appears of any season (or any actuality competitors present, for that matter). The brand new, improved format made the queens assist one another in a different way; in not throwing one of the best beneath the bus, followers bought the prospect to see all queens compete till the tip. There was an ease within the competitors, with the queens unapologetically showcasing the breadth of their skills.
The best Snatch Sport efficiency got here from Jinkx Monsoon, whose skills had gone from energy to energy since her 2013 win. Her Judy Garland is an unforgettable efficiency, as have been the hilarious comedy roast and commencement speech challenges. Particular point out to Trinity the Tuck, whose Snatch Video games as Lucifer and Leslie Jordan have been devilishly humorous.
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2 Season 5 (2013)
The off-beat Jinkx Monsoon confronted powerful bullying in season 5, however inspirationally pulled by way of with the assistance of her catchphrase “water off a duck’s again.” She carried out a superb Snatch Sport as Little Edie, and in the end triumphed in opposition to one of the poisonous trios in actuality tv: RoLaskaTox.
With an surprising and much-beloved fifteenth queen in Lil’ Poundcake, the whole forged of this season have been top-notch. An unimaginable lip sync battle to Malambo No. 1, pageant drama between Coco Montrese and Alyssa Edwards (leading to traditional burns concerning the colour orange) and a payoff of the underdog popping out on prime made season 5 wildly watchable.
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1 Season 6 (2014)
Some runway appears to be like of season six (one of the best season of RuPaul’s Drag Race) take up everlasting residence within the minds of RPDR followers: Courtney Act’s wings, Milk’s beard, and Ornacia – the oft-referenced head atop Vivacious’ entrance look. The season offered a stunning appearing problem, with Darienne Lake stealing the present as a disembodied head, whereas Vivacious gave viewers exactly nothing in the identical function (which was iconic in its personal proper).
The season six queens are a few of the most enduring of the franchise – particularly Bianca Del Rio, the funniest queen ever to grace the Werk Room. Her sass and wit stored each episode a comedic deal with, taking on the unofficial mantle of season narrator. Between her Decide Judy, BenDeLaCreme’s Maggie Smith, and Adore Delano’s Anna Nicole Smith, the season has an unmissable Snatch Sport. With off-runway drama and an important companion piece in Untucked, nothing beats season six for long-time followers or first-time viewers.
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NEXT: Rating All Winners of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’