RuPaul’s Drag Race once charmed audiences as a quirky reality TV competition that celebrated the art of drag with humor and flair. Fast forward to its current incarnation, season 17, and the spark that initially ignited the series seems to be dimming. What was once a trailblazer on niche network Logo TV has become the focal point of a global franchise, complete with international spinoffs, All Stars editions, and conventions. Yet, for all its growth, some fans feel the beloved show might be spinning its sequined wheels, struggling to offer the originality that first captivated audiences.
The premiere of season 17, boldly titled “Squirrel Games,” promised something new. It played off the concept of the Netflix hit Squid Game, where new queens faced off in a cheekily designed challenge—Ru Light/Green Light. Complete with past contestants like Trinity the Tuck and Kerri Colby participating in amusingly fake eliminations, the intent was likely to entertain. However, the execution underscored a growing critique: the show may be embracing gimmick over substance. Despite narratives brimming with RuPaul’s wisdom and famed collaborators like Michelle Visage stepping up during Ru’s absences, some viewers have noted these episodes feel overly scripted. The once-intrinsic spontaneity might be fading.
Over time, the role of RuPaul has shifted as well. Initially the heartbeat of the show, setting up the series as a platform echoing her own rise, Ru now adopts a more strategic figurehead role. This shift was evident in the premiership antics when pop queen Katy Perry, rather than RuPaul, offered the queens their pep talk. These changes, stylistic and structural, often point to an effort to keep the franchise fresh. But as they draw inspiration more from pop culture than from drag itself, critics argue that something essential is missing.
Coincidentally, the thriving drag ecosystem seems to be expanding beyond the Drag Race universe. Shows like The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula and Revry’s upcoming King Of Drag showcase ventures with inventive formats that echo the grittier days of early Drag Race. The challenge lies in sourcing raw talent that hasn’t been prepped for the reality TV mill or reliant on overproduced performances.
Closing Credits
As we navigate through season 17, questions arise about the show’s ability to regain its authentic, joyous essence. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, there’s a call for RuPaul’s Drag Race to remember its roots—a series that teased with spontaneity, embraced messy, real moments, and showcased drag in its rawest form. Whether the show breaks from its current mold or doubles down on its polished format is yet to unfold. But as the pink Werk Room continues to open its doors to another aspiring queen, the hope is that the heart and humor that built Drag Race can resonate as loudly today as it did at the start.
