RuPaul's Drag Race

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
RuPaul's Drag Race Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 15+

Drag queen contest is campy, fun, has positive messages.

Logo, VH1 Reality TV 2009
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 20 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 38 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that RuPaul's Drag Race is a series where drag performers compete for a title, money, and commercial opportunities. It includes lots of sexual innuendo (including references to various sex acts and blurred nudity) and a fair bit of strong language (the term "bitch" is used often, while curses like "f--k" and "s--t" are bleeped). Over the years, the series has helped popularize drag culture as well as brought many LGBTQ performers into the spotlight, often promoting acceptance and compassion for communities that were once heavily marginalized.

Community Reviews

LaxWolf13
LaxWolf13 Adult
September 22, 2021
age 16+

Not for kids, only adults

What might have started off borderline ok for teens. Has now become a show that talks about sexual acts, and drugs. I agree about the show being positive on fashion and self confidence. But to have adults talk about sex, sexual act and viewing other people as sex objects is not ok for teens. They even have games with men in thongs and them pulling cards from their croch. While doing this the contestants are taking about how the why to have sex with them. This is not appropriate for kids, it's for adults only.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
1 person found this helpful.
Kcamshaw
Kcamshaw Adult
August 28, 2020
age 14+

Language....yikes!

Sorry if I’m clutching my pearls but watching with my 11 year old was pretty cringey. The common fare of bleeped words was expected. But words said into the great wide open included lots of b****, titt***, a**, and ass****, horny, slutty, whore. Soooo much sexual innuendo. Watching just one episode included talk of STDs, blue balls, a big wiener between 2 buns, a cape that looked like a huge anus and much more. As an adult, I liked the show and the naughty humor. BUT, whew, too much for a child. I would just suggest watching one episode to see if the content is suitable for your family. I should have done that myself, instead of reading reviews and going off of other parent’s experiences. So shame on me!! But I think high school age is probably more appropriate. .

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
1 person found this helpful.
See all 20 parent reviews

What's the Story?

RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE is a reality competition designed to find America's next drag superstar. Hosted by actor/model/drag queen RuPaul, the series follows 12 male performers as they compete in a variety of designing, modeling, dancing, and acting challenges to show off their drag queen personalities and style. To move to the next round, they must electrify a panel of judges made up of RuPaul, journalist Merle Ginsberg, Project Runway finalist Santino Rice, and weekly guest celebrity judges like Kathy Griffin and Kim Coles. The two contestants who least impress the judges must face-off in a lip-synching performance to remain in the competition. The winner receives $25,000, a lifetime supply of makeup, a public relations contract, and the opportunity to be featured in various advertising campaigns.

Is It Any Good?

This series combines the fashion design drama of Project Runway with the modeling excitement of America's Next Top Model. It creates an entertainingly voyeuristic glimpse into the performance art world of drag queens. There's plenty of over-the-top stuff, but rather than simply treating drag performers as people to be laughed at and/or scorned, the show also focuses on the hard work and talent that goes into drag performances.

RuPaul's Drag Raceisn't for everyone, and there's enough strong language, sexual innuendo, and over-the-top and behavior to make it an iffy choice for younger viewers. But it does offer some positive messages about overcoming adversity and about self-acceptance. In the end, the series' goal is to celebrate people who are willing to follow their passions and be true to themselves.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about stereotypes. Do the contestants in RuPaul's Drag Race reinforce or undermine stereotypes typically associated with the LGBTQ community? How are other communities stereotyped, both in the media and out of it?

  • Over the years, notable actors like Milton Berle, Tony Curtis, Tom Hanks, and Robin Williams have famously performed in drag in films and on TV. Do you think their characters and performances are looked at differently than the ones given by the contestants here? If so, why?

TV Details

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