Top 10 Best International Seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race
#10: “Drag Race Philippines” (2022-)
Season 1
No one really knew what to expect from the Filipino franchise that premiered in 2022. US Season 4’s Jiggly Caliente assumed judging duties for this new series. Fans were immediately blown away. “Drag Race Philippines” Season 1 had a few production issues, to be sure. The set, sound mixing, and editing were commonly highlighted as issues. But the strength of its cast and lip syncs quickly cemented it as an essential international sister program. What really won fans over, though, is its similarity to early seasons of the American show. Whether it’s their talent or their messiness, the ensemble of queens on Philippines Season 1 generates some fantastic TV.
#9: “Drag Race Thailand” (2018-)
Season 1
Some fans may only know about this spin-off because of host Pangina Heals’ brief time on “UK vs. the World.” But longtime fans can tell you it’s a treasure. Upon its premiere in 2018, the Thai version showed what “Drag Race” could look like in another country. Although it was only the second spin-off, “Drag Race Thailand” didn’t just transplant the show to a new culture. It adapted the competition to showcase the particular cultural reference points of Thai drag. On top of that, its debut installment was so stunning that it had few of the growing pains other spin-offs have in their first year.
#8: “Drag Race Canada” (2020-)
Season 1
Sure, fans had a lot to say about the inconsistent and unfairly harsh judging this season. The reason that was so frustrating is because “Drag Race Canada’s” first group of queens is a stellar roster of performers. Introducing us to heavy hitters like Jimbo, Lemon, and Priyanka, this season deserves a spot among the best purely for the strength of its cast. The mix of veteran performers and newer ones is something the American version should do more often. Apart from some of the wild judging, there’s an air of wholesomeness that was the perfect salve at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
#7: “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” (2019-)
Series 5
Every season has its ups and downs, but “UK” Series 5 is all ups. Every week, we were served an absolute feast. There was no telling who would win or go home because everyone was firing on all cylinders. The UK version generally has a smaller cast and a smaller season, but we could have watched these queens work their magic forever. That’s what “All Stars” is for. With enough talent, diversity of drag styles, and fun challenges to keep us coming back, Series 5 proves that this spin-off is only just getting started.
#6: “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” (2019-)
Series 1
Not only did this season give us the show’s long-awaited British incarnation, but it also gave us the Frock Destroyers. “Drag Race UK” blended dry British wit with its own long-standing history of drag performance. RuPaul and Michelle Visage made the trek across the pond to take on hosting and judging duties. It really gives the show an instant connection to its flagship series. With a cast of drag dynamos who were just waiting for their shot at the crown, “UK” Series 1 is full of queens and judges who already know how to deliver. It’s also where so many fans got to experience the late, great Vivienne for the very first time.
#5: “Drag Race Philippines” (2022-)
Season 3
By the time this version gets to its third season, it’s a well-oiled machine. All the things fans loved about its first two years come together here in a spectacular showcase of fierceness and fabulosity courtesy of some truly astounding queens. The production issues that dogged the series are all but nonexistent in its third edition. Fans also notice a significant improvement in storytelling and editing between the seasons. As always, the cast is the real show. There’s not a single filler queen in sight. Every single contestant is a real contender, right down to the endgame.
#4: “Drag Race Thailand” (2018-)
Season 2
This second season demonstrates not just what makes the entire franchise great, but it also showcases all the things that make it different from the American franchise. The lip syncs alone are incredibly dynamic when compared to other versions. On top of production differences, “Drag Race Thailand” is not married to the track records. A queen can win a challenge and still get eliminated in the same episode. It works because the performers in Thailand are just on another level. Season 2 introduced many of us to great artists like Angele Anang, Kandy Zyanide, and the late Bandit, who passed away in 2023. This season was on fire, and yes, we mean that literally.
#3: “Drag Race España” (2021-)
Season 2
The first season of the Spanish franchise was widely beloved, but when it came back for another round in 2022, something was in the air. All the parts came together to form a near-perfect 11 episodes of drag goodness. From the very first episode, it was clear that this was going to be an iconic, top-tier installment of “Drag Race.” Episode two upped the ante with what might just be the best talent show extravaganza in the entire franchise. The runways, the reads, and the challenges are incredible. Every other franchise should take notes.
#2: “Drag Race France” (2022-)
Season 2
Hosted by “Drag Race” contestant Nicky Doll, the French spin-off hit it out of the park right away with its premiere installment. Then they completely smashed it twice as hard with the second. Queens like Keiona, Sara Forever, and Moon are just some of the world-class performers who made their “Drag Race” debuts on this legendary season. Fans were genuinely impressed with the top-notch Rusical episode, absolutely incredible lip syncs, the general camaraderie among the cast, and the barnburner of a finale. It’s one of the best seasons in the entire franchise, international or otherwise.
#1: “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” (2019-)
Series 2
If the words “Bing Bang Bong” don’t mean anything to you, don’t worry, they will. Released knee-deep in the COVID-19 pandemic, the second series of the UK spin-off was almost abandoned due to the outbreak of the virus and the subsequent lockdowns. But it resumed, and it became an all-time great season. Every single queen brings something to the table. Equal parts goofy, messy, and hilarious, series 2 has Lawrence Chaney, Bimini Bon-Boulash, Tayce, the late Cherry Valentine, and one of the weirdest exits in “Drag Race” herstory. But we won’t spoil it. This is one season we’d love to rewatch like it’s the first time.
Which country’s “Drag Race” are you going to watch next? Tell us in the comments.
