Shantay, Goodbye’: RuPaul’s Drag Race Bows Out After Historic Run
In a groundbreaking move that marks the end of an era, RuPaul’s Drag Race, the Emmy-winning drag competition show that revolutionized reality television and LGBTQ+ representation, has officially concluded its run. After more than a decade of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, the final episode aired to an emotional wave of celebration, reflection, and gratitude from fans around the globe.
Premiering in 2009 on Logo TV and later becoming a flagship program on VH1 and MTV, RuPaul’s Drag Race launched drag culture into the mainstream, propelling its host RuPaul Charles to global superstardom. With over 15 regular seasons, countless spin-offs including All Stars, Drag Race UK, Canada’s Drag Race, and Drag Race España, and a legacy that spans continents, the series was more than a competition—it was a cultural movement.
The final season was a spectacular homage to the show’s history. Iconic queens from past seasons returned to mentor the top contestants, classic challenges were reimagined, and the runway was a dazzling retrospective of the most legendary looks ever seen on the Drag Race stage. RuPaul, dressed in a custom gown by long-time collaborator Zaldy, gave a heartfelt speech during the finale, thanking fans, crew members, and the entire drag community for turning a niche idea into a global phenomenon.
“From the workroom to the main stage, from the wigs to the walk-offs, this has always been about love—love for yourself, and love for your sisters,” RuPaul said, holding back tears. “Drag is not just entertainment. Drag is resistance. Drag is power. And Drag Race has always been a celebration of that truth.”
The series’ final crown was awarded to fan-favorite queen Kandy Kiss, a dynamic performer known for her electrifying lip-syncs and unapologetic personality. In a nail-biting showdown, she bested the competition with a performance that blended humor, high fashion, and heartfelt vulnerability—hallmarks of what made the show so beloved.
Fans and critics alike have been pouring tributes across social media, using hashtags like #ThankYouDragRace and #DragRaceFinale. “This show changed my life,” wrote one fan on Twitter. “It taught me to be proud of who I am and that it’s okay to shine.” Others praised the show’s broader impact on LGBTQ+ visibility, diversity in media, and the normalization of drag as an art form.
From queens reading each other to filth to heartfelt mirror moments about self-acceptance, RuPaul’s Drag Race consistently blended camp with sincerity. It introduced the world to phrases like “sashay away,” “snatch game,” and “reading is fundamental.” It turned drag queens into household names—Bianca Del Rio, Trixie Mattel, Sasha Velour, and Symone among them—and gave them platforms to launch makeup lines, music careers, TV shows, and social advocacy.
Academically, the show has been the subject of studies on gender performance, queer culture, and postmodern identity. In 2018, it made history as the first show to win the Emmy for Outstanding Reality Competition Program with a queer host. By 2020, RuPaul had become the most-awarded person of color in Emmy history.
The show wasn’t without criticism. It faced scrutiny over trans representation, racially biased judging, and tokenism in early seasons. However, it evolved, with later seasons actively incorporating queens of varied gender identities and backgrounds. It’s now credited with pushing conversations about intersectionality and inclusivity into mainstream media.
Beyond television, Drag Race inspired countless local drag scenes to thrive. Bars, theaters, and even classrooms around the world hosted Drag Race-inspired events. Queens became educators, activists, and icons. The franchise brought attention to the importance of drag as a form of protest and empowerment, especially during times of political backlash against queer communities.
Its end coincides with a pivotal cultural moment. Drag performers are currently facing renewed scrutiny and legislation in parts of the United States and abroad. As such, the conclusion of Drag Race feels symbolic: a celebration of how far society has come—and a reminder of how much further it needs to go.
World of Wonder, the production company behind the series, has confirmed that while Drag Race is ending, the larger Drag Race universe will live on in the form of documentaries, alumni specials, and international series continuing their runs. “This is not the end of drag on screen,” co-creators Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey assured fans. “It’s just the beginning of a new chapter.”
RuPaul echoed that sentiment. “The lights may be dimming on this main stage, but the spotlight on drag will never go out,” he said. “Keep spreading love, keep showing your light, and remember—you’re born naked, and the rest is drag.”
As the curtain falls on what many consider one of the most influential shows of the 21st century, RuPaul’s Drag Race leaves behind a sparkling legacy of empowerment, creativity, and unapologetic self-expression. And in its wake, it leaves generations of queens and fans who know that being different is not only okay—it’s fierce.
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