RuPaul’s Drag Race fans can rejoice as the wait is finally over. Season 15’s full-length, 90-minute episodes, which originally aired from January to April this year, are set to grace the screens of streaming service Paramount+ on 9 August. The season showcased the trailblazing talent of drag queen Sasha Colby, who emerged victorious by slaying the competition with her impeccable style and four maxi challenge wins.
In the season finale, Colby delivered a powerful and daring performance, challenging Republican lawmakers attempting to legislate against trans people in various states. Unsurprisingly, her stunning act propelled her to snatch the crown and claim the title. Fans were left thrilled by Colby’s triumph, and the season as a whole garnered much love.
However, before the season began, there was uproar when it was announced that most of the episodes would be shortened to 60 minutes, with only 40 minutes of actual content due to advertisements. Cast members, including competitor Salina EsTitties, voiced their disappointment, feeling that their talents and outfits were not being given the fair airtime they deserved.
The decision to reduce the episode length came after the show was moved from VH1 to MTV. The latter channel decided to cut the episodes to accommodate other programs in the schedule, including the reality TV show “Real Friends of WeHo.” Many fans blamed this new series for the shorter Drag Race episodes, leading some super fans to petition for a reversal of the decision.
Now, the streaming service Paramount+ is giving fans what they asked for—a chance to enjoy the complete 90-minute episodes of Season 15 in all its glory. The announcement has been met with elation, especially from viewers eager to see more of the queens who may not have received as much airtime during the original run. Finally, fans can relish the joy and genius of the legendary cast in extended episodes.
RuPaul’s Drag Race continues to receive acclaim, having been nominated for nine Emmy Awards this year, including Outstanding Reality Competition Program and an Outstanding Host nomination for the iconic Mama Ru. As anticipation builds for the full-length episodes, the Drag Race legacy continues to shine brightly within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Dreams do come true for Drag Race enthusiasts as they prepare for this top-tier season to be unveiled on Paramount+.