With 13 seasons, six seasons of spinoff Drag Race All-Stars, and at least seven international series, RuPaul's Drag Race is one of the most well-known and popular reality competitions in mainstream culture today. And as with all reality competitions, there are going to be a lot of opinions on various aspects of the show, whether it's about the contestants or iconic moments.
Among the many opinions, there are naturally going to be some disagreements and unpopular opinions. Some fans turned to Reddit to spill the tea and express these opinions that may make other fans tell them to "sashay away."
The Seasons Are Worse Now Because The Contestants Are Better
For many fans, seasons have improved over time because of the increasingly higher standards and expectations from the viewers and the judges. However, Reddit user ashandimlotion argues that the series has actually become less entertaining because "everyone has gotten so good at drag" and that the screw-ups are important to the show because it is more entertaining and helps the good contestants stand out more.
Whilst it's undeniable that screw-ups make excellent albeit sometimes cringe-worthy television, as well as showing a human side to contestants, it has been wonderful to see the talents of the newer contestants get better each season. Because of Drag Race and increased LGBTQ+ awareness, drag has become a more mainstream profession, and as a result, there is no room for mistakes.
Most Of The Reveals Are Rubbish
Reveals, or "Ruveals", are always a joy for fans - except one. Russianbisexualhookr argues that most of the reveals on Drag Race are "terrible, pointless, and terribly executed."
Depending on the Ruveal and the contestant, this might be a divisive opinion among fans since they are some of the show's most memorable moments and always continue to entertain. What's more, there have been a number of brilliant Ruveals across Drag Race and All-Stars, such as Brooke Lynn Hyte's beautifully flawless change of outfits on the runway that left the judges speechless in awe, and Sasha Velour's iconic rose petal reveal.
Symone Isn't That Great
Drag Race's most recent winner Symone took fans by storm with her flawlessly beautiful looks, brilliantly funny acting, and fierce personality. One fan did not see the appeal of the Ebony Enchantress. Toastedbread39 admitted to not seeing the appeal of Symone because she "has the same character for all of the acting/branding challenges" and has a whole team behind her looks.
This is a highly unpopular opinion. Symone stood out not only because she was a stellar contestant but because she was sympathetic. Symone expressed insecurities of being imperfect and was extremely hard on herself, so fans rooted for her all the more. And let's not forget her powerful Black Lives Matter look on the runway that left the judges speechless and touched. Symone is worthy of her popularity, and even toastedbread39 agrees that she was their pick of the season.
Fashion Queens Aren't Favorites To Win
Throughout the series, queens have been divided into categories, such as comedy queens, spooky queens, and pageant queens. Pageant queens' strengths lie in creating flawless looks but can fall flat in most of the other challenges such as acting and performing. It's perhaps because of this that Little_Miss_Purple states that they don't like "fashion" queens winning.
This is a rather unfair opinion. Drag Race offers a chance for pageant queens to push themselves beyond just looking good, as the judges often advise them to let go and come out of their shells to show their true personalities. Some queens take this on board and end up surprising audiences by being a brilliant comic or a marvelous actress. This shows growth as both a queen and a person and winning either a challenge or the whole show (like Jaida Essence Hall) is their reward for working on becoming a more all-around queen.
Gottmik's Makeup Is Awful
A queen deserving to be on All-Stars, Gottmik was a huge hit for her quirky runway looks, her fantastic Snatch Game performance, her honest and touching openness about being a transgender queen, and her signature black-and-white makeup. However, one Reddit user states, "I hate Gottmik's Gene Simmons makeup."
Whilst there is a resemblance to KISS, Gottmik's makeup has undeniably become iconic in Drag Race history and it's something fans old and new can immediately recognize her for. Furthermore, with her training as a makeup artist, Gottmik's makeup looks, whilst bold, have been some of the most polished and refined in the series.
Mimi Imfurst Could Have Done Well
Mimi Imfurst is a memorable contestant but for perhaps the wrong reasons. Appearing in season 3, she was noted for picking up India Ferrah during their lip sync and, as a result, she was sent home. Mim was not the best contestant but CaritAndManila thinks that Mimi could have gone far in season 3.
Mimi could have possibly have gotten further in the season, but most likely for entertainment value rather than talent. Compared to other comedy queens with big personalities such as Eureka and Ginger Minj, Mimi just didn't cut it. She also had a chance to redeem herself in the first All-Stars series but was sent packing in the first episode. If a queen is sent home early twice, that is not a good sign.
Santino Should Come Back
Fans of the earlier seasons will remember that before judges Ross Matthews and Carson Kressley, there was Santino Rice. The fashion designer was a regular judge on Drag Race for six seasons before he left the show. Whilst both Matthews and Kressley are perhaps now just as popular as Ru and Michelle Visage, naivemediums thinks that Santino should return to the show.
According to Distractify, why Santino left the show is unknown, and his critiques were often controversial amongst fans. Originally, Drag Race was a Project Runway-style show but it evolved beyond just fashion since it started. Matthews and Kressley have the funny and camp energy to match the current tone of the show whereas Santino does not. If he were to return now, it might be verging on a fish out of water situation.
Shangela Should Keep Returning Until She Wins
Eliminated in the first episode of season 2, Shangela was a surprise return for season 3 and made it all the way to fifth place. She did even better in All-Stars 3, ranking in third place. She got closer each time to win, and PumpkinPieIsTooSpicy has commented that "Shangela should keep coming back until she gets the crown."
This would be a bad idea for any contestant but in particular Shangela. She is a rather divisive contestant - fans either love her or loathe her. For her to keep coming back, those who aren't a fan would get increasingly frustrated with her, and it would be unfair for both Shangela and new contestants. What started as a fun idea would become stale.
All-Stars Isn't Good
Drag Race All Stars premiered in 2012, giving a chance for fans to see their favorite past contestants pitted against each other in a similar but not identical format to its predecessor show. The show has proven to be popular with Drag Race fans, though it hasn't landed with some, such as Reddit user potatoinawig, who simply states: "I don't like All-Star seasons."
Whilst understandably not as watched as the main show, All-Stars is a great opportunity for returning queens to try and redeem themselves, or to try and steal the crown they were so close to claiming in Drag Race. Some of the most iconic moments have come from All-Stars, such as Alaska's Snatch Game performance as Mae West and some fantastic All-Star lip syncs.
Bianca Del Rio Is Overrated
Season 6 winner Bianca del Rio has become one of the most popular contestants from Drag Race. She delighted fans with her excellent comedy, sarcastic honesty, and her iconic catchphrase "Not today, Satan." But there is one fan that she hasn't won the heart of. Reddit user kitttkatters says that "Bianca is way overrated."
This is probably one of the most unpopular Drag Race opinions to ever grace Reddit. Bianca is an extremely successful contestant, both in the show and beyond. As a contestant, Bianca was extremely likable, was never in the bottom two, won three maxi challenges, and had one of the best Snatch Game performances to date. From there, she has gone to write and perform in global stand-up shows, released a book, and was voted the most powerful drag queen in America in New York Magazine. If any queen from Drag Race deserves the hype, it's Bianca del Rio.