So you want to start watching RuPaul’s Drag Race, but you don’t know where to begin? Honey, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! With 16 seasons of the main US show, 9 All Stars seasons, tons of bonus content (hello, The Pit Stop, Whatcha Packin’, and Fashion Photo RuView), and over 14 international franchises—some with their own All Stars—it’s a lot to take in. But don’t panic! I’m here to give you the tea on how to start your Drag Race journey.
Why should you listen to me? Well, darling, I’ve been watching the show live since Season 3, and I’ve seen almost every episode of every season from every franchise. Plus, I’ve got a graduate degree in gender studies with a focus on queer media. So buckle up, because we’re about to shantay into Drag Race herstory!
First things first, here’s what you need to watch to fall in love with the show:
• RPDR Season 5 + Untucked
• RPDR Season 6 + Untucked
• RPDR Season 7 + Untucked
• RPDR All Stars 2 (No Untucked)
These seasons are the crème de la crème, darling! Season 5-7 introduce some of the most iconic queens and legendary challenges, with fabulous story arcs that will have you gagging. Season 7 may be a bit bumpy, but the cast truly saves the day. Then, All Stars 2 brings back fan favorites for some of the most gratifying television you’ll ever see. Don’t forget to catch up on Fashion Photo RuView on YouTube for some extra fashion kiki!
Now, if you’re hooked and ready for more, here’s what’s next:
• RPDR Season 15
• RPDR All Stars 8
• RPDR Season 16
• RPDR All Stars Season 9
For these seasons, I’d skip Untucked (it’s mostly just background noise after Season 9) and pair each season with their corresponding Pit Stop episodes and Fashion Photo RuView. It’s like watching sports—then getting the expert commentary. It’s fierce, honey!
So, you’re at a crossroads: Do you finish the US franchise, or start exploring the international seasons? Or why not do both? Let’s finish up the US franchise first, and then we’ll take you on a world tour!
To wrap up the US, go in this order:
• RPDR Season 1
• RPDR Season 2 + Untucked
• RPDR Season 3 + Untucked
• RPDR Season 4 + Untucked
• RPDR All Stars Season 1
These early seasons are iconic but best appreciated once you’re already in love with the show. And yes, Untucked is essential here because it’s referenced everywhere going forward. Just a heads-up—early Drag Race can be a little problematique, so tread lightly!
Then, catch up on the modern era:
• RPDR Season 8
• RPDR Season 9
• RPDR All Stars Season 3
• RPDR Season 10 [The Pit Stop Begins]
• RPDR All Stars Season 4
• RPDR Season 11
This is where the show really starts to explode in popularity, moving from Logo to VH1, and then to MTV, with ever-increasing budgets. Season 8 and 9 are personal highlights—pure Drag Race gold!
By now, the show is bigger than Ru herself. The production team takes the reins as Mama Ru faces some controversies, including allegations of transphobia. (e.g. comparing gender affirming surgeries and HRT to performance enhancing drugs for athletes) This era also reflects the impacts of movements like BLM and the Covid pandemic. Before diving into RPDR 12, you might want to sample some international seasons if you need a change of pace!
To finish your US journey:
• RPDR Season 12
• RPDR All Stars Season 5
• RPDR Season 13
• RPDR All Stars Season 6
• RPDR Season 14
• RPDR All Stars Season 7 (All Winners)
All Stars 7 is the crown jewel of this era—a glorious celebration of the queens who’ve won it all. It wraps up the first wave of Drag Race, and after this, Season 15 with Sasha Colby ushers in a whole new chapter.
So, you’re ready to explore the wide, fabulous world of drag, but you’re not sure where to start? Honey, I’ve got you covered! With over 14 international Drag Race franchises (and counting), each with multiple seasons and a couple of All-Stars thrown in for good measure, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. But don’t sweat it!
The obvious starting point is Drag Race UK. With RuPaul still at the helm, it’s the perfect bridge between the mainline Drag Race and this exciting new format infused with other cultures. Watch it in chronological order, and don’t forget to include the UK’s very own All-Stars: UK vs The World!
Global All Stars is only a couple of episodes in as of the time of publishing (8/25), and its shaping up to be a phenomenal season. That could also be a great way to make the acquaintance of some of the international franchises with almost all of them represented.
Now, if you’re ready to dive deeper, here’s my ranking of all the international seasons with just a sprinkle of commentary:
S-Tier:
• Drag Race Philippines: Next level, darling! This one has been top-tier from day one—pure excellence!
• Drag Race España: A world of its own while staying true to the Drag Race spirit. It’s giving everything!
A-Tier:
• Drag Race UK: A classic for a reason! It’s hilarious, iconic, and full of heart.
• Drag Race France: It’s all about the looks, darling, and France delivers in spades!
B-Tier:
• Drag Race Holland: Some of my all-time favorite winners hail from here. So sad it’s been canceled!
• Drag Race Germany: Love the hosts, and Pandora Nox is an absolute slay!
C-Tier:
• Canada’s Drag Race: Would be ranked higher if the judges ever made a good decision, but still a solid watch!
• Drag Race Sverige (Sweden): I like it! It’s got potential.
• Drag Race Brazil: Grag Queen isn’t my favorite host, but the show is solid overall.
D-Tier:
• Drag Race Down Under: Messy, but in a fun way! Still worth watching.
• Drag Race Italia: Would be higher if Chiara Francini were the sole host—she’s fabulous!
• Drag Race Mexico: Two hosts are not better than one, and it’s a bit chaotic, but not bad!
E-Tier:
• Drag Race Thailand: Deviates from the classic format a bit too much for my taste, but with a reboot and Season 3 on the horizon, that might change!
• Drag Race Belgique: Meh. It’s giving very little.
F-Tier:
• The Switch: Didn’t see it, don’t care to. Pass!