The lip sync for the crown version, yes. Final lip sync in general, should stay bc if it’s a close race it could genuinely tip the scales and be quite exciting. Like UK3’s ending wasn’t terribly well received bc ppl wanted Ella Vaday to win, but the fact that Ella flubbed the final lip sync and thus lost to Krystal was a WILD moment and made the season more interesting to look back on imo. I also would prefer the fan input just be scrapped, so the finale has importance again.
There are two issues with Snatch Game right now: 1. Ru doesn’t recognize many of the younger stars, so even if someone does well they may not be rewarded. 2. The queens are so afraid of the fans that they won’t take certain risks that earlier girls would try. This impacts a lot of challenges, but snatch game has really been impacted by queens not feeling safe to be silly.
Oh your second point is one I hadn't even considered! But I can totally see that! You don't want the fans of that celebrity, or the drag race fandom in general, to attack you bc you "disrespected" or were "making fun of them"
The "fandom“ is slowly ruining the show, queens need to be nothing but congenial but if they do, they are boring and fake, but if they are at least somewhat shady, they‘ll def receive death threats, you can’t win nowadays unless you really don‘t give a shit like f.e. Jaida
That, too. Also, as understandable as the requirement to "make Rupaul laugh" is, I always take it with a grain of salt, since Rupaul has a very particular sense of humor. As such, some viewers (or even some of the participating Queens) can find a joke funny, whereas it flies right above Ru's head, making it seem like the Queen who delivered it "didn't do well".
A big problem with the Snatch Game is queens choosing a celebrity just because they're a fan, but the characters aren't funny. Other times, the queens are too afraid to make the character funny.
@@amit02020 Is sad because I feel like Snatch Game before was more so how much you represented the artist well while making references and jokes but now is just a “if you make Ru laugh you are good”. Idk I personally think is better when someone represents the character well and how much they overall did in acting as them.
Not exactly a challenge, but the Lip Sync for the Crown. Since Sasha's rose petals it turned into Rupaul's Best Reveal Race, which often distracts from who actually does better and deserves to win.
and, most importantly, it signals that whoever wins that final lipsync is supposed to also win the entire season, regardless of who has already "won" the season prior to the lipsync - and as seen with jinkx and monet in as7, *may the lord have mercy* if the two dont align or if u think the other one shouldve won the lipsync/season
That was a one time capturing lightning in a bottle situation and has not repeated since. Having seen so many seasons of DR it's near impossible to do a reveal that shocks and amazes the crowd, Sasha pulled off that impossible feat. Production is deluding itself into thinking it can recapture that chaos just because they want to.
I agree and disagree at the same time. You’re right, it has become something lacking importance and somewhat discrediting a whole queen’s track record. However, I don’t like just having a finale showcasing the queens. I need some sort of competition so that the winner isn’t predictable.
You say “since Sasha’s rose petals” like that wasn’t the first time it happened. The LSFTC finale should’ve been retired after that one time because nobody has even come close to giving like Sasha and Peppermint gave. Yvie and Brooklyn are the only other LSFTC I’ve ever gone back to watch again. The individual performances with a winner picked at the end like they did for season 7 and 8 should be the default finale format imo.
@@poot9162 s14 id say has a generally well liked finale, as7 has a generally loathed finale. now look at the formats each one of them used. it might not be a coincidence
That’s called gag effects. The reason why it was part of the final episode was because it would bring ratings GOOD or BAD. They know social media would rave about it so that’s why it was kept in
In my opinion acting challenges should be cut. They are usually written badly and filled with puns and there is always that big role who succeeds and a small role for the bottom 2
I disagree, the acting challenge can really be a wheat/chaff distinguisher. The parts are what you make of them, and ultimately it's about how to pull focus. Jinkx in the Santa School For Girls challenge was a perfect example, she got a fairly mediocre supporting role as a stereotypical dumb shopaholic school girl and then twisted it so much that she almost became a horror movie monster! She didn't have many lines but she made the absolute most of the screentime she had. On the other hand take someone like Bosco who had a main role in the Rusical and still managed to come across as pretty one dimensional.
That being said, I do think the scripted acting challenges are unfairly tough on the girls who speak English as a second language eg. Mercedes Iman Diamond (as iconic as her moment became
I'll say that a lot of the problems with these challenges comes down to production/judging choices. For acting challenges, most scripts are terribly written and very uneven in terms of roles. For Snatch Game, RuPaul doesn't know any celebrities who became famous after 1998, so younger contestants come at a disadvantage bc their jokes just won't land with Ru. For the makeovers, every time the judging criteria is different on what is a good makeover. The pairs are too similar, or not enough family resemblance, you outshined your sister, your sister outshined you, etc. Editing to add that my critiques on the rusical is the same as acting challenges
that's honestly a great point for snatch game! ru doesn't care abt young people on drag race honestly, wich is weird bcoz every season they push a young queen towards the crown. the "make ru laugh" thing is what mostly ruins snatch game tbh
"For Snatch Game, RuPaul doesn't know any celebrities who became famous after 1998" literally the past few Snatch Games have included winners in Lil Jon, Maria the Robot, and TS Madison, plus celebrities as they appeared in pop culture later in their post-2000's careers like Flavor Flav, Paris Hilton, Melania Trump, and Caitlyn Jenner. And they won because they were funny, they all made plenty of jokes that Ru understood. The problem with Snatch Game is that a lot of younger queens just don't understand what Snatch Game is trying to test, it's not really about the impersonation but more about just generally being funny. And they end up picking characters that aren't funny, or they don't know how to make funny jokes.
@@AnRuixuan I was just generalizing bc most modern celebrity impersonations we get haven't been a hit with Ru/the audience but I do agree that the queens' skills also play a huge part into making it funny!
@@AnRuixuan that doesn't feel like a good faith argument. Sure there can be outliers and maybe 1998 isn't a firm line in the sand with Lil Jon being active in the 90s but doing YEAH in the early 00s and Hilton being early/mid 00s. But some figures like politicians aren't pop culture and characters like Maria the Robot didn't win because Ru knew about robotics but because she was a robot who made sex jokes. But that also ignores the blank stares that suggesting any social media stars, or even modern actors under 45 leaning in on sitcom or film roles net from Ru (hell. Consider the utter lack of familiarity with Moira Rose on Down Under). Or the expectation that modern queens get deep cut mommy dearest and dynasty references. Sure gay iconography from the 70s and 80s is important from a historical context, but it also changes as the community does and if the expectation that Judy Garland and Joan Crawford should be a mandatory read for cultural literacy, then so too should 21st century icons, influencers and memes. Especially if you're trying to work in the industry of promoting 21st century queens. They don't need to be judged by 30 year old standards.
I think often with the Acting Challenges and Rusicals - SHOW THE QUEENS WHAT YOUR REFERENCING in the hotel, give them a set list of “films which are the acting challenge this year, Films Ru will reference etc etc” because it’s not fair to judge Queens who don’t know while some of the audience don’t know or care or like the movie / tv show
I can’t remember fully but on a episode of Sibling Watchery Monet said they do watch movies for reference bc I remember her saying that they only watch a little bit of mean girls bc they all obviously seen it and another movie but I can’t remember if she said they watched the whole thing or not
i agree that the runway briefing needs to come with a lists of films and songs that must be viewed/listened to prior to filming - if only so the queens can get some of ru's obscure ass references and she can stop shaming them for not getting them
@@gr1is0nline same thing for s4, but i’m not sure if it was for a specific acting challenge or just for all of ru’s references in general. apparently they all walked out tho
One thing that I think gets overlooked when discussing the makeover challenge is Season 13's COVID inspired one. The girls had to style their partner as themselves and seeing them try to walk in each other shoes and vibe on each other's personality was fascinating. It also seemed to positively effect them over the next couple of challenges as they had now all been forced to step out of their comfort zone.
Season 13's makeover had the worst judging though imo. It made no sense to me. What was each queen being judged on? How well they put their partner into their own drag or how well they themselves embodied their partner? If its the latter - which it seemed to be from the judging - its not really a makeover imo!
I personally love the makeover challenge, I really like watching the transformation and the queens getting to show off their skills on another person. I do agree that the judging being inconsistent is very frustrating but I still enjoy watching it!!
Totally agree I love the makeovers, especially when the participants are open going into it. And seeing the queens step into a mentor role is fun. Canada S2's is probably my all time favorite bc the queens just really wanted their partners to be happy and have a good time, regardless of how they may do (Icesis) But ya the judging ends up souring me after those challenges bc they're so inconsistent
I think Canada S2 and US S13 were some of my favourites. Canada because it was just incredibly wholesome and positive. And US S13 because it was really interesting seeing the queens get to know each other more - it was a great character building episode. I hope in the future they be really mindful on who they bring in as the makeover participants.
But it's also not a very even challenge when some queens get physically similar, smaller sized, conventionally attractive people to dress up can have a much easier time than queens forced to scramble to fit plus sized clients when there's fewer options, match skin tones they've never painted as a solo artist (meaning they don't necessarily have shades or knowledge of how priming/coverage has to change to accommodate darker (or I suppose lighter but it's usually white queens paint POCs that goes bad) or may have a person with more insecurities/hang ups, limiting options. Make up's part of drag, but doing makeup on others isn't a requisite part of it and this many seasons out, it's getting weirder to justify a unique group they're making over. And while stuff like elderly gay men, cis men (if one hadn't been coerced into being there) or queer women may spark interesting workroom conversations on gender, is there really a need for " camera crew makeovers" or something just to have some group to makeover for its own sake?
Season 13's makeover challenge was really interesting and cool to me! It's unfortunate that Denali being sent home unjustly kinda soured the whole thing. Watching Kandy come out on the runway as Mik is iconic, Symone and Utica having concerns about each other's style and then winning together?? Amazing
Something really rubbed me the wrong way during S12 when Heidi’s makeover partner didn’t get a good look because she didn’t plan for her size. I think makeovers should either be combined with a design challenge (e.g: make a look for you & your partner), and probably have a theme beyond “family resemblance”
I loved the Canada season 2 makeover. There was a clear theme for the makeoveree and the queens could choose something from their closet or make something for themselves as well. Gives an added element of risk that's still totally within the queens hands
the family resemblance thing is so annoying, they claimed monet and tyler had none, yet they had similar wigs, glasses and outfits. are they supposed to change skin colour? it’s so confusing and the judging never makes sense!
im not the “katya was robbed” type of person but seriously, how was katyas diana fair at all, same with thorgy. i cant see how anyone could make those characters better, even the funniest of queens.
@@melanie7601 but also its literally not fair bc the only person there that people have memories of is diana because her passing wasnt too long ago compared to the other “characters”. literally that diana role could never be saved, it might have been a safe if her look was “better” and if someone else really sucked
For the Diana they should’ve taken the song to like her revenge dress stuff not what they did, they gave Katya the lamest part and underplayed diana in the song as well
I agree that queens need freedom of choices. The best example is teaser challenge where queens wrote script by themselves and used a lot of funny moments even drama that happened recently. So in acting challenges we need one good writen by good writers and one which queens can write by themselves and show their creativity.
I want more design challenges. The makeover used to be a design challenge but now most people just bring looks from home so some times we only have one design challenge per season and it feels super lopsided. I think they should either add another design challenge per each season, or do what they did in season 8 and make the makeover themed. The wizard of Oz was the best makeover we've gotten andni want then to try doing themed makeovers again
I’ve said this before but I really wanna see a proper pageant challenge. We’ve gotten tastes of it with Canada and Phillipines but I want a pageant that’s played straight. Pageants are a big part of drag and it would give pageant queens an opportunity to shine, plus it would shake up the stale selection of challenges
hey thanks for featuring my comment! acting challenges werent included on your poll, but ultimately id scrap them over rusicals, especially since rusicals include elements of acting anyway. i think the best way to “fix” them is to get outside directors for them. ross and michelle are just way too strict with how they want every line said a specific way and theres no room for the queens to interpret their characters any other way. having outside directors that allow for more flexibility would be a better indicator of their professionalism too, since its really working with another creative and not just “can you do what youre told”
Their directing is very uneven. In AS6 they ask Eureka to try and have highs and lows but she keeps it at 110% so they roll their eyes and don't try any further. But when it came to Rajah they kept trying to tell her to change her character. The stupdity is that they're currently filming, asking somebody to create a whole new character form themselves in five minutes is a ridiculous and near impossible ask. Yet they kept harping on her the voice choice. It was just as goofy as offputting as Eureka's 110% but they essentially decided, "It's Eureka, what are we going to do?" while with Rajah it was, "You need to change your character and you need to accomplish that in five minutes," which is stupid. Eureka barely gets called out and Michelle and Ross just give up on trying to change her performance while with Rajah they repeatedly tried to get her to change not the intensity of her acting but insisting she create a whole ner persona for her character on the spot with no time to work through it to make it a good change. If they were offering constructive advice, they would have told Rajah to make her voice more snake like with lots of prolonged sssssssss and some hissing tomake her sound more crazy, which is what you'd expect from a person literally attached to another person. They'd by default be a bit crazy as survival mechanism.
I think the makeover challenge should be the late season design challenge. It would help with the amount of downtime in the episode so they don't have to squeeze too much time out of "drag can change your life" narrative, I think it would overall make the challenge more interesting, and it would even out the playing field more.
I'd argue All Stars 7 is the antidote to Season 14 regarding Snatch Game. Where 14 made us doubt Snatch Game, AS7 reminded us of why it's so amazing and how it's supposed to be done. Future competitors should learn from both of those seasons when prepping a character for the show
Jack, I don’t know if enough could be said for a whole video but I’d love to see a video like “what can RuPaul learn from the international seasons of drag race” great video btw :)
Overall, while drag is becoming more mainstream with queens now dipping into various fields of entertainment, I think the challenges should still clearly reflect actual ‘jobs’ of working drag artists. Performing, hosting, music, costumes, comedy. It makes for a more deserving well rounded winner in the end
I do think that Snatch Game shouldn’t be cut just because when it’s good, IT’S GOOD. I think that maybe it should be tweaked slightly, but it can be really funny and fun to watch.
Some challenge ideas: - a Lip Sync Challenge where each queen gets to perform the song they want just like a show at a club, ik it would be a mess to get the rights to the songs but music contests do it so there must be a way - Impersonation shouldn't be exclusive to Snatch Game, any other improv format could work. Bossy Rossy, politic debates, or straight up copy other TV game shows and quiz shows like the Weakest Link - The queens could design for each other in pairs kind of like S13 makeover + UK4 Design challenge. Challenges in pairs always bring drama + more time in the workroom for this to unfold. Honestly any challenge you could innovate by doing it in pairs, like Stand up in AS2 and DU2 (A verse challenge, commercial, talent show, roast) - I'd like some way to let the queens direct like in the commercials but without it being so comedy-heavy but I couldn’t think of anything. Maybe a photoshoot challenge with an extra element (? idk, they tried to do magazines and books in older seasons and they didn't really work but I'm sure they could revive the idea - Challenges that have multiple elements like S3 Music video (Acting, posing, dancing), S14 MV (Design, lyrics, choreo), bring the Photoshoot aspect or design like the clubs/hotel rooms into more challenges. In genral, mix multiple skillsets, throw a pageant like Philippines did (improv, public speaking, looks) - A Podcast challenge like Tabletalk or Pannels but bring a guest or do some fun gimmick. I think we’ll see more of these now that a huge number of Ru girls have a podcast - Spice Up the Runway and Ball challenges, let the queens serve the looks and perform a little, kind of like what DR Thailand or Dragula do. Also a Ball collab with a brand like they did with Hello Kitty - An All Stars rudemption design challenge where they have to redesign their worst look - More Award Shows / Hosting challenges, this feels very true to what a lot of the more famous queens do outside the show and at the end of the day they’re trying to find a Superstar - I desperately need a challenge that will get Ross and Carson in drag, I don't know what it would - Other original challenges I could think of are the Fugly Ball, both CN3 design challenges and the dance challenge from the same season, Evil Twins (I wish they had to design tho) There's a reddit post about this topic, there are some great ideas like a Bianca del Rio roast, making over past contestants, Slas-her movie, a cooking challenge (yes please), an apology video (YES PLEASE xD) www.reddit.com/r/rupaulsdragrace/comments/mpdh26/some_challenge_ideas_what_are_yours/ At the end of the day some of the best seasons have had very traditional challenges like ES s2, s12, CN s2, Wedding dress s2. To me the main issue along with the poor judging is casting queens that are great at a couple of things but terrible at half of the challenges
I think you hit the nail in the coffin. Challenges that give the queens creative freedom tend to be the most entertaining. I also think that they should do more challenges that showcase what they’re actually going to be expected to do once they’re famous queens. Some of the challenges that they don’t do often but I think they should would be hosting/interacting with a crowd, interviews/panels, writing their own script for acting (like the promo challenge in S14), and more styling challenges that are not design challenges (like the charity shop challenge in UK3). They should also revamp the talent show to be more like a real drag show, letting the queens do what they actually do when performing
The branding challenges only work when they're selling something that makes sense, and is original. The fragrance branding challenges in Season 5 and AS2 were both great because they make sense as something you might sell, and the queens could apply their own brand (think jinkx, katya...), but there are only so many fragrance commercials you can watch before they all become the same thing. On the other hand the Draglexa commercial made no sense, it just came across as tired and unoriginal. Likewise the vegemite commercial on DRDU1, because the product was so limited in comedic value that most of the queens ended up relying on predictable gross-out humour about yeast infections. The judges said they needed to be more original but you can only be so original with a tired challenge concept! I might even go as far as to say that the vegemite challenge may be the worst I've ever seen on the show, actually. It epitomised everything wrong with the drag race format, the judging, the expectations, the humour level. Just awful.
Yeah, i think that the Eyeshadow Palette Comercial challenge from Canada 3 was honestly Genius. You get to Brand yourself and its a makeup product, so it works with drag
Impov acting > scripted acting Every single time, we're here to see what the queen's can do and that includes coming up with the material themselves I think branding challange also helps in that regard. It's also just reliably funnier
I think they should have a rotation of different snatch games. One season is normal. One is family feud. One is snatch game of love, maybe a fourth. It could give a good mix. Also I really like the family feud version
I like the runways where they make trash/limited materials into outfits, but I hate it being one of the first challenges. Like in Down Under, Faux went home on that challenge (with it being the first episode) and she literally didn’t show any of her own looks except for her entrance look
I like the individual commercial challenges where they actually have to brand themselves like on Season 12 and All Stars 7 but I really hope they don't do anymore more team commercials like on UK Season 3.
I love the makeover challenge because it encapsulates the magic in drag. It was supposed to showcase the process of transformation. What makes it stale is the judging. The judges need to be consistent with their judging.
My least favorite is the Branding. The Makeover is always used to eff Queens over they wanna chop before the Finale. But the idea of the challenge is very nice and inspiring, putting someone in Drag for their time...getting to play the Drag Mom...Sharing the art form...Buildimg a community...A chosen family...
In the other direction, the awards challenge should be if not an outright staple, more frequent. Especially with the show itself now regularly winning awards itself, it makes sense that the Queens should be able to demonstrate the skillset. So many components the Queens can be judged on (their choice of award outfit, their hosting, their acceptance speech) and the awards themselves give scope for good workroom drama and storylines.
YESSSS. i was so happy they did that on c3 cause it actually provided us with everything we needed for werkroom drama and gave the judges a bunch of things to judge them on
@@Stradiwhovius963 i fully agree but i do commend Kimmy and fierce for seizing the opportunity and staging that fight in the werkroom, which made a great story when they did so well
I think it's funny how the least favorite challenge changes from people to people. I showed all seasons of Drag Race to a friend and she really hates the Snatch Game (my favorite challenge) and loves the Makeover (my least favorite one). I think that the divided opinions on this kind of challenges help the show get more recognition and social media presence, so I don't think they will get rid of any of these challenges any time soon... Btw, love your channel and your videos!
Personally I really like the makeover challenges for a lot of reasons. The only downside to them is the fishy judging, but you can kind of say that about any challenge at this point. But the makeovers show a combination of skills that are important to drag & to being The Next Drag Superstar: know your brand well enough to make different versions of it, know how to do makeup and make outfits (often for more than one skin tone or body type), and I think most importantly & uniquely, know how to work with people in a mentor type role. If you want to be a figurehead in the queer community you have to know the importance of taking less experienced people under your wing and bringing them up to confidence.
I feel like we need as many versatile challenges as possible. For example we don’t need 2 acting challenges, 2 sewing challenges. A contender for the crown should be able to be good in multiple fields.
I think something that could enhance acting challenges is bringing in professional actors for queens to bounce off... it works really well for improve thinking of Jeffery Boyer Chapman in the Bitchelor, Rachel Bloom and Jeff Goldblum in Choices 2020, etc. They could probably get some big names involved if it was scripted... UK could literally take the queens to another BBC set to film...
Personally I think EVERY season should start with a talent show. But only if they actually have a budget and if production grows a pair. Like S14 talent show the queens got no dancers, I don't think they even got to have props. Adore dropped AS6 because she wanted to do a fire number. Espana's talent show is the highest rated episode of the franchise and while yes, the queens were extremely talents, they also got multiple dancers and complex props. NOTHING can introduce a queen better than a talent in which they showcase how they actually entertain in the real world.
Since there are so many nonelimination episodes of Drag Race now (some of them a little stale) I think having the makeover episode as one would be a good idea. I love seeing the queens connect with their loved ones and presen their drag on another person. But the criteria is too vague and the judging is inconsistent. Plus it sucks to go home in front of your loved ones!
I think the makeover is amazing, cause it can be difficult for everybody and at the point they do the makeover (towards the end), the werk room is getting empty, so bringing more people can help to fill up the time and bring some storylines for the episode. Putting someone else in drag it's a difficult skill and not everybody has it, we've seen amazing fashion queens bomb the makeover on their seasons: Aquaria, Shea, Raja, Manila (on AS4)... I think it should be in every season, cause it's the only challenge that test this specific skill and it can be unpredictable. It's better than 10 lame acting/improve challenges on the same season for sure (that most of the time are decided by who gets the best role and not their skill).
i’m p sure we all immediately thought the makeover challenges but that comment made me see it differently as well. and at least CDR gave us some nice moments.
I really think one thing they should change the makeover to is to make it a full sewing challenge. It’s not fair to have one couple use premade outfits while someone else needs to sew two brand new outfits from scratch .
Any of the challenges directly tied into drag culture are always my favourite: design, ball, panel, even the makeover, etc…the social media ones make sense too like the TikTok dance one
im fine with scripted challanges, unless if they dont have freedom with it, like Raja Ohara had an idea in mind in all stars 6 acting challange, she didnt get her freedom and landed her in the bottom, but when queens do have freedom like on All stars 7 Jinkx on the acting challange, she did amazing, also hiring an actual producer (unlike michele), they really help the queens alot.
Amazing vid, as always. Tbh I’m glad Snatch Game will never leave tho. We’ve just seen w AS7, it’s not an issue w Snatch Game so much as who’s doing it and what they’re picking. Also…and this is personal…but I’ve always really loved game shows and getting to see Ru w the long tiny mic every szn is just so fun 😝
honestly, after thinking about this a lot, i think the ball should be removed. this used to be my second favourite challenge (behind just the design challenge) however it’s just become a challenge of who can spend the most money on a designer for the first 2 looks. this has ruined the heart behind the ball, which used to showcase queens unique talents, and now it just shows their bank accounts.
I wish they would use the photoshoot minichallenge more. I love seeing the end product and as a ru girl they will very likely run into some photoshoots down the line. It's interesting to see who stands out in those.
The problem with the talent show is the variation of the "talent." Although often it's the lack thereof. There's a big issue of people doing all the same things. Then if there's something different, it's hard to compare a comedian with a dancer.
Exactly: lip syncing shouldn’t be a “talent” for the talent show. If it’s to your own track, well it’s acceptable. But doing it to a popular song: nah! And unfortunately, those queens that pick talents that are out of the box (thinking Gia Guns’ * not a fan of hers, but I got to give her props for her talent on AS) are often left just safe; even when they have real talents because judges might not have any points of reference.
@@em84c I love it when they're all different, but watching a bunch of queens just lipsync, or try to sing gets tired. I like variety. As stupid as I thought Willow's was, at least it was different. I'm still annoyed that Gia didn't win. All I'm saying is that until people are going to show us something new and different, the talent show needs to be done.
I feel Snatch Game is a rabbit hole especially because as a UK viewer it really bugs me people play characters not the actual people because why doesn’t everyone just play a fictional character but say they are the actor ?
i feel like acting challenges could easily leave the show, but with better writing, could become highlight moments of certain seasons when used correctly (see canada s2's screech). imo, the challenge that needs to be heavily reworked the most is the makeover. i used to hate it, but have come around on it recently, but still see major issues. the only makeovers i like are the family ones, the queens making over each other and canada s2s. to keep this challenge as a staple, i would simply restrict makeover partners to family/friends, since it gives us a chance to learn more about the queens and really give them a defined 'character'. a recent example that comes to mind is precious paula nicole, that makeover really helped me to understand her and her point of view on drag even more than i did already.
i feel like a challenge that would be interesting to incorporate into more seasons would be an award show like the despys in season 7. i feel like the queen get a chance to show their hosting abilities and they also get a chance to show off some comedy in their speeches. maybe something like a superlative so that every queen gets the opportunity to give an acceptance speech. idk i just feel like that could be interesting 😭
I personally really liked the Talent Show at the end of the season like on AS7. It makes it so people tried really hard to get to the end, like Shea that she thought that she was out of the competition but suddenly it sparked her fire again and gave us an amazing performance.
i don’t know if this is done yet but i think it would be nice to see an acting/rusical challenge where queens had to choreograph and direct it themselves so that each of them could adjust the roles they were given and cater it to their strengths, just imagine two teams directing scenes for a rusical/acting challenge, it may end in chaos or not but at least, they were able to show what they got
One of the things I love the best about the All Winners season was how they didn't have to worry about elimination so they could really show off and take risks. I wish there was at least one episode early per season where there's no eliminations. A couple of the most memorable challenges to me were the stewardess group lip sync performances and the family BBQ / picnic. I loved them 😍 I think more photo shoots would be amazing. The one where they were in the giant water tank and the one on the snow hill for Drag Race Canada was amazing 🌨️ What happened to those? I would like more design challenges and games. They haven't done a bunch of mini challenges lately. Like when they had to be old ladies and Jasmine pulled that whole loaf of bread out of her dress 🤣 I miss those. They were fun as hell and the ladies were having a great time. I would love them doing a Kiki/Talk show where they can all show off their talents.
Something that needs a fix for me is the finales in general. It just feels like we're waiting around for a decision that most of the time isnt even based on the episode itself, and in american drag race we sometimes spend up to 4 weeks building up to the crowning with a top 4 performance, reunion AND finale. Its so slow and boring to me
I think moving certain challenges to regular seasons versus All Stars seasons may help in how smoothly things go. One example in my mind is having a regular season open with a talent show so queens can express themselves right away with who they are what they’re about - showing us and not telling us. On the other hand All Stars seasons could have The Snatch Game - a real challenge to see how the queens translate what they showed us in their original season into celebrity impressions.
Ok hear me out- keep doing different Tv show style snatch games. Like do a wheel of snatch at the final 8 or so. (It could be super funny like the trip to Tuckahoe, or something like that) Do a jeopardy parody. I also think the red carpet interviews they did on CDR were SO AMAZING.
Great topic to cover and well thought-out and fair opinions. Really enjoyed. You are really good at producing content and hope you don't stop. You are one of two YT-ers who make the best RPDR videos. Enjoy your holiday, Thanks and keep up the great work!
As an improv performer: Snatch game of love fits better with what they want to do, and it's easier for queens who are bad at Snatch game. You get downtime to think of the jokes you could still pull off, and shoehorn one into your answer. That's how Snatch game works, but somehow it's waaaayy more restrictive. (Also: they have to play the character with their whole body. Helps keeping out of your head! 😊)
We need a new challenge to determine the top 4/winner in the finale episode the lip sync is TIRED. I’m fine with Snatch game I love it and it’s a staple I don’t get why people want it gone 😒😬
We need more challenges around branding like the commercials and designing your own soup can. A queen who can't market herself successfully cannot be successful.
The improv challenge can go for sure. I find them quite awkward and very rarely funny. The reading challenge is enough to demonstrate thinking on your feet.
I will say as someone who voted against the Girl Group Challenge you hit my feelings pretty well on both the good and bad. As someone who watches all the seasons and spinoffs, it's just a lot of girl groups. But you did convince me why it's important and should stay. I never thought about the fact that girls who are great lipsynchers and lyricists don't have that many other challenges to show off their skills and shine.
i want the supertease challenge from season 14 back-deja skye’s “i was born at a very young age” is something that will ALWAYS stick with me and in general i thought it was such a fun idea for a challenge with so much potential for absolute stupidity
Never get rid of snatch game it’s the one thing I really look forward to that and the ball I’d be happy removing the final lip sync and having the lip sync battle style thing they did as a way for a queen to come back consistent in each season would be a cool add so we still have that big lip sync episode without so much pressure being on the final lip sync
I kinda understand the sentiment that Snatch Game doesn't work because Ru is too old and stuck in his ways to understand the younger gay icons. But I would argue that if the queen does a good job it ultimately doesn't matter. I feel like people are also forgetting that it goes both ways. People consider it top tier snatch game now but if watch back the Season 5 episode of Snatch game even queens older than Jinx thought it was risk that she would do Little Edie. If you do something too old or obscure and don't do well with it both Ru and the fans may not like it. I also think some of the queens are bad about doing very thread bare, superficial caricatures of older gays icons like Ivy's Marilyn Monroe and (unpopular opinion) Alaska's Mae West.
if we are talking about snatch game, i've thought about how snatch game needs reinventing (at least for the uk seasons). Firstly, the fact it keeps the American name and doesn't make a joke out of Blankety Blank (when wankety wank is right there) is shocking tbh. Second I think there are other more iconic shows to do for a celeb impersonation challenge. "I'm a Drag Queen, Get Me Out of Here!" as a celeb impersonation challenge where queens are given a loose script but encouraged to write scenes/jokes for a camp scene and improvised in the buskTUCKer trials in a far more free environment sounds a lot funnier to me.
without a doubt the branding challenge is the one i would be happy to see them ditch. i think the judging is extremely inconsistent and manipulative, more often than not there's a certain amount of mind-reading expected from the judges about what they perceive a queen's brand to be. however, the acting challenges and rusicals are a close second for me. the writing, put plainly, sucks. older seasons have better acting challenges because the show didn't take itself so seriously and thus they were effortlessly camp, but nowadays they're just trying too hard. simple aspects of writing (setup and payoff, having a beginning, middle, and end) are completely absent, and then the queens are punished when they can't make a bad script work.
I honestly think a lot of these challenges need to be chalked because they just don’t apply to current drag queens in the same way. It doesn’t help that producers are pushing the edit. We need challenges that are more real to life. Maybe every season gets variety show so we can see what they’re talents are, maybe we bring back clothing sponsors and make the queens make outfits out of what they’re provided (sewing not required), maybe instead of pre written acting challenges the girls do monologues or create mixes. More than anything I think we’d benefit from our judges going and experiencing these new queens in their element and adapting the show to fit what’s going on.
Great video! Can you make a video on RuPaul in the context of international spin offs? I’m curious to hear your thoughts on whether you think he’s a detriment to the season’s he’s involved in (I do lol) but also to hear your general perspective.
With the makeover I feel things have gotten so much better over time because it seems like the girls are being paired with people who they have something in common with or have a similar vibe. Riggery but for good lol
This is just my opinion but as much as I love them. I think that Sewing challenges are done. Most queens buy their looks and those that make looks don’t really gain anything that they don’t get by simply telling people they make their own garments.
As an international viewer, snatch game is the one challenge I dread the most. I barely know any of the celebrities and it's just plain unfunny to me. It's like, oh yay, 30 awkward mins left of this floppery. I'd like to see it go tyvm x 💀
yvie and trinity both did characters that weren't celebrity impressions, bogeyman and the devil and they excelled. i wonder if moving toward characters would be better than celebrities.
The challenge I despise (which I’m surprised it’s not really talked about) is the challenge that requires queens to showcase their looks. I don’t even know what the challenge is called because it doesn’t really even have a name. I think it only appeared in rpdr US once (season 9 ep 1) but it’s different from the ball and from a sewing challenge. This challenge literally just requires queens to bring some looks from home and showcase them on the main stage (it was recently on uk season 4 ep 1) and it’s more prevalent in international platforms. I always hated this challenge because it doesn’t require any talent at all for a queen to accentuate, literally anyone can win the challenge as long as they have the funds for an expensive wardrobe. Obviously more famous and popular queens are bound to place well in this challenge because they have better resources and have bigger funds towards their drag though it hinders budget queens because obviously they don’t have the funds or resources that others do. The challenge doesn’t require any skill at all in any form and just leaves some at a disadvantage for something they simply don’t have (money)
The main problem with snatch game right now is the difference between what Ru finds funny and what we find funny and that gap is getting wider and wider, Plus the fact that Ru doesn't seem to recognize or care for any celebrity born after the year 2000.
with the makeovers, at this point I feel like a good shake up would be making over a former contestant/winner if they HAVE to keep it. I mean it makes sense - bring in old favourites, have some potential kiki moments, and then the awkward "who do you think was the best to work with?" shtick
You should do a video on which one-off challenges should return! What comes to mind for me is the untucked lip-sync challenge from season 5. Also there were some fun challenges that could be remixed, like the wrestling S4 and the one on AS1 where they had to go out on the street and get people to do random things.
Acting challenges can go fr. There are too many seasons nowadays for them to turn out something quality and funnily written. I feel like maybe 1 of every 5 acting challenges is decent nowadays and like you said there is many other ways for them to show off important skillsets. Also idk if the lipsync for the crown counts as a challenge, but it should and it gets my vote off the island. It no longer serves a purpose.
The final lipsync. I hate that it doesnt matter. It makes me feel I lost an hour watching it since it has no importance.
There will always be a final lipsync xd
@@teddytete.mp3 hahaha true, but I meant for the crown.
The lip sync for the crown version, yes. Final lip sync in general, should stay bc if it’s a close race it could genuinely tip the scales and be quite exciting. Like UK3’s ending wasn’t terribly well received bc ppl wanted Ella Vaday to win, but the fact that Ella flubbed the final lip sync and thus lost to Krystal was a WILD moment and made the season more interesting to look back on imo. I also would prefer the fan input just be scrapped, so the finale has importance again.
Nothing after the last elimination matters. The whole final taped episode is filler.
@@alexdean2109 sounds very like "nothing you say matters unless that camera is rolling" 🤣
There are two issues with Snatch Game right now:
1. Ru doesn’t recognize many of the younger stars, so even if someone does well they may not be rewarded.
2. The queens are so afraid of the fans that they won’t take certain risks that earlier girls would try. This impacts a lot of challenges, but snatch game has really been impacted by queens not feeling safe to be silly.
Oh your second point is one I hadn't even considered! But I can totally see that! You don't want the fans of that celebrity, or the drag race fandom in general, to attack you bc you "disrespected" or were "making fun of them"
The "fandom“ is slowly ruining the show, queens need to be nothing but congenial but if they do, they are boring and fake, but if they are at least somewhat shady, they‘ll def receive death threats, you can’t win nowadays unless you really don‘t give a shit like f.e. Jaida
That, too. Also, as understandable as the requirement to "make Rupaul laugh" is, I always take it with a grain of salt, since Rupaul has a very particular sense of humor. As such, some viewers (or even some of the participating Queens) can find a joke funny, whereas it flies right above Ru's head, making it seem like the Queen who delivered it "didn't do well".
A big problem with the Snatch Game is queens choosing a celebrity just because they're a fan, but the characters aren't funny. Other times, the queens are too afraid to make the character funny.
@@amit02020 Is sad because I feel like Snatch Game before was more so how much you represented the artist well while making references and jokes but now is just a “if you make Ru laugh you are good”. Idk I personally think is better when someone represents the character well and how much they overall did in acting as them.
Not exactly a challenge, but the Lip Sync for the Crown. Since Sasha's rose petals it turned into Rupaul's Best Reveal Race, which often distracts from who actually does better and deserves to win.
and, most importantly, it signals that whoever wins that final lipsync is supposed to also win the entire season, regardless of who has already "won" the season prior to the lipsync - and as seen with jinkx and monet in as7, *may the lord have mercy* if the two dont align or if u think the other one shouldve won the lipsync/season
That was a one time capturing lightning in a bottle situation and has not repeated since. Having seen so many seasons of DR it's near impossible to do a reveal that shocks and amazes the crowd, Sasha pulled off that impossible feat. Production is deluding itself into thinking it can recapture that chaos just because they want to.
I agree and disagree at the same time. You’re right, it has become something lacking importance and somewhat discrediting a whole queen’s track record. However, I don’t like just having a finale showcasing the queens. I need some sort of competition so that the winner isn’t predictable.
You say “since Sasha’s rose petals” like that wasn’t the first time it happened. The LSFTC finale should’ve been retired after that one time because nobody has even come close to giving like Sasha and Peppermint gave. Yvie and Brooklyn are the only other LSFTC I’ve ever gone back to watch again. The individual performances with a winner picked at the end like they did for season 7 and 8 should be the default finale format imo.
@@poot9162 s14 id say has a generally well liked finale, as7 has a generally loathed finale. now look at the formats each one of them used. it might not be a coincidence
Even tho Utica bombed, the joke where she asked RuPaul to stand up will still go down in Herstory as one of the most iconic, hilarious moments.
That’s called gag effects. The reason why it was part of the final episode was because it would bring ratings GOOD or BAD. They know social media would rave about it so that’s why it was kept in
In my opinion acting challenges should be cut. They are usually written badly and filled with puns and there is always that big role who succeeds and a small role for the bottom 2
How about we get a fully dramatic acting challenge? Show emotion, make us feel it.
I disagree, the acting challenge can really be a wheat/chaff distinguisher. The parts are what you make of them, and ultimately it's about how to pull focus. Jinkx in the Santa School For Girls challenge was a perfect example, she got a fairly mediocre supporting role as a stereotypical dumb shopaholic school girl and then twisted it so much that she almost became a horror movie monster! She didn't have many lines but she made the absolute most of the screentime she had.
On the other hand take someone like Bosco who had a main role in the Rusical and still managed to come across as pretty one dimensional.
That being said, I do think the scripted acting challenges are unfairly tough on the girls who speak English as a second language eg. Mercedes Iman Diamond (as iconic as her moment became
@@IsaacPrinTheNerd So many queens actually do dramatic acts. But Ru only wants to laugh.
So thinking about some of the work queens are getting off the show, I think these challenges help them prepare for life as a rugirl.
I'll say that a lot of the problems with these challenges comes down to production/judging choices. For acting challenges, most scripts are terribly written and very uneven in terms of roles. For Snatch Game, RuPaul doesn't know any celebrities who became famous after 1998, so younger contestants come at a disadvantage bc their jokes just won't land with Ru. For the makeovers, every time the judging criteria is different on what is a good makeover. The pairs are too similar, or not enough family resemblance, you outshined your sister, your sister outshined you, etc.
Editing to add that my critiques on the rusical is the same as acting challenges
that's honestly a great point for snatch game! ru doesn't care abt young people on drag race honestly, wich is weird bcoz every season they push a young queen towards the crown. the "make ru laugh" thing is what mostly ruins snatch game tbh
@@flip4907 Totally agree! Unless you're the lucky young queen on the season, you just won't be as noticeable/favored by the judges
"For Snatch Game, RuPaul doesn't know any celebrities who became famous after 1998" literally the past few Snatch Games have included winners in Lil Jon, Maria the Robot, and TS Madison, plus celebrities as they appeared in pop culture later in their post-2000's careers like Flavor Flav, Paris Hilton, Melania Trump, and Caitlyn Jenner. And they won because they were funny, they all made plenty of jokes that Ru understood. The problem with Snatch Game is that a lot of younger queens just don't understand what Snatch Game is trying to test, it's not really about the impersonation but more about just generally being funny. And they end up picking characters that aren't funny, or they don't know how to make funny jokes.
@@AnRuixuan I was just generalizing bc most modern celebrity impersonations we get haven't been a hit with Ru/the audience but I do agree that the queens' skills also play a huge part into making it funny!
@@AnRuixuan that doesn't feel like a good faith argument. Sure there can be outliers and maybe 1998 isn't a firm line in the sand with Lil Jon being active in the 90s but doing YEAH in the early 00s and Hilton being early/mid 00s. But some figures like politicians aren't pop culture and characters like Maria the Robot didn't win because Ru knew about robotics but because she was a robot who made sex jokes.
But that also ignores the blank stares that suggesting any social media stars, or even modern actors under 45 leaning in on sitcom or film roles net from Ru (hell. Consider the utter lack of familiarity with Moira Rose on Down Under). Or the expectation that modern queens get deep cut mommy dearest and dynasty references.
Sure gay iconography from the 70s and 80s is important from a historical context, but it also changes as the community does and if the expectation that Judy Garland and Joan Crawford should be a mandatory read for cultural literacy, then so too should 21st century icons, influencers and memes. Especially if you're trying to work in the industry of promoting 21st century queens.
They don't need to be judged by 30 year old standards.
I think often with the Acting Challenges and Rusicals - SHOW THE QUEENS WHAT YOUR REFERENCING in the hotel, give them a set list of “films which are the acting challenge this year, Films Ru will reference etc etc” because it’s not fair to judge Queens who don’t know while some of the audience don’t know or care or like the movie / tv show
Especially when they're referencing older media that the younger queens and audience don't know much about.
I can’t remember fully but on a episode of Sibling Watchery Monet said they do watch movies for reference bc I remember her saying that they only watch a little bit of mean girls bc they all obviously seen it and another movie but I can’t remember if she said they watched the whole thing or not
i agree that the runway briefing needs to come with a lists of films and songs that must be viewed/listened to prior to filming - if only so the queens can get some of ru's obscure ass references and she can stop shaming them for not getting them
@@gr1is0nline same thing for s4, but i’m not sure if it was for a specific acting challenge or just for all of ru’s references in general. apparently they all walked out tho
They do. As3 top5 had to watch lala land and other films for the acting challenge
One thing that I think gets overlooked when discussing the makeover challenge is Season 13's COVID inspired one. The girls had to style their partner as themselves and seeing them try to walk in each other shoes and vibe on each other's personality was fascinating. It also seemed to positively effect them over the next couple of challenges as they had now all been forced to step out of their comfort zone.
Season 13's makeover had the worst judging though imo. It made no sense to me. What was each queen being judged on? How well they put their partner into their own drag or how well they themselves embodied their partner? If its the latter - which it seemed to be from the judging - its not really a makeover imo!
@@ginjajaz6618 it was both
@@ginjajaz6618thas a good point! They should make this a challenge in itself that is not a make-over challenge.
I personally love the makeover challenge, I really like watching the transformation and the queens getting to show off their skills on another person. I do agree that the judging being inconsistent is very frustrating but I still enjoy watching it!!
Totally agree I love the makeovers, especially when the participants are open going into it. And seeing the queens step into a mentor role is fun. Canada S2's is probably my all time favorite bc the queens just really wanted their partners to be happy and have a good time, regardless of how they may do (Icesis) But ya the judging ends up souring me after those challenges bc they're so inconsistent
I think Canada S2 and US S13 were some of my favourites. Canada because it was just incredibly wholesome and positive. And US S13 because it was really interesting seeing the queens get to know each other more - it was a great character building episode.
I hope in the future they be really mindful on who they bring in as the makeover participants.
But it's also not a very even challenge when some queens get physically similar, smaller sized, conventionally attractive people to dress up can have a much easier time than queens forced to scramble to fit plus sized clients when there's fewer options, match skin tones they've never painted as a solo artist (meaning they don't necessarily have shades or knowledge of how priming/coverage has to change to accommodate darker (or I suppose lighter but it's usually white queens paint POCs that goes bad) or may have a person with more insecurities/hang ups, limiting options.
Make up's part of drag, but doing makeup on others isn't a requisite part of it and this many seasons out, it's getting weirder to justify a unique group they're making over. And while stuff like elderly gay men, cis men (if one hadn't been coerced into being there) or queer women may spark interesting workroom conversations on gender, is there really a need for " camera crew makeovers" or something just to have some group to makeover for its own sake?
I love the makeover challenge when they makeover each other.
The makeover challenge is always my fav episode of the season
Season 13's makeover challenge was really interesting and cool to me! It's unfortunate that Denali being sent home unjustly kinda soured the whole thing. Watching Kandy come out on the runway as Mik is iconic, Symone and Utica having concerns about each other's style and then winning together?? Amazing
69th like nice
The Challenge itself is great, it’s just the judging that makes it bad and unenjoyable to watch
Something really rubbed me the wrong way during S12 when Heidi’s makeover partner didn’t get a good look because she didn’t plan for her size. I think makeovers should either be combined with a design challenge (e.g: make a look for you & your partner), and probably have a theme beyond “family resemblance”
And that is why the season 8 makeover challenge was so good!
I loved the Canada season 2 makeover. There was a clear theme for the makeoveree and the queens could choose something from their closet or make something for themselves as well. Gives an added element of risk that's still totally within the queens hands
the family resemblance thing is so annoying, they claimed monet and tyler had none, yet they had similar wigs, glasses and outfits. are they supposed to change skin colour? it’s so confusing and the judging never makes sense!
im not the “katya was robbed” type of person but seriously, how was katyas diana fair at all, same with thorgy. i cant see how anyone could make those characters better, even the funniest of queens.
Same. I was ready to throw hands when they critiqued the Diana look while Detox is right there as Marie Antoinette in hot pink and lime green
😤
@@melanie7601 but also its literally not fair bc the only person there that people have memories of is diana because her passing wasnt too long ago compared to the other “characters”. literally that diana role could never be saved, it might have been a safe if her look was “better” and if someone else really sucked
Fr thought, Katya "choreography" was to just stand still. Not even Princess Diana herself could save that
My choice for katya for the rusical is carmilla because she's hated by the brits and i could see her a good choice instead of diana
For the Diana they should’ve taken the song to like her revenge dress stuff not what they did, they gave Katya the lamest part and underplayed diana in the song as well
I agree that queens need freedom of choices. The best example is teaser challenge where queens wrote script by themselves and used a lot of funny moments even drama that happened recently. So in acting challenges we need one good writen by good writers and one which queens can write by themselves and show their creativity.
I want more design challenges. The makeover used to be a design challenge but now most people just bring looks from home so some times we only have one design challenge per season and it feels super lopsided. I think they should either add another design challenge per each season, or do what they did in season 8 and make the makeover themed. The wizard of Oz was the best makeover we've gotten andni want then to try doing themed makeovers again
I get the importance of acting challenges but they REALLY need to hire new writers bc the the latest ones have been terrible
I like acting challenges…..if they’re written well. Gays Anatomy is a personal favorite
I’ve said this before but I really wanna see a proper pageant challenge. We’ve gotten tastes of it with Canada and Phillipines but I want a pageant that’s played straight. Pageants are a big part of drag and it would give pageant queens an opportunity to shine, plus it would shake up the stale selection of challenges
hey thanks for featuring my comment! acting challenges werent included on your poll, but ultimately id scrap them over rusicals, especially since rusicals include elements of acting anyway. i think the best way to “fix” them is to get outside directors for them. ross and michelle are just way too strict with how they want every line said a specific way and theres no room for the queens to interpret their characters any other way. having outside directors that allow for more flexibility would be a better indicator of their professionalism too, since its really working with another creative and not just “can you do what youre told”
Their directing is very uneven. In AS6 they ask Eureka to try and have highs and lows but she keeps it at 110% so they roll their eyes and don't try any further. But when it came to Rajah they kept trying to tell her to change her character. The stupdity is that they're currently filming, asking somebody to create a whole new character form themselves in five minutes is a ridiculous and near impossible ask. Yet they kept harping on her the voice choice. It was just as goofy as offputting as Eureka's 110% but they essentially decided, "It's Eureka, what are we going to do?" while with Rajah it was, "You need to change your character and you need to accomplish that in five minutes," which is stupid. Eureka barely gets called out and Michelle and Ross just give up on trying to change her performance while with Rajah they repeatedly tried to get her to change not the intensity of her acting but insisting she create a whole ner persona for her character on the spot with no time to work through it to make it a good change. If they were offering constructive advice, they would have told Rajah to make her voice more snake like with lots of prolonged sssssssss and some hissing tomake her sound more crazy, which is what you'd expect from a person literally attached to another person. They'd by default be a bit crazy as survival mechanism.
I think the makeover challenge should be the late season design challenge. It would help with the amount of downtime in the episode so they don't have to squeeze too much time out of "drag can change your life" narrative, I think it would overall make the challenge more interesting, and it would even out the playing field more.
I'd argue All Stars 7 is the antidote to Season 14 regarding Snatch Game. Where 14 made us doubt Snatch Game, AS7 reminded us of why it's so amazing and how it's supposed to be done. Future competitors should learn from both of those seasons when prepping a character for the show
I like girl groups because it allows the girls to show teamwork, which I think is important.
Jack, I don’t know if enough could be said for a whole video but I’d love to see a video like “what can RuPaul learn from the international seasons of drag race” great video btw :)
Great idea!
Overall, while drag is becoming more mainstream with queens now dipping into various fields of entertainment, I think the challenges should still clearly reflect actual ‘jobs’ of working drag artists. Performing, hosting, music, costumes, comedy. It makes for a more deserving well rounded winner in the end
I feel like they need to find some new challenges. I loved how on AS7 they had a few different challenges we hadn’t seen before.
I do think that Snatch Game shouldn’t be cut just because when it’s good, IT’S GOOD. I think that maybe it should be tweaked slightly, but it can be really funny and fun to watch.
Some challenge ideas:
- a Lip Sync Challenge where each queen gets to perform the song they want just like a show at a club, ik it would be a mess to get the rights to the songs but music contests do it so there must be a way
- Impersonation shouldn't be exclusive to Snatch Game, any other improv format could work. Bossy Rossy, politic debates, or straight up copy other TV game shows and quiz shows like the Weakest Link
- The queens could design for each other in pairs kind of like S13 makeover + UK4 Design challenge. Challenges in pairs always bring drama + more time in the workroom for this to unfold. Honestly any challenge you could innovate by doing it in pairs, like Stand up in AS2 and DU2 (A verse challenge, commercial, talent show, roast)
- I'd like some way to let the queens direct like in the commercials but without it being so comedy-heavy but I couldn’t think of anything. Maybe a photoshoot challenge with an extra element (? idk, they tried to do magazines and books in older seasons and they didn't really work but I'm sure they could revive the idea
- Challenges that have multiple elements like S3 Music video (Acting, posing, dancing), S14 MV (Design, lyrics, choreo), bring the Photoshoot aspect or design like the clubs/hotel rooms into more challenges. In genral, mix multiple skillsets, throw a pageant like Philippines did (improv, public speaking, looks)
- A Podcast challenge like Tabletalk or Pannels but bring a guest or do some fun gimmick. I think we’ll see more of these now that a huge number of Ru girls have a podcast
- Spice Up the Runway and Ball challenges, let the queens serve the looks and perform a little, kind of like what DR Thailand or Dragula do. Also a Ball collab with a brand like they did with Hello Kitty
- An All Stars rudemption design challenge where they have to redesign their worst look
- More Award Shows / Hosting challenges, this feels very true to what a lot of the more famous queens do outside the show and at the end of the day they’re trying to find a Superstar
- I desperately need a challenge that will get Ross and Carson in drag, I don't know what it would
- Other original challenges I could think of are the Fugly Ball, both CN3 design challenges and the dance challenge from the same season, Evil Twins (I wish they had to design tho)
There's a reddit post about this topic, there are some great ideas like a Bianca del Rio roast, making over past contestants, Slas-her movie, a cooking challenge (yes please), an apology video (YES PLEASE xD)
www.reddit.com/r/rupaulsdragrace/comments/mpdh26/some_challenge_ideas_what_are_yours/
At the end of the day some of the best seasons have had very traditional challenges like ES s2, s12, CN s2, Wedding dress s2. To me the main issue along with the poor judging is casting queens that are great at a couple of things but terrible at half of the challenges
I think you hit the nail in the coffin. Challenges that give the queens creative freedom tend to be the most entertaining. I also think that they should do more challenges that showcase what they’re actually going to be expected to do once they’re famous queens. Some of the challenges that they don’t do often but I think they should would be hosting/interacting with a crowd, interviews/panels, writing their own script for acting (like the promo challenge in S14), and more styling challenges that are not design challenges (like the charity shop challenge in UK3). They should also revamp the talent show to be more like a real drag show, letting the queens do what they actually do when performing
The branding challenges only work when they're selling something that makes sense, and is original. The fragrance branding challenges in Season 5 and AS2 were both great because they make sense as something you might sell, and the queens could apply their own brand (think jinkx, katya...), but there are only so many fragrance commercials you can watch before they all become the same thing.
On the other hand the Draglexa commercial made no sense, it just came across as tired and unoriginal. Likewise the vegemite commercial on DRDU1, because the product was so limited in comedic value that most of the queens ended up relying on predictable gross-out humour about yeast infections. The judges said they needed to be more original but you can only be so original with a tired challenge concept!
I might even go as far as to say that the vegemite challenge may be the worst I've ever seen on the show, actually. It epitomised everything wrong with the drag race format, the judging, the expectations, the humour level. Just awful.
Yeah, i think that the Eyeshadow Palette Comercial challenge from Canada 3 was honestly Genius. You get to Brand yourself and its a makeup product, so it works with drag
Impov acting > scripted acting
Every single time, we're here to see what the queen's can do and that includes coming up with the material themselves I think branding challange also helps in that regard.
It's also just reliably funnier
I think they should have a rotation of different snatch games. One season is normal. One is family feud. One is snatch game of love, maybe a fourth. It could give a good mix. Also I really like the family feud version
I hate snatch game of love
@@RNCHFND Same. The format makes it hard for queens to riff off each other because they don't have full access to the roster of queens available.
I like the runways where they make trash/limited materials into outfits, but I hate it being one of the first challenges. Like in Down Under, Faux went home on that challenge (with it being the first episode) and she literally didn’t show any of her own looks except for her entrance look
I like the individual commercial challenges where they actually have to brand themselves like on Season 12 and All Stars 7 but I really hope they don't do anymore more team commercials like on UK Season 3.
I love the makeover challenge because it encapsulates the magic in drag. It was supposed to showcase the process of transformation. What makes it stale is the judging. The judges need to be consistent with their judging.
My least favorite is the Branding.
The Makeover is always used to eff Queens over they wanna chop before the Finale. But the idea of the challenge is very nice and inspiring, putting someone in Drag for their time...getting to play the Drag Mom...Sharing the art form...Buildimg a community...A chosen family...
In the other direction, the awards challenge should be if not an outright staple, more frequent. Especially with the show itself now regularly winning awards itself, it makes sense that the Queens should be able to demonstrate the skillset. So many components the Queens can be judged on (their choice of award outfit, their hosting, their acceptance speech) and the awards themselves give scope for good workroom drama and storylines.
YESSSS. i was so happy they did that on c3 cause it actually provided us with everything we needed for werkroom drama and gave the judges a bunch of things to judge them on
@@ericamakowski789 The mistake I think Canada DID make is having it so early. Like what are they basing their choices on by episode 2? Lol.
The only problem is that since most queens don't win one of the awards they get less opportunity to stand out
@@Stradiwhovius963 i fully agree but i do commend Kimmy and fierce for seizing the opportunity and staging that fight in the werkroom, which made a great story when they did so well
@@thetexican98 More awards!! And you could do backstage interviews to mop up the "snubbed" queens
I think it's funny how the least favorite challenge changes from people to people. I showed all seasons of Drag Race to a friend and she really hates the Snatch Game (my favorite challenge) and loves the Makeover (my least favorite one). I think that the divided opinions on this kind of challenges help the show get more recognition and social media presence, so I don't think they will get rid of any of these challenges any time soon...
Btw, love your channel and your videos!
Personally I really like the makeover challenges for a lot of reasons. The only downside to them is the fishy judging, but you can kind of say that about any challenge at this point. But the makeovers show a combination of skills that are important to drag & to being The Next Drag Superstar: know your brand well enough to make different versions of it, know how to do makeup and make outfits (often for more than one skin tone or body type), and I think most importantly & uniquely, know how to work with people in a mentor type role. If you want to be a figurehead in the queer community you have to know the importance of taking less experienced people under your wing and bringing them up to confidence.
I feel like we need as many versatile challenges as possible. For example we don’t need 2 acting challenges, 2 sewing challenges. A contender for the crown should be able to be good in multiple fields.
I think something that could enhance acting challenges is bringing in professional actors for queens to bounce off... it works really well for improve thinking of Jeffery Boyer Chapman in the Bitchelor, Rachel Bloom and Jeff Goldblum in Choices 2020, etc.
They could probably get some big names involved if it was scripted...
UK could literally take the queens to another BBC set to film...
Personally I think EVERY season should start with a talent show. But only if they actually have a budget and if production grows a pair. Like S14 talent show the queens got no dancers, I don't think they even got to have props. Adore dropped AS6 because she wanted to do a fire number. Espana's talent show is the highest rated episode of the franchise and while yes, the queens were extremely talents, they also got multiple dancers and complex props. NOTHING can introduce a queen better than a talent in which they showcase how they actually entertain in the real world.
Since there are so many nonelimination episodes of Drag Race now (some of them a little stale) I think having the makeover episode as one would be a good idea. I love seeing the queens connect with their loved ones and presen their drag on another person. But the criteria is too vague and the judging is inconsistent. Plus it sucks to go home in front of your loved ones!
I think the makeover is amazing, cause it can be difficult for everybody and at the point they do the makeover (towards the end), the werk room is getting empty, so bringing more people can help to fill up the time and bring some storylines for the episode. Putting someone else in drag it's a difficult skill and not everybody has it, we've seen amazing fashion queens bomb the makeover on their seasons: Aquaria, Shea, Raja, Manila (on AS4)... I think it should be in every season, cause it's the only challenge that test this specific skill and it can be unpredictable. It's better than 10 lame acting/improve challenges on the same season for sure (that most of the time are decided by who gets the best role and not their skill).
i’m p sure we all immediately thought the makeover challenges but that comment made me see it differently as well. and at least CDR gave us some nice moments.
All the theatre ones
I really think one thing they should change the makeover to is to make it a full sewing challenge. It’s not fair to have one couple use premade outfits while someone else needs to sew two brand new outfits from scratch .
Any of the challenges directly tied into drag culture are always my favourite: design, ball, panel, even the makeover, etc…the social media ones make sense too like the TikTok dance one
Great idea - I'm specifically thinking of some of the categories in Paris is burning
Idea: Make acting challenge a drama instead of comedy.
Not the Shitty Pie jumpscare at 4:25
im fine with scripted challanges, unless if they dont have freedom with it, like Raja Ohara had an idea in mind in all stars 6 acting challange, she didnt get her freedom and landed her in the bottom, but when queens do have freedom like on All stars 7 Jinkx on the acting challange, she did amazing, also hiring an actual producer (unlike michele), they really help the queens alot.
Imo i think it’s nice to get things shaken up. Remember the fugly Ball in uk3? High pressure but hot Dang it was it television at its finest.
I love how you being a Rajah stan cannot be hidden in any single video you make
Amazing vid, as always. Tbh I’m glad Snatch Game will never leave tho. We’ve just seen w AS7, it’s not an issue w Snatch Game so much as who’s doing it and what they’re picking. Also…and this is personal…but I’ve always really loved game shows and getting to see Ru w the long tiny mic every szn is just so fun 😝
honestly, after thinking about this a lot, i think the ball should be removed. this used to be my second favourite challenge (behind just the design challenge) however it’s just become a challenge of who can spend the most money on a designer for the first 2 looks. this has ruined the heart behind the ball, which used to showcase queens unique talents, and now it just shows their bank accounts.
honestly they should cut the ball if they’re going to keep pushing it to the front of the season
I wish they would use the photoshoot minichallenge more. I love seeing the end product and as a ru girl they will very likely run into some photoshoots down the line. It's interesting to see who stands out in those.
Not me single-handedly saving the makeover challenge in the JackFed DR universe
Werk
The problem with the talent show is the variation of the "talent." Although often it's the lack thereof. There's a big issue of people doing all the same things. Then if there's something different, it's hard to compare a comedian with a dancer.
Exactly: lip syncing shouldn’t be a “talent” for the talent show. If it’s to your own track, well it’s acceptable. But doing it to a popular song: nah!
And unfortunately, those queens that pick talents that are out of the box (thinking Gia Guns’ * not a fan of hers, but I got to give her props for her talent on AS) are often left just safe; even when they have real talents because judges might not have any points of reference.
I love the talent shows because they all have such different talents. I loved Tatiana's spoken word performance. And Adores singing.
@@em84c I love it when they're all different, but watching a bunch of queens just lipsync, or try to sing gets tired. I like variety. As stupid as I thought Willow's was, at least it was different. I'm still annoyed that Gia didn't win. All I'm saying is that until people are going to show us something new and different, the talent show needs to be done.
I feel Snatch Game is a rabbit hole especially because as a UK viewer it really bugs me people play characters not the actual people because why doesn’t everyone just play a fictional character but say they are the actor ?
I just can’t imagine snatch game getting cut
i feel like acting challenges could easily leave the show, but with better writing, could become highlight moments of certain seasons when used correctly (see canada s2's screech). imo, the challenge that needs to be heavily reworked the most is the makeover. i used to hate it, but have come around on it recently, but still see major issues. the only makeovers i like are the family ones, the queens making over each other and canada s2s. to keep this challenge as a staple, i would simply restrict makeover partners to family/friends, since it gives us a chance to learn more about the queens and really give them a defined 'character'. a recent example that comes to mind is precious paula nicole, that makeover really helped me to understand her and her point of view on drag even more than i did already.
i feel like a challenge that would be interesting to incorporate into more seasons would be an award show like the despys in season 7. i feel like the queen get a chance to show their hosting abilities and they also get a chance to show off some comedy in their speeches. maybe something like a superlative so that every queen gets the opportunity to give an acceptance speech. idk i just feel like that could be interesting 😭
I personally really liked the Talent Show at the end of the season like on AS7.
It makes it so people tried really hard to get to the end, like Shea that she thought that she was out of the competition but suddenly it sparked her fire again and gave us an amazing performance.
i don’t know if this is done yet but i think it would be nice to see an acting/rusical challenge where queens had to choreograph and direct it themselves so that each of them could adjust the roles they were given and cater it to their strengths, just imagine two teams directing scenes for a rusical/acting challenge, it may end in chaos or not but at least, they were able to show what they got
One of the things I love the best about the All Winners season was how they didn't have to worry about elimination so they could really show off and take risks. I wish there was at least one episode early per season where there's no eliminations.
A couple of the most memorable challenges to me were the stewardess group lip sync performances and the family BBQ / picnic. I loved them 😍
I think more photo shoots would be amazing. The one where they were in the giant water tank and the one on the snow hill for Drag Race Canada was amazing 🌨️
What happened to those?
I would like more design challenges and games. They haven't done a bunch of mini challenges lately. Like when they had to be old ladies and Jasmine pulled that whole loaf of bread out of her dress 🤣 I miss those. They were fun as hell and the ladies were having a great time.
I would love them doing a Kiki/Talk show where they can all show off their talents.
Another great video!
Something that needs a fix for me is the finales in general. It just feels like we're waiting around for a decision that most of the time isnt even based on the episode itself, and in american drag race we sometimes spend up to 4 weeks building up to the crowning with a top 4 performance, reunion AND finale. Its so slow and boring to me
Thank you for briefly talk about Marina's lyric!! Popped Off Ate should be a national anthem
These has been no trend regarding character choice in Snatch Game
I think moving certain challenges to regular seasons versus All Stars seasons may help in how smoothly things go.
One example in my mind is having a regular season open with a talent show so queens can express themselves right away with who they are what they’re about - showing us and not telling us.
On the other hand All Stars seasons could have The Snatch Game - a real challenge to see how the queens translate what they showed us in their original season into celebrity impressions.
Ok hear me out- keep doing different Tv show style snatch games. Like do a wheel of snatch at the final 8 or so. (It could be super funny like the trip to Tuckahoe, or something like that) Do a jeopardy parody. I also think the red carpet interviews they did on CDR were SO AMAZING.
Great topic to cover and well thought-out and fair opinions. Really enjoyed. You are really good at producing content and hope you don't stop. You are one of two YT-ers who make the best RPDR videos. Enjoy your holiday, Thanks and keep up the great work!
cant stand acting challenges
As an improv performer:
Snatch game of love fits better with what they want to do, and it's easier for queens who are bad at Snatch game.
You get downtime to think of the jokes you could still pull off, and shoehorn one into your answer. That's how Snatch game works, but somehow it's waaaayy more restrictive. (Also: they have to play the character with their whole body. Helps keeping out of your head! 😊)
We need a new challenge to determine the top 4/winner in the finale episode the lip sync is TIRED. I’m fine with Snatch game I love it and it’s a staple I don’t get why people want it gone 😒😬
We need more challenges around branding like the commercials and designing your own soup can. A queen who can't market herself successfully cannot be successful.
Makeovers are my favorite
Well I think the reason why scripted challenges are not going away is simple: it allows production to control more who does well and who does badly.
Yeuppp
The improv challenge can go for sure. I find them quite awkward and very rarely funny. The reading challenge is enough to demonstrate thinking on your feet.
I will say as someone who voted against the Girl Group Challenge you hit my feelings pretty well on both the good and bad. As someone who watches all the seasons and spinoffs, it's just a lot of girl groups. But you did convince me why it's important and should stay. I never thought about the fact that girls who are great lipsynchers and lyricists don't have that many other challenges to show off their skills and shine.
i want the supertease challenge from season 14 back-deja skye’s “i was born at a very young age” is something that will ALWAYS stick with me and in general i thought it was such a fun idea for a challenge with so much potential for absolute stupidity
Never get rid of snatch game it’s the one thing I really look forward to that and the ball
I’d be happy removing the final lip sync and having the lip sync battle style thing they did as a way for a queen to come back consistent in each season would be a cool add so we still have that big lip sync episode without so much pressure being on the final lip sync
I kinda understand the sentiment that Snatch Game doesn't work because Ru is too old and stuck in his ways to understand the younger gay icons. But I would argue that if the queen does a good job it ultimately doesn't matter. I feel like people are also forgetting that it goes both ways. People consider it top tier snatch game now but if watch back the Season 5 episode of Snatch game even queens older than Jinx thought it was risk that she would do Little Edie. If you do something too old or obscure and don't do well with it both Ru and the fans may not like it. I also think some of the queens are bad about doing very thread bare, superficial caricatures of older gays icons like Ivy's Marilyn Monroe and (unpopular opinion) Alaska's Mae West.
if we are talking about snatch game, i've thought about how snatch game needs reinventing (at least for the uk seasons). Firstly, the fact it keeps the American name and doesn't make a joke out of Blankety Blank (when wankety wank is right there) is shocking tbh. Second I think there are other more iconic shows to do for a celeb impersonation challenge. "I'm a Drag Queen, Get Me Out of Here!" as a celeb impersonation challenge where queens are given a loose script but encouraged to write scenes/jokes for a camp scene and improvised in the buskTUCKer trials in a far more free environment sounds a lot funnier to me.
They film in LA, right? They should have a challenge where each queen acts as a tour guide on one of those bus tours.
Werk
without a doubt the branding challenge is the one i would be happy to see them ditch. i think the judging is extremely inconsistent and manipulative, more often than not there's a certain amount of mind-reading expected from the judges about what they perceive a queen's brand to be.
however, the acting challenges and rusicals are a close second for me. the writing, put plainly, sucks. older seasons have better acting challenges because the show didn't take itself so seriously and thus they were effortlessly camp, but nowadays they're just trying too hard. simple aspects of writing (setup and payoff, having a beginning, middle, and end) are completely absent, and then the queens are punished when they can't make a bad script work.
Here within 20 min literally gonna cry 😭
But also like the final lipsync is so unesecary
I honestly think a lot of these challenges need to be chalked because they just don’t apply to current drag queens in the same way. It doesn’t help that producers are pushing the edit. We need challenges that are more real to life. Maybe every season gets variety show so we can see what they’re talents are, maybe we bring back clothing sponsors and make the queens make outfits out of what they’re provided (sewing not required), maybe instead of pre written acting challenges the girls do monologues or create mixes. More than anything I think we’d benefit from our judges going and experiencing these new queens in their element and adapting the show to fit what’s going on.
Great video! Can you make a video on RuPaul in the context of international spin offs? I’m curious to hear your thoughts on whether you think he’s a detriment to the season’s he’s involved in (I do lol) but also to hear your general perspective.
With the makeover I feel things have gotten so much better over time because it seems like the girls are being paired with people who they have something in common with or have a similar vibe. Riggery but for good lol
This is just my opinion but as much as I love them. I think that Sewing challenges are done. Most queens buy their looks and those that make looks don’t really gain anything that they don’t get by simply telling people they make their own garments.
As an international viewer, snatch game is the one challenge I dread the most. I barely know any of the celebrities and it's just plain unfunny to me. It's like, oh yay, 30 awkward mins left of this floppery. I'd like to see it go tyvm x 💀
yvie and trinity both did characters that weren't celebrity impressions, bogeyman and the devil and they excelled. i wonder if moving toward characters would be better than celebrities.
The challenge I despise (which I’m surprised it’s not really talked about) is the challenge that requires queens to showcase their looks. I don’t even know what the challenge is called because it doesn’t really even have a name. I think it only appeared in rpdr US once (season 9 ep 1) but it’s different from the ball and from a sewing challenge. This challenge literally just requires queens to bring some looks from home and showcase them on the main stage (it was recently on uk season 4 ep 1) and it’s more prevalent in international platforms. I always hated this challenge because it doesn’t require any talent at all for a queen to accentuate, literally anyone can win the challenge as long as they have the funds for an expensive wardrobe. Obviously more famous and popular queens are bound to place well in this challenge because they have better resources and have bigger funds towards their drag though it hinders budget queens because obviously they don’t have the funds or resources that others do. The challenge doesn’t require any skill at all in any form and just leaves some at a disadvantage for something they simply don’t have (money)
The main problem with snatch game right now is the difference between what Ru finds funny and what we find funny and that gap is getting wider and wider, Plus the fact that Ru doesn't seem to recognize or care for any celebrity born after the year 2000.
with the makeovers, at this point I feel like a good shake up would be making over a former contestant/winner if they HAVE to keep it. I mean it makes sense - bring in old favourites, have some potential kiki moments, and then the awkward "who do you think was the best to work with?" shtick
You should do a video on which one-off challenges should return!
What comes to mind for me is the untucked lip-sync challenge from season 5. Also there were some fun challenges that could be remixed, like the wrestling S4 and the one on AS1 where they had to go out on the street and get people to do random things.
Victoria Porkchop Parker was robbed!
love this!! so insightful x
I'd love to see u do a full vid this long about new challenge ideas
Acting challenges can go fr. There are too many seasons nowadays for them to turn out something quality and funnily written. I feel like maybe 1 of every 5 acting challenges is decent nowadays and like you said there is many other ways for them to show off important skillsets. Also idk if the lipsync for the crown counts as a challenge, but it should and it gets my vote off the island. It no longer serves a purpose.