History BrokenBase / RuPaulsDragRace

Warning: Spoilers are off.

* The UK spinoff, at least to American viewers, many of whom harshly read the British queens for being unpolished. UK viewers--as well as Americans familiar with British drag--point out that the UK scene isn't as obsessed with looks. Whereas American drag is heavily influenced by pageantry and ball culture, British drag is more about smokey pubs, crass humor, and valuing performance over appearance, and it's only ''Drag Race'''s international rise in popularity that has caused UK drag to become more look-focused.
** Depending on who you ask, Cheryl Hole's elimination was either the most fair, or most unfair choice ever. On one hand, she had the worst track record of a top 4 finalist in Drag Race history against 3 Queens with 3 wins each, and was against [[HomeFieldAdvantage Baga in an Amy Winehouse lipsync]]. On the other hand, she arguably did a far better job with making up her sister into an identical look than Baga or Vivienne had with their mothers. To add to that, Baga infamously kept insulting her own mother's appearance on stage in that episode, drawing visible disgust from everyone in the studio.

* With the sudden increase in popularity of the ''Drag Race'' franchise worldwide, with 6 international versions premiering since 2018 (''Thailand'', ''UK'', ''Canada'', ''Holland'', ''España'', ''Down Under''), whether or not a future All-Stars season should include international queens. Some people say that US queens would have HomeFieldAdvantage, especially regarding the language barrier which has already proved to be a problem with US queens who aren't native English speakers (like some Puerto Rican queens, or Nicky Doll), and of course the travel restrictions put in place with the UsefulNotes/COVID19Pandemic. Those in favour maintain that all versions are close enough in format to bring international queens to the US with little disadvantage, that the language point is not an issue for queens who are native English speakers (British, Canadian and Down Under queens obviously; even ''Drag Race Thailand'' includes native speakers like Vanda Miss Joaqim or Genie -- who's actually American) and that featuring them in the flagship series can give them a popularity boost.

* Did Trixie Mattel deserve to be the queen who returned in Season 7, in comparison to [[OldSoldier veteran queen]] Mrs. Kasha Davis who almost won the challenge, or Max who previously had two wins under her belt? [=#JusticeForTrixie=] or not, the fact Trixie didn't really show anything noteworthy after she came back and was re-eliminated just two episodes afterwards certainly made her return seem like a waste.

** The winner of All Stars 7: All Winners turns out to be none other than Jinkx Monsoon, with Monét X Change as the Runner-Up, however as to be expected from any season with so many favorites, the winner was not met without some pushback. Specifically, this seems to come down to the format of the finale as a Lip-Sync Smackdown and if Jinkx really deserved to be crowned if going off that episode alone. Even with many of Monét's stunts obviously being edited out (such as pulling out a Jinkx elimination lipstick, or the entirety of the rap section of the song by Nicki Minaj being cut), it was still obvious Monét did a fantastic job in the performance (not that Jinkx was bad, but again they had to edit Monét back just to make it seem more balanced). On the one hand, Jinkx clearly had the best track record of the entire season as a whole, but if they were going to crown Jinkx anyway, it makes the finale seem superfluous to Monét if she was never going to win anyway. Ironically, this is very similar to the same discussion had during All Stars 4 when Trinity and Monét shared that season's win, again with Trinity having a better season track record but Monét dominating the finale episode. And all that is to say nothing of ''Raja's'' lipsyncs, and whether her more straightforward performances deserved to give her the $50,000 runner-up prize (aka the "Queen Of She Done Already Done Had Herses") over Yvie's and Jaida's more dynamic approaches.

* A rather small one in the grand scheme of things, but the fact that the much anticipated "All Winners" Season of All-Stars is just that, Season 7 of All-Stars, as opposed to the rumored moniker of "Drag Race [=SuperStars=]", being its own series. Some fans feel the fact the entire cast are previous series winners deserves more pomp and circumstance than its getting, while others are happy the series isn't treating the already oversaturated show with another SpinOff.
** Also in All Stars 7, the decision to have no eliminations. Some appreciate it as a recognition of the status of the winners, allowing each of them more of a chance to shine; others found the choice to reduce the tension of the season.
** Again from All Stars 7, as revealed by Trinity on Twitter, negative critiques on the main stage have all been edited out from the season. Trinity reveals negative feedback most certainly happened, but possibly due to worry of the same backlash ''Drag Race Canada'' received and what with all of the contestants being beloved winners, those critiques were removed. Some fans are fine with this since it makes the season feel more like a showcase of the winner's talents, while others feel the show is trying too hard to be LighterAndSofter and lowering the stakes by pretty much implying everyone is good even when they stumble.
** The winner of All Stars 7 All Winners turns out to none other than Jinkx Monsoon, with Monét X Change as the Runner-Up, however as to be expected from any season with so many favorites, the winner was not met without some pushback. Specifically, this seems to come down to the format of the finale as a Lip-Synch Smackdown and if Jinkx really deserved to be crowned if going off that episode alone. Even with many of Monét's stunts edited out (such as pulling out a Jinkx elimination lipstick, or the entirety of the rap section of the song by Nicki Minaj being cut), it was still obvious Monét did a fantastic job in the performance (not that Jinkx was bad, but again they had to edit Monét back just to make it seem more balanced). On the one hand, Jinkx clearly had the best track record of the entire season as a whole, but if they were going to crown Jinkx anyway, it makes the finale seem superfluous to Monét if she was never going to win anyway. Ironically, this is very similar to the same discussion had during All Stars 4 when Trinity and Monét shared that season's win, again with Trinity having a better season track record but Monét dominating the finale episode.

** The winner of All Stars 7 All Winners turns out to none other than Jinkx Monsoon, with Monét X Change as the Runner-Up, however as to be expected from any season with so many favorites, the winner was not met without some pushback. Specifically, this seems to come down to the format of the finale as a Lip-Synch Smackdown and if Jinkx really deserved to be crowned if going off that episode alone. Even with many of Monét's stunts edited out (such as pulling a Jinkx elimination lipstick, or the entirety of the rap section of the song by Nicki Minaj), it was still obvious Monét did a fantastic job in the performance (not that Jinkx was bad, but again they had to edit Monét back just to make it seem more balanced). On the one hand, Jinkx clearly had the best track record of the entire season as a whole, but if they were going to crown Jinkx anyway, it makes the finale seem superfluous to Monét if she was never going to win anyway. Ironically, this is very similar to the same discussion had during All Stars 4 when Trinity and Monét shared that season's win, again with Trinity having a better season track record but Monét dominating the finale episode.

* ''UK Vs The World.'' Fans had been anticipating an international version of All Stars for ''years,'' but when they finally got it, the result was heavily divisive. The abbreviated 6-episode series was filled with {{Shocking Elimination}}s, where the cast were far more willing to use the All Stars rules to go the "take out the competition" route, instead of the safer "take out who did the worst this episode in the interest of fairness" method. The result was a chaotic season where fan favorites like Canada's Lemon and Jimbo, UK's Cheryl Hole, and the much-hyped Thailand ''host'' Pangina Heals, were all gone by midway through. Meanwhile, an [[HeroicFatigue uncharacteristically subdued Jujubee]] and infamous CreatorsPet Baga Chipz were still going strong, and the season ended with the surprise win (of the "who saw ''that'' one coming?" variety) of Blu Hydrangea. On one hand, some fans felt that the loss of all the popular favorites and heavy-hitters made the end of the season feel deflating, and it merits a rethink of the All Stars elimination format. On the other hand, some fans ''loved'' the chaos, feeling that it made the show more exciting and unpredictable. At least it's generally agreed upon that Blu definitely [[TookALevelInBadass came into her own]] this season, but whether she ''deserved'' the win after everything that happened is also very divisive.

* The removal of the "You've got she-mail" soundbite in the wake of the "Female or Shemale?" controversy. An appreciated gesture towards the transgender community, or PoliticalCorrectnessGoneMad? Flame wars over the loss of this two-second clip got ugly.

* Speaking of the Snatch Game, an alternate edition called ''Snatch Game of Love'' with a slightly different format debuted on All Stars 4 and was used on every subsequent All Stars season. By the time of All Stars 6, a lot of fans were vocally tired of this format - two segments, with only three queens each, instead of the original's free-for-all between the entire cast. Some find that only three queens at a time is very limiting in its banter and improv potential, and clearly misses the variety of the original. It may surprise some of you to know, however, that the Snatch Game Of Love does have its fans, who think it's ultimately worth it for having a lot more focus on its standout performers, and enjoy the fact that it's a more challenging, sink-or-swim version of the original. As in, you ''really'' have to nail it this time, or you'll be left to flounder up there, which Gia Gunn found out the hard way.
* After the cast list of season 14 was revealed on December 2nd, 2021, one contestant, Maddy Morphosis, was revealed to be a cisgender, heterosexual male out of drag. If you weren't online for that revelation, count your blessings, because you missed a veritable '''civil war''' in the fandom. Is Maddy's casting a welcome confirmation that drag is, in fact, for everyone, and that it's okay for straight men to be a part of it? Or is Maddy's casting taking a spot away from a queer and/or transgender talent, or even just on the face of it, an ''un''welcome presence in one of the most prominent queer/trans spaces on television? As the dust settled, it became clear that the majority of the fandom are behind Maddy’s inclusion, viewing her involvement as simply another step in the show’s increasing inclusivity drive, though it’s still a touchy subject for others, so treading lightly is advised.

* Speaking of the Snatch Game, we gotta talk about the All Stars edition, Snatch Game Of Love, which debuted on All Stars 4. By the time of All Stars 6, a lot of fans were vocally tired of this format - two segments, with only three queens each, instead of the original's free-for-all between the entire cast. Some find that only three queens at a time is very limiting in its banter and improv potential, and clearly misses the variety of the original. It may surprise some of you to know, however, that the Snatch Game Of Love does have its fans, who think it's ultimately worth it for having a lot more focus on its standout performers, and enjoy the fact that it's a more challenging, sink-or-swim version of the original. As in, you ''really'' have to nail it this time, or you'll be left to flounder up there, which Gia Gunn found out the hard way.

* After the cast list of season 14 was revealed on December 2nd, 2021, one contestant, Maddy Morphosis, was revealed to be a cisgender, heterosexual male out of drag. If you weren't online for that revelation, count your blessings, because you missed a veritable '''civil war''' in the fandom. Is Maddy's casting a welcome confirmation that drag is, in fact, for everyone, and that it's okay for straight men to be a part of it? Or is Maddy's casting taking a spot away from a queer and/or transgender talent, or even just on the face of it, an ''un''welcome presence in one of the most prominent queer/trans spaces on television? It's a touchy subject for the fandom, so tread very lightly here.

* Speaking of the Snatch Game, we gotta talk about the All Stars edition, Snatch Game Of Love, which debuted on All Stars 4. By the time of All Stars 6, a lot of fans were vocally tired of this format - two segments, with only three queens each, instead of the original's free-for-all between the entire cast. Some find that only three queens at a time is very limiting in its banter and improv potential, and clearly misses the variety of the original. It may surprise some of you to know, however, that the Snatch Game Of Love does have its fans, who think it's ultimately worth it for having a lot more focus on its standout performers, and enjoy the fact that it's a more challenging, sink-or-swim version of the original. As in, you ''really'' have to nail it this time, or you'll be left to flounder up there, which Gia Gunn found out the hard way.

* Ru yelling at Joe Black over wearing an H&M dress for the [=RuRuVision=] challenge. Many viewers and alumni called Ru cruel for this, especially considering these queens were out of work for seven months prior due to the [[UsefulNotes/COVID19Pandemic pandemic]]. Queens going into debt to buy outfits for Drag Race is a known issue, and many felt Ru tearing someone apart for not breaking the bank for the show just indicated how out of touch he had become. However, others felt that the point of Ru's argument was misconstrued: it wasn't just that it was an H&M dress, it's that Joe did nothing to make the dress special or unique to her. Many argued that Ru's argument was in good faith and out of a desire to see the queens reach their full potential; it was also pointed out that Joe's dress & styling was indeed bad, and if 21 year-old Ellie Diamond who makes all her own outfits can routinely turn out good looks, seasoned performer Joe Black should also be capable of this. Terrible timing also plays a part here, Black has gone on record stating she sold most of her high-end looks after her elimination to make ends meet, and only discovered she was returning to the competition three weeks before filming started up again.

* Speaking of the Snatch Game, we gotta talk about the All Stars edition, Snatch Game Of Love, which debuted on All Stars 4. By the time of All Stars 6, a lot of fans were vocally tired of this format - two segments, with only three queens each, instead of the original's free-for-all between the entire cast. Some find that only three queens at a time is very limiting in its banter and improv potential, and clearly misses the variety of the original. It may surprise some of you to know, however, that the Snatch Game Of Love does have its fans, who think it's ultimately worth it for having a lot more focus on its standout performers, and enjoy the fact that it's a more challenging, sink-or-swim version of the original. As in, you ''really'' have to nail it this time, or you'll be left to flounder up there, which Gia Gunn found out the hard way.
* And now we can add to the list, Drag Race UK Season 3. Fans were cautiously optimistic despite the homogenous casting (Vanity Milan is the only black queen this season), but were enthusiastic to see the return of Veronica Green and the arrival of the franchise’s first AFAB lesbian queen, Victoria Scone. However, Victoria is quickly sent home due to an injury while Veronica is out by episode three. Despite some queens showing potential, no one remaining is performing up to par. The Girl Group challenge, a landmark of the prior seasons, falls flat. In the next episode the queens’ performances are so underwhelming that Ru declares NO ONE will win this week. Fans are hoping Snatch Game turns things around but it’s hard to stay invested.

* And now we can add to the list, Drag Race UK Season 3. Fans were cautiously optimistic despite the homogenous casting (Vanity Milan is the only black queen this season), fans were enthusiastic to see Veronica Green return and the show’s first AFAB lesbian queen, Victoria Scone, in the franchise. However, Victoria is quickly sent home due to an injury and Veronica comes back with too much baggage and is out by episode three. Despite some queens still presenting good character, none one remaining is performing up to par. The Girl Group challenge, a landmark of the prior seasons, falls flat and in the next episode the queens performances are so underwhelming that Ru declares NO ONE will win this week. Fans are hoping Snatch Game turns things around but it’s hard to stay invested.

* Speaking of the Snatch Game, we gotta talk about the All Stars edition, Snatch Game Of Love, which debuted on All Stars 4. By the time of All Stars 6, a lot of fans were vocally tired of this format - two segments, with only three queens each, instead of the original's free-for-all between the entire cast. Some find that only three queens at a time is very limiting in its banter and improv potential, and clearly misses the variety of the original. It may surprise some of you to know, however, that the Snatch Game Of Love does have its fans, who think it's ultimately worth it for having a lot more focus on its standout performers, and enjoy the fact that it's a more challenging, sink-or-swim version of the original. As in, you ''really'' have to nail it this time, or you'll be left to flounder up there, which Gia Gunn found out the hard way.

** This actually is very relevant in regards to the surprise (and outrage in some quarters) over UK Season 3 only having a single [=PoC=] queen for the entire season. There are prominent black queens in the UK who have said they were invited to submit audition tapes for Season 3, only to turn down the request simply because they don't have the resources to do so. It also doesn't help matters DRUK is one of the only series in the franchise that has no cash prize either.[[note]]though that is due to the show being aired by Creator/TheBBC, which is funded via public money from the license fee and it’s therefore likely that the organisation could not justify £100,000 prize money giveaways.[[/note]]

** This actually is very relevant in regards to the outrage over UK Season 3 only having a single [=PoC=] queen for the entire season. There are prominent black queens in the UK who have said they were invited to submit audition tapes for Season 3, only to turn down the request simply because they don't have the resources to do so. It also doesn't help matters DRUK is one of the only series in the franchise that has no cash prize either.

** For starters, everything just feels… off. The production feels cheaper and more like a Youtube edit, with the implementation of wacky sound effects far more prominent. The Werk Room itself feels smaller and unfinished, and Ru feels barely there, just standing ominously by a table whilst waiting for each competitor to come to him instead of walking around talking to the queens. The judging has also been noted as bizarre, especially Elektra's critiques surrounding her apparently pulling focus from the other queens in the ''Girl Group'', fan fave Anita Wigl’it going home early despite having a runway look that was well put together, and Art Simone being bunged back in after a shoddy performance and [[SoreLoser inelegant exit]] without any explanation whatsoever. The season has also been dubbed the meanest so far, and is at-times unwatchably catty, with a lot of forced drama and unyielding baiting. The queens have received a lot of backlash on social media for the mean-spirited nature of the Werk Room, with nearly all of them attacking each other with petty jibes that seem to go beyond the usual expected shade. But sly digs aside, some of the queens also have problematic pasts and have exhibited racist behaviour, namely Scarlet Adams, who has previously performed drag looks in blackface, with her skin darkened, teeth blacked out and wearing an Aboriginal flag, as well Karen From Finance, who had a collection of golliwogs [[note]] a doll that depicts minstrel performers that has long been condemned for their obvious racism[[/note]] that she was photographed with for a magazine -- she even had a depiction of one ''tattooed on''. Both queens have since of course apologised for their actions. Overall, for the aforementioned reasons, and ''unlike'' international versions like ''UK'', ''Canada'' and ''Holland'', which have received a large amount of praise for taking the US format and making something new out of it (and even better, depending on who you ask), ''Down Under'' hasn't hit the mark for a large portion of the fanbase. 
** ''Down Under's'' Snatch Game saw Etcetera Etcetera portray Lindy Chamberlain[[note]]the mother of Azaria Chamberlain, who was infamously killed by a dingo while out camping, while Lindy was dragged through the mud by press who portrayed her as the killer and nobody believed her claims[[/note]] and fans, especially Aussie fans, were quite divided. [[DudeNotFunny Was it another tired-out retreading of the same old "Dingo ate my baby" jokes seen everywhere that poked fun at a grieving mother's plight]] or [[CrossesTheLineTwice a darkly hilarious portrayal]] that at the very least stood out in what many called a meh ''Snatch Game''. Especially questionable compared to Anita Wigl'it's Queen Elizabeth II portrayal which also dabbled in black comedy, including Princess Diana and corgi oral jokes, but got very positive reactions despite (or likely because) of them.