Drag Race Spinoffs Ranked from ‘Yes Queen’ to ‘Sashay Away’
RuPaul’s Drag Race has become its own universe at this point. A new spinoff seems to drop every few months, and the quality varies wildly. If you’re trying to figure out where to spend your time, here is an honest, loving, occasionally petty ranking.
Tier 1: Watch Immediately
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars is the reason the franchise still feels vital. Bringing back fan favorites and watching them compete again, sometimes with scores to settle, produces some of the best television the show has ever made. All Stars 3 is chaos. All Stars 6 is peak. All Stars 7 with all-winners is a specific kind of unhinged that you will either love or find exhausting. Start with All Stars 2 if you want the moment that broke the internet.
Drag Race UK made people who had stopped watching the US version care again. The Brits brought a different comedic energy, sharper tongues, and a level of sewing skill that embarrassed the American franchise. Series 2 is considered one of the best seasons of any Drag Race format, full stop. Lawrence Chaney is an icon. Bimini Bon Boulash is an icon. Watch it.
Trailers for what we mentioned
Tier 2: Genuinely Great, Often Slept On
Drag Race Philippines arrived in 2022 and immediately became a fan favorite for its warmth, its emotional depth, and the fact that the queens seemed to actually like each other. The lip syncs are extraordinary. If you have not seen the Season 1 finale, stop reading and go watch it right now. We love to see it.
Canada’s Drag Race has a gentler energy than the US version, which is either a feature or a bug depending on your taste. The Canadian queens tend to be technically skilled and the show has a community feel that the American version sometimes loses in the spectacle. Season 3 is a standout.
Trailers for what we mentioned
Tier 3: Good, With Caveats
Drag Race Holland is interesting and sometimes great but suffers from an inconsistent edit and some pacing issues. Still worth watching for Envy Peru alone, who is one of the most compelling contestants in the franchise’s history.
Drag Race España started strong and has a specific Iberian drama energy that is very fun. Carmen Farala’s win in Season 1 was a historic moment for the franchise.
Trailers for what we mentioned
Tier 4: Proceed with Expectations Managed
Drag Race Down Under had a rough first season due to some controversies around cast members that overshadowed the competition. Season 2 and beyond improved significantly. If you love the format, it’s worth checking in on where the series has landed now.
A Note on the US Main Series
The original is still going, still producing moments, and still launching careers. Seasons 4, 5, 7, and 10 are the classic starting points. The later seasons have a more polished, sometimes overly produced feel, but the talent keeps getting wilder. Start at the beginning or jump in wherever. The reading challenge is always worth it.
Wherever you start, you’re going to end up with opinions. That’s part of the deal. Welcome to the fandom.