Drag Race France

I've seen every season from all countries. This French version is, so far, the best I've seen. The queens are awesome, very kind with each others, talented, etc. Can't wait to see the next season to confirm that it was not just the casting but, as in the Spanish version, the way French drag is. Better watch out gurls cause French Queens are coming.

This French iteration of the sprawling Drag Race franchise might actually be the strongest version of the format I've seen - the artistry is second to none, the judging panel are supportively diplomatic and there is a wildly strong camaraderie between the queens. In fact, everyone is so game, so supportive that going from this to any other version of Drag Race feels like jumping into cold water. There's a heart-stoppingly intense lip-synch in the first series that nearly broke my mind. It transcended the medium of television and for a moment everyone was weeping. Me, the judges, the queens. It was spellbinding. If you're even remotely invested in the format you owe yourself to check this one out. The second series is much stronger and builds to a spectacular grand live finale. The third is fascinating and features a genuinely great feature (the randomizer phone) that more of the wider franchise should look into. Magnifique!

Rather than emulate the fairness and transparency of Drag Race Espana, the French franchise has instead followed the footsteps of Drag Race Holland with blatant favoritism and rigging. This was no more apparent than in episode 7 where Lolita was again chastised for tapping into her Mexican roots in spite of having the most difficult task of transforming Antonio into Paquita with the other queens having female friends for this challenge. In any other makeover episodes across the globe, Lolita would have won the challenge and booked her place in the finals. #xenophobia

Where was Soa's rebuke for relying on her African ancestry? It is any wonder why Lolita has struggled to integrate into France in her 12 years living there. Does anyone really think that the pairings and song choices for the lip syncs were randomised? It so happened to be an uptempo song for Soa vs Lolita, a quirky number for Paloma vs La Grand Dame and a slow one for La Grand Dame vs Lolita. You know what they say about one too many coincidences... Looking ahead, it is not difficult to predict that Paloma will take the title.

This by far for me is the best international franchise of the RuPaul's drag race brand. The French just do it better. They are sophisticated and stylish, fashion forward and revolutionary. Both seasons have been exceptional, even the Rusical was next level. There's just a certain je ne sais pas magic!!

And then there's the judges. Nicki is exceptional as the host, and so are the co hosts. I think next to Brooklyn Nicky is the top of the tops for hosting. The catwalk, costumes are always on point. I just love this season, and it's only half way. It's hard to see anyone go this season as the talent is such a high standard. I truly hope this franchise continues to be renewed.

The best thing that ever happened to the Drag Race franchise.

Nicky Doll's looks, her empathy with the contestants, her constructive and pertinent criticism are just a joy to watch. I fell in love with her from the very first episode in season one.

The queens are talented, sophisticated and fashion forward, and I appreciate the good vibes between them, without all the drama and nonsense that we see in other versions.

The season two rusical was out of this world, and the finale is in a category of its own, above all other international franchises and, dare I say it, most US finales. 2023 is not the best year for Drag Race, but Drag Race France made it all better and set a new standard for the whole franchise.