RuPaul's Drag Race is a hugely successful American reality tv show that has been going for years and now Netflix are streaming Season 8. For fans of the show, it is the only season currently available which is better than nothing and I imagine that in time they will also add the back catalogue for viewers. If you don't know who RuPaul is, he is the one of the most famous Drag Queen artists on the planet and has been around for years, becoming the first drag queen to land a major cosmetics campaign with Mac back in 1994. He has been hosting RuPaul's Drag Race for 10 seasons and won Primetime Emmy's for it in both 2016 and 2017.
Now we are eight seasons in and like most reality shows that have been around for a while, the contestants are even more outrageous as they know full well how to play the game for maximum exposure and ratings which isn't a bad thing as it keeps the show on it's toes. Drag Race itself comes across as a heady combo of America's Next Top Model, Project Runway and Big Brother as the 12 wannabe winners have to battle it out across a number of challenges weekly to stay in the game. From modelling, to photoshoots, to runway shows, to fashion design and acting, the competition is fierce and the back-biting bitchiness is at an all time high.
RuPaul hosts a mini challenge where the winner gets to choose and captain a team for a group challenge. The panel then watch a catwalk and after much discussion, determine who stays and who goes. The two contestants in the bottom have to engage in a lip sync battle to stay in the competition and the loser goes home. The panel is made up of RuPaul, Michelle Visage, a guest star and either Ross Mathews or Carson Kressley who alternate. But don't be fooled. The commentary is scathing and brutal as is the interaction between the contestants and although some do get on, for the vast majority of the show it is just vicious but in a really funny way. I mean seriously these guys take no prisoners and it is hilarious. I love the show and was hooked. Of course you like some more than others and that's the fun of the show.
Do I recommend it – absolutely. The flair, the drama, the outrageousness of it all is addictive and easy watching. It's either going to be right up your street or not even on the map for you but if you think you'll like it then give it a go and hopefully you won't be disappointed!
