RuPaul’s Drag Race has been going strong for 13 seasons to date. Which of the seasons is best is often a matter of debate between fans, and most likely will be for many years to come. But when it comes to individual episodes, certain ones will undoubtedly go down in Drag Race history after being immediate hits with the audience.
The high points of the show’s 13 seasons (without mentioning those in the multiple spin-off series), include makeover challenges, finale episodes, and of course the fan-favorite, Snatch Game. So with an impressive IMDb rating of 9.3, which of the show’s 175 episodes is the most popular?
"Superfan Makeover" (Season 12, Episode 10) - 8.9
The twelfth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race aired last year and because of the COVID-19 pandemic the reunion and finale were held virtually for the first time. But the events of 2020 couldn’t stop this season’s queens from becoming favorites with fans all across the globe.
Episode 10 saw the remaining queens surprising superfans of the show with a drag family makeover. Out on the main stage, the queens and their new drag daughters walked the runway before the superfans performed a group lip sync together. With its fun and exciting main challenge (never seen before quite like this), it’s easy to see why this episode is a fan favorite. A standout among the cast in this episode was Crystal Methyd, who almost won the challenge with her inspired Bert & Ernie makeover look.
"Shade: The Rusical" (Season 6, Episode 4) - 8.9
“Shade: The Rusical” is season 6’s musical performance by the remaining 11 queens of the season, and the first-ever Rusical on the show. With BenDeLaCreme playing the perfect villain, the Shady Lady, and the vocals of two former American Idol contestants, Courtney Act and Adore Delano, it’s no surprise that this musical episode ranks as one of the best in the show. This episode was key in spotlighting Courtney, who won the challenge by delivering a combination of excellent vocals and an inspired acting performance that she is now known for to fans of the show.
"The Finale" (Season 6, Episode 14) - 8.9
Season 6’s finale episode captivated fans all over the world as they waited in anticipation for the crowning of America’s Next Drag Superstar. In this episode, RuPaul interviews the eliminated queens and the top 3 (Adore Delano, Bianca Del Rio, and Courtney Act), perform a mini-song before the winner of the season is revealed.
With such huge personalities in the top 3, an undeniable Miss Congeniality, and audience members like Chaz Bono, this episode was undoubtedly going to be a hit. In addition, the finale of RuPaul's Drag Race is considered the best episode of season 6 due to many memorable moments such as RuPaul officiating an impromptu marriage between contestant Joslyn Fox and her boyfriend and Trinity K. Bonet's stunning runway look.
"Oh. My. Gaga!" (Season 9, Episode 1) - 8.9
What season 9 may have lacked in drama, it made up for in polished, sickening queens. In fact, this premiere introduced some contestants (like Sasha Velour and Peppermint) who will go down in Drag Race history. First episodes of new seasons are always a big hit. There’s nothing quite like watching the Werk Room fill with queens, and lapping up the first impressions of the contestants who will be fighting for the crown that season. And with the iconic Lady Gaga guest judging in this episode, it’s no surprise that it ranks high with IMDb users.
"Madonna: The Unauthorized Rusical" (Season 12, Episode 7) - 9.0
In this episode of season 12, the top 9 queens get into the groove to star in a Madonna-inspired Rusical. They were tasked not only with lip-syncing on stage in full Madonna looks, but recording their own vocals to Madonna-esque songs. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Winnie Harlow joined RuPaul and Michelle Visage on the judging panel and provided insightful critiques for the queens.
Rusical episodes are often a big hit or a big miss but this season’s queens gave memorable performances as they sang and danced to a satiric medley of Madonna's hit songs. Among the highlights include Gigi Goode's challenge-winning "Papa Don't Preach" number and Jaida Essence's Hall sultry dance that homaged "Justify My Love." This episode is always noteworthy for spawning the popular "Jan is upset" meme, which originated when the camera zoomed on Jan's motionless face after she learned she didn't win. With a 9.0 score among IMDb fans, "Madonna: The Rusical" is the most popular of all the Rusical episodes.
"Drag Queens of Comedy" (Season 6, Episode 8) - 9
Season 6 has proven to be extremely popular among Drag Race fans, and with memorable queens like Bianca Del Rio competing, it’s no surprise that the stand-up challenge of the season was a big hit. This season’s crowned winner, Bianca, won the comedy challenge (of writing and performing a stand-up comedy routine in front of a live audience) against surprisingly tough competition from Trinity K. Bonet and Darienne Lake. Not only did she captivate her audience on the show, but it seems she won over the audience watching at home because this episode ranks fifth out of all 175 in the show's herstory.
"I’m That Bitch" (Season 12, Episode 1) - 9.1
Season 12’s premiere episode saw a new crop of queens (or at least half of them) entering the Werk Room for the first time. Always entertaining, the first episode often sets the tone for the rest of the season. And with Nicki Minaj as guest judge, “I’m That Bitch” did not disappoint.
When Ru revealed the main challenge of the episode as a rap battle, to be performed with Nicki, tensions were running high and the queens began to feel the pressure. It’s no surprise that this episode is ranked so well; in a contest of best guest judges, Nicki Minaj is one of the best and provided insightful critiques that helped queens like Heidi N Closet improve later in the competition.
"RuPaul Roast" (Season 5, Episode 7) - 9.2
The Roast challenge (or comedy challenge as it is known in other seasons) is a chance for the queens to perform in front of a live audience and showcase their charisma and nerve. This season 5 episode, however, stands apart from the rest as the queens are tasked to roast RuPaul and the celebrity judges.
It’s a night to remember that ends in a show-stopping lip sync between two iconic southern queens, Alyssa Edwards and Roxxxy Andrews. Both queens give it their all and in a shocking double shantay, neither queen is eliminated. This episode embodies the spirit of Drag Race: unfiltered entertainment, twists and turns, and unbridled talent. “RuPaul Roast” entertained fans enough to give it a high score of 9.2.
"Grand Finale" (Season 9, Episode 14) - 9.2
Season 9 was full of many Drag Race "firsts." The spectacular finale episode, for example, was the first to have four queens compete for the crown. It was the first episode where the winner won fewer main challenges than another contestant. And the first time where a queen who won four main challenges didn't win the season.
Not only did this episode break new ground, but the 3 lip syncs by the top 4 queens in the “Grand Finale” were undeniably some of the best performances the show had ever seen. One moment that delighted fans and gained mainstream attention in publications like Vanity Fair was Sasha Velour's wig reveal, which showered her with rose petals and secured her place in the top 2. There’s no doubt that this episode deserves its high ranking just for that moment alone.
"Snatch Game" (Season 6, Episode 5) - 9.3
Every season, the Snatch Game is one of the most highly anticipated episodes. Some of the queens’ impersonations leave the audience cringing like Gia Gunn's woeful Kim Kardashian, while others are impeccable like Ginger Minj's acerbic Adele. But what’s certain is that all of them are entertaining.
Season 6’s Snatch Game saw BenDeLaCreme, steal the win as Dame Maggie Smith's character from Downton Abbey. DeLa shocked everyone in this episode, but with one of the best impersonations Snatch Game has ever seen, they definitely deserved it. Featuring other great performances from Bianca Del Rio as an acid-tongued Judge Judy, and Adore Delano as an inebriated Anna Nicole Smith, there’s no denying this season 6 episode has its rightful place as one of the best RuPaul’s Drag Race episodes ever.