How Drag Race Struck Gold Second Time Around
It's been a bleak winter for the UK this year from the horrendous weather to the isolation and distance felt by many throughout lockdown, but one thing has been a beacon of light and positivity during these tough times; RuPaul's Drag Race UK.
The news is dominated by Covid-19 and the constant anxiety it brings, but the BBC have gave the queer community some relief in the second run of Drag Race UK. Since its premiere on BBC iPlayer in 2019, RuPaul's Drag Race UK has quickly caught up with its American counterpart in terms of popularity and hype. With a hugely successful first season that came bursting with camp outfits, quintessentially British humour and loveable queens, season two had more than enough anticipation and expectations following it.
Airing when we all needed it most, Drag Race UK's second season has eclipsed its former season and elevated British drag to heights of popularity that no one could've predicted. Fans have fallen in love with the cast, gave them an Official UK Top 40 single, started a petition for them to represent the UK at Eurovision and gave them the opportunity to collaborate with huge artists like Little Mix and Ava Max. But why has this season done so well when compared to it's global counterparts?
It's clear that personalities clicked with viewers like never before this year, and 60% of people I spoke to said they related to and liked UK queens more than those participating in Season 13 of US Drag Race. With queens like Bimini Bon Boulash and Lawrence Chaney speaking so openly about struggles with gender identity and bullying in schools, it gave fans a greater understanding go them behind the character and an endearing sense of vulnerability.
For a franchise that's been on air for over 12 years and to still be connecting with and serving a purpose for its audience is rare and as we fast approach pride month, it reminds us why we still need shows like RuPaul's Drag Race. Amongst the humour, shade and elegant gowns there are real issues that are dealt with and for young queer people we need that balance.
As Drag Race Down Under currently faces controversy for issues surrounding queens like Scarlett Adam's history with problematic and racist behaviour, it's clear to see the contrast between the two shows, and how these issues are dealt with both on and off screen. 100% of people felt Drag Race UK portrayed open and honest conversations regarding social issues, whereas the same can't be said for Aussie's edition when looking at the response online.
The success that's come with Drag Race UK's second season has been unreal, many cite it as the main reason for BBC Three's return as a TV channel after its move online in 2016. British drag finally has a great representation in the RPDR community, showing that UK huns can be multifaceted too and are more than capable of competing with their stateside sisters, with queens like A'Whora showing amazing design skills and Veronica Green repressing a theatrical side to drag. There's no doubt that the UK has cemented itself as the home of brilliantly bonkers queens and become the new IT girl with its critical acclaim and fan following.
Admittedly, I was never someone who got Drag Race when it blew up in the US, sure it was interesting, but I wasn’t hooked. I’d put it on in the background and didn’t really invest in the queens, then along came Drag Race UK. It burst through the door with competitors I could relate too, oozing with quintessentially British humour that complimented its hilarious challenges and it all clicked! Over the short span of two seasons, we’ve already seen hilarious queens such as Baga Chipz, The Vivienne and Lawrence Chaney and many more provide laugh after laugh every week with their witty commentary. It's clear that I'm not the only one that's found a new love for drag when Drag Race came across the pond, with 58% of people now preferring the UK version to the US.
In a dark time, Drag Race UK has become the relief many of us have needed over the past year with lots of people eagerly waiting for their dose of camp-ness on a Thursday evening. The show puts positivity at the forefront of the show, and while it is a competition we never see the cruel nature that can appear when people's competitive side kicks in, which we can see currently happening on Drag Race Down Under.
Giving queer people the space to enjoy themselves and experiment with their identity is rare, Drag Race gives viewers and stars alike the chance to learn and grow with the show in a fun and entertaining way. It’s a breath of fresh air that’s so rarely seen on British television.