RuPaul’s Drag Race was the only good thing about 2019 and don’t you dare tell me otherwise. The show wrapped up season 11 in the spring, and we finally have another season to keep us occupied. Truly, thank god for this and cheese, it’s all I have left.
As the season winds down, it’s time to start thinking about how the hell they’re going to pull off the finale and reunion since nobody is going outside right now. Also, at some point in the near future we must talk about what’s coming up after season 12. (All Stars season 5 is definitely coming back, so head this way for more on that goodness). But for now, focus on everything you need to know about this current season to distract you from the horror show that will inevitably be the presidential election!
Meanwhile, I’ll just be here waiting all:
But before we get into details, reminder: This is obviously not a spoiler-free zone. In fact, I’m about to spoil the ending of season 11 right now, so LOOK AWAY if you want to remain pure: Yvie Oddly won and it was everything, bye!
Okay, so is season 12 definitely even happening?
Yes, it is! Mama Ru announced the news in a video, explaining that RPDR season 12 and All Stars season 5 will be making their way to VH1. Season 12 will premiere at 8 p.m. ET on February 28 on VH1.
Who is gonna be on it?
The cast has been assembled. The show finally announced the lineup, and it’s clearly going to be a killer season.
Check ’em out:
Aiden Zhane
Brita
Crystal Methyd
Dahlia Sin
Gigi Goode
Heidi N Closet
Jackie Cox
Jaida Essence Hall
Jan
Nicky Doll
Rock M. Sakura
Sherry Pie
Sherry Pie was disqualified on March 6 after BuzzFeed News reported allegations from five men against the performer. VH1 said they will air the season as planned but Sherry will not appear during the finale this spring.
Widow Von’du
World of Wonder (the company that produces Drag Race) first put out a casting call on YouTube in January 2019, in which RuPaul mused, “Time for RuPaul’s Drag Race season 12 casting. If you are a showgirl, if you are a drag queen, if you are a girl with a cha-cha heel and a pussycat wig, honey, you better get on up on this show.”
When will it air tho?
Season 12 premieres at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, February 28, 2020, which follows the pattern of past seasons.
Drag Race has been on for years, and it usually follows a predictable schedule. The season airs right at the beginning of the year and wraps up by late spring/early summer. For example, season 11 aired February 28, 2019, and ended May 30, 2019.
Is there a trailer yet?
Yes, and it’s EVERYTHING:
What's the deal with the finale?
Since the pandemic continues to change life as we know it, Drag Race’s reunion and finale were filmed virtually, so you can expect Zoom-like episodes when they air on May 22 and May 29, respectively. But don’t worry! It won’t be as blah as the virtual Tiger King reunion was (sorry not sorry). According to a statement from the show, the finale, which is typically filmed in front of a live audience, used “innovative technology that highlights the creatively of the queens.”
Remind me, what prizes do they get?
Um, aside from the implied lifetime achievement award that comes from winning this show? That’d be $100,000, a one-year supply of Anastasia Beverly Hills cosmetics, and a crown and scepter, duh.
Who’s gonna judge?
Other than RuPaul, we’ll likely see the return of staple judges like Michelle Visage, Ross Mathews, and Carson Kressley. Of course, you should also expect a slew of celebrity judges. Last season, RuPaul blessed us with the likes of Adam Rippon, Miley Cyrus, and Lena Waithe, and it was glorious. But believe it or not, we’re being treated to even bigger and better guests this time around.
Season 12’s guest judges will be—drumroll, please—Nicki Minaj, Normani, Whoopi Goldberg, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Chaka Khan, Robyn, Leslie Jones, Jeff Goldblum, Daisy Ridley, Thandie Newton, Olivia Munn, Rachel Bloom, Daniel Franzese, Jonathan Bennett, and Winnie Harlow! As expected, this season is going to slay.
Anyway, that’s all we’ve got for now, but you better believe we’ll be updating this with details, so get TF ready.
