When the rest of the franchise feels stale, here’s how Canada’s Drag Race keeps getting better

I appreciate that more Drag Race is more opportunities for queens, and no country should be denied their right to a franchise – but RuPaul’s Drag Race fatigue is a thing. It just is. Whilst I’m happy for the queens getting the work, it’s hard for viewers to dedicate as much time and energy into the seasons like we used to when the fact there’s never really a week without the show airing means each episode feels like less of an exciting big deal. But there is one franchise out of them all that’s really skirting around any fatigue, and as others get more tired only gets better: Canada’s Drag Race. Here’s how as everything else feels like it’s getting less relevant, Canada’s Drag Race gets better by the season.

Via World of Wonder

I think it’s fair to say the franchise of Canada’s Drag Race started shaky. Most of this shakiness can be attributed to the judging panel – where Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman in particular came under heavy fire from the fanbase for the way he spoke to and treated the queens. Stacey Mackenzie and Drag Race season 11 runner up Brooke Lynn Hynes came off better, but the vibes on this panel felt off. For season two, Jeffrey and Stacey departed and Brad Goreski joined the panel full time – a brilliant choice. Brooke and Brad have great rapport, and Brad’s history as a stylist brings the fashion eye to the judging a la Carson Kressley on the stateside edition.

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Bringing up the rear is Traci Melchor, who – unfortunately, is my least favourite aspect of Canada’s Drag Race. I’d rather Stacey or Amanda Brugel who popped up in season two, but still. The panel is the panel, and they do a great job. I think one of the reasons this show is now so great is it really has its own identity and no one is trying to do a RuPaul impression, and the way RuPaul sometimes behaves like she’s just going through the motions is not an issue here. Everyone seems extremely enthused to be making the show.

The queens of season one were a cast with oomph. Eventual winner Priyanka is one of the most beloved queens across the globe. Jimbo not far behind her. Lemon is one of the best rap girlies ever to come from the show, and Rita Baga hosts a franchise. From then on, the queens that followed in consecutive seasons lived up to the hype and continue to be the cast people are most excited to see come back on a Vs The World or an All Winners.

The rest of the franchise is in a bit of a crisis. Mainline Drag Race this year had a great winner, a decent season and a new era on MTV. It did fine. All Stars, less of an enthusiastic run. Down Under, beyond hardcore fans I don’t know anyone who watched it casually. Drag Race UK, despite being consistently pretty good is in a slump: Faced up against Big Brother, the cultural relevance of this year was practically non-existent. Nobody was talking about it. It’s a shame.

But here troops through Canada’s Drag Race, going from better strength to strength and continually being talked about on Twitter. It maintains its excellence with judging that feels fair, fresh and original runway looks and a cash prize incentive that means queens are willing to spend the big dollars on insane looks. The lip syncs are fierce and Brooke is one of the best hosts in the franchise. I’m always excited to see whatever Canada’s Drag Race throws out next. Right now, it’s the blueprint.

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