Top 10 Shows to Watch If You Like Drag Race
#10: “Legendary” (2020-)
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This HBO Max reality show is perfect for fans of Drag Race who love competition but also want to get a more in-depth look at voguing and ball culture. Hosted by Dashaun Wesley with judges Jameela Jamil, Law Roach, Leiomy Maldonado, and Megan Thee Stallion, the web series never has a dull moment. “Legendary” provides a glimpse into the underground world of ballroom, which includes modeling, dance, performance and lip-syncing. Viewers follow LGBTQ+ voguing teams, called Houses, as they compete in a wide variety of different challenges. The winning House receives a cash prize of $100,000. The show was renewed for a second season in July 2020, which is something to look forward to!
#9: “Grace and Frankie” (2015-)
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What happens when your husband falls in love with the husband of a woman you don’t particularly like? Well, this Netflix original answers that question. It follows two women, Grace and Frankie, who learn to lean on each other after their spouses leave them for each other. It's a scripted series, so its format is very different from Drag Race. But they have more in common than you think. Just like Drag Race, this show perfectly balances fun and clever comedy with moments of depth. Plus, Ru guest stars. At the end of 2019, Netflix announced that the show’s 7th season would be its last, so what better time than the present to start binge-watching?
#8: “Hey Qween!” (2014-)
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Comedian Jonny McGovern hosts this interview-based show. Unfortunately, his co-host, the inimitable drag queen Lady Red Couture passed away in 2020 due to illness. She always infused the program with joy. It won’t be the same without her, but her legacy lives on. It's a talk show type of series, so you won’t get any of the classic RuPaul’s Drag Race competition. However, there is a strong emphasis on telling the stories of LGBTQ+ people. In fact, a lot of Drag Race alumni have been on the show, including the one and only RuPaul. We would say that’s the ultimate stamp of approval.
#7: “Skin Wars” (2014-16)
In this reality competition series, body painters complete various challenges to prove their skill for the chance to win the grand prize of $100 000. It was hosted by Rebecca Romijin while RuPaul was a judge, along with Craig Tracy and Robin Slonina. It’s a lot like Drag Race, except the focus is on the art form of body painting instead. And there was actually a drag challenge that featured previous Drag Race contestants. There was also a spinoff, though it was short-lived. “Skin Wars: Fresh Paint”, hosted by RuPaul, followed a different set of successful artists with zero body painting experience each week. They competed with the help of “Skin Wars” alumni in the hopes of winning the $10 000 prize.
#6: “Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star” (2019-)
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If you love the iconic makeup looks on Drag Race, then this is the show for you. On it, a group of make-up artists compete for a contract to work with some of the best professionals in the game and cement themselves in the industry. It has the same fast-paced and high-stakes competition that fans of Drag Race love. But that’s not all. There’s a parallel to be drawn with how both shows eliminate contestants. Judges first decide on a “bottom two” who must “face-off” in a makeup challenge where the loser is eliminated. Oh, and there’s also a drag makeup episode of “Glow Up” where “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant Kim Chi appeared as the guest judge.
#5: “Dragnificent!” (2019-)
If you miss seeing your favorite queens at the center of the action, look no further than this TLC reality tv series. Originally called “Drag Me Down The Aisle”, “Dragnificent!” allows you to watch former Drag Race contestants Jujubee, Bebe Zahara Benet, Alexis Michelle, and Thorgy Thor as they help different women reconnect with themselves. They help them get ready for their weddings, and occasionally other events like high school reunions as well. They transform these women so that they can be who they want to be and look how they always dreamed they could be for their big moment. Consider it a mix of RuPaul’s Drag Race and Queer Eye - and strap in!
#4: “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula” (2016-)
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If you ever wanted to see a darker take on the world of drag, look no further. This show, hosted by the Boulet Brothers, has a similar premise to RuPaul's Drag Race. But instead of the next drag superstar, they are looking for the “next drag supermonster”. In fact, their guiding principles are "drag, filth, horror, and glamor". This edgier take is also reflected in the challenges. While Ru’s girls lip sync, the contestants facing elimination on this show undergo “extermination challenges”, which are designed to be rather frightening. And if you like that, you’ll be excited to hear there’s a spinoff movie. In Shudder’s “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Resurrection”, past competitors compete for a chance to be in season 4 and to win $20 000.
#3: “Queer Eye” (2018-)
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Get comfortable on your couch and watch as the Fab Five, also known as Jonathan, Antoni, Bobby, Karamo, and Tan, completely change peoples’ lives. They visit various cities and help a wide range of different people regain control of different aspects. This reality show is filled with fun, as the experts showcase not only their expertise but their personalities as well. But at its core, “Queer Eye” is about giving people the tools they need to be the best versions of themselves. The goal is to help the heroes believe in their power. If you think about it, it’s very similar to Drag Race in that sense. It’s a real tear-jerker too, so make sure to grab a box of tissues before you press play!
#2: “Pose” (2018-)
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This scripted drama provides a look at ballroom culture. More specifically, it focuses on its presence in New York City in the ‘80s and ‘90s . It shines the spotlight on a culture, mainly composed of LGBTQ+ Latin & Black individuals, that was forced underground by mainstream society. Viewers are treated to amazing performances and heartwarming stories about friends who become family. Not to mention it’s a great example of representation on television. According to Deadline, Ryan Murphy put together “the largest cast of transgender actors in series regular roles ever for a scripted series”. For those who want to learn more about the history of the ballroom scene and the social issues facing this community at the time, “Pose” is both entertaining and educational. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “AJ and the Queen” (2020) Watch RuPaul as Drag Queen Ruby Red in This Scripted Netflix Original “Project Runway” (2004-) Get a Dose of Fashion in This Reality Competition “America’s Next Top Model” (2003-) For a Glimpse at the Cutthroat Industry, Check Out This Classic “Super Drags” (2018) The Animated Show About Drag Queen Superheroes You Didn’t Know You Needed “Making the Cut” (2020-) Watch as Designers Compete for a Million Dollars & a Fashion Line
#1: “We’re Here” (2020-)
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RuPaul’s Drag Race Queens Shangela, Eureka O’Hara, and Bob the Drag Queen take on the USA in this reality show. Following them as they head to small towns and help get folks ready for a drag performance, this HBO series takes drag on the road to places that might otherwise never fully experience it. It’s not exactly embraced in many of the cities they visit, and because of that, there are a whole load of different challenges to overcome. Plus, each resident’s reason for wanting to immerse themselves in the world of drag is deeply personal. So while it is an entertaining show filled with charm, it's also a really heartfelt and touching one!
