After decades of playing second fiddle to their queenly counterparts, drag kings are finally getting their turn in the spotlight — and it’s about damn time.
Drag icon and New York nightlife staple Murray Hill, aka “Mr. Showbiz,” has spent over 25 years hustling, performing, and carving out space in the queer entertainment world. Now, he’s stepping into the mainstream — but this time, he’s bringing an army with him. Hill is the host and judge of King of Drag, a first-of-its-kind reality competition exclusively for drag kings, airing on LGBTQ+ network Revry.
“This show is 25 years in the making,” Hill said, with a wink and a growl that only a seasoned king could deliver. “And it’s not just about me — it’s about creating a platform where drag kings aren’t the side dish at the drag banquet. We are the main course.”
No More Scraps at the Queens’ Table
Despite drag queens becoming pop culture royalty thanks to global mega-hits, drag kings have largely been left in the shadows — often treated as a novelty act or not acknowledged at all. Hill’s been pitching the idea of a drag king-centered show for years, only to be met with blank stares and clueless execs. “They’d ask, ‘What’s a drag king?’” Hill recalled. “Like I was trying to explain quantum physics.”
But Hill’s not in the mood to beg anymore. “I’m not waiting for a seat at the table,” he declared. “I’m making my own table.” And make it he did — one complete with lip-sync battles, comedy challenges, acting tests, and full-on “kingly skills” designed specifically for performers who push masculine drag to the front of the stage.
The series features 10 drag kings competing across a range of challenges that spotlight the artistry and flair of the king community — makeup, costume construction, physical comedy, you name it. No copy-paste Drag Race formula here: this one is custom-tailored for the kings, inspired by real-life queer pageants like the Miss Lez Pageant and Mr. Transman.
A Legacy Worth Fighting For
Hill has appeared on hit shows like Life & Beth, Somebody Somewhere, and Elsbeth, but King of Drag marks his biggest passion project to date. “This isn’t just a gig — it’s my social responsibility,” he said. “I’m not just doing this for me. I’m doing it so the next generation of drag kings don’t feel like they have to be underground.”
He’s quick to point out the discrepancy in visibility. “Even at the most inclusive shows, the king is often the token — one in a sea of queens,” Hill noted. “But we have our own flavor, our own rhythm, and it’s time we showcased it on our own terms.”
The message is loud and clear: the drag king community isn’t looking for crumbs anymore — they’re serving the whole damn meal.
A Crown for the Community
For the LGBTQ community, King of Drag isn’t just another reality series — it’s a cultural milestone. At a time when queer rights are under attack and representation still skews toward familiar, often feminine narratives, Hill’s show is a fierce reminder that drag is bigger than one archetype.
By putting kings front and center, Hill is challenging the status quo and expanding the narrative of what drag can be. It’s a signal to every queer kid out there — especially the masc-presenting ones — that their stories, their art, and their fierceness matter just as much.
As for Hill, in his early 50s and unbothered by industry expectations, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. “RuPaul was nearly 50 when Drag Race started,” he said. “Maybe I’m not the daddy of drag — maybe I’m the granddaddy. But this granddaddy’s still got moves.”
And those moves? They’re about to change the game.