Explaining the Success of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 16

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RuPaul's Drag Race has been enjoying much success in its sixteenth season. From zany villains like Plane Jane, to superstars like Sapphira Cristal and Nymphia Wind, to shocking eliminations like Amanda Tori Meating and Plasma, this season is jam-packed with an amazing cast, amazing twists, and lots to love. In today's video, we'll dive into what is making this season such a success and beloved by fans.
Let me know in the comments below what you think of the season so far!
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[@DragDetective]

Take the Warby Parker Home Try-On Quiz and pick 5 pairs of frames to try on at home for free at WarbyParker.com/dragdetective!

[@Quing_Dee]

My vote for the glasses are the first ones ☝🏾

[@marchingknight081]

I need to unpack the imagery of your glasses "strolling down the road" 🤣🤣🤣 Just your glasses casually growing legs to mess up your lenses!

[@miriam4972]

My only complaint about this season is the lipsync songs, god they have been so questionable. I feel like they blew their whole song budget on Break my Soul in episode 1. Everything else about it is PEAK television and truly drag race at its finest. It feels like every single competitor is REALLY in it to win it and they aren’t afraid to just speak their minds.

[@dakotawillard803]

The Bloody Mary tiktok remix was criminal

[@guttergirlstuff]

@@dakotawillard803humiliation ritual

[@bluecircle06]

​@@dakotawillard803mainly because we witnessed a murder that week

[@boinggerss1560]

@@bluecircle06and chipette wasn’t there to sing it live but they got her studio recording 😂

[@gibbous00]

Meghan Trainor in 2024 is crazy

[@Nutelaa13]

I think its because Plane was rewarded for acting the way she did and the queens allowed themselves to do so as well

[@raisercruise7408]

Wait. This comment is 100% correct. ❤

[@randomname1924]

I think it also relates with how the editing portrays her as the bitch / villain. Like in season 15 for example Mistress would always come for Loosey, but the editing tried to make it seem as if Loosey was the villain for being delusional or smth.Here most fans don't have a huge problem with Jane being a major cunt that even sabotaged (which is not very common in Drag Race) because the show itself tells you: "hey, she's a c*nt" (and also the other girls like Amanda FIGHT BACK on screen, whereas in season 15 most of Loosey's clapbacks got cut iirc).)

[@rasmusmalmberg6468]

I'm 90% sure it's because everyone thought "If plane is going to be villainous at every opportunity, I can say that unhinged thing I'm thinking out loud" and it's beautiful ❤️

[@peteartieda58]

And yet people said Plane setting the field for shadiness is a bad thing.

[@Lenlon703]

@@peteartieda58bad for them good for audience imo

[@brinfreit4934]

I agree with the fact they really showed who everyone is in the season so we get to love them and care for them more. Dare I say, the riggory is minimal too. Everything feels natural. Then the cast is full like top notch hard-hitting players like a lot of girls are doing good

[@msyokoming6970]

Riggory is definitely very minimal.. first thing I noticed

[@cincinnannattitinnatti565]

Plasma and sapphiras roles in the rusical were def written for them specifically lol

[@jasrajdosanjh5612]

yeah i can only think of two moments of riggory

[@beebeedeeie]

@@cincinnannattitinnatti565 maybe but even then they all chose their roles

[@theodwhore]

​@@cincinnannattitinnatti565or maybe they did so good that their character resonated with them? it's not like the producers chose it for them

[@dxnnxxmc]

i will say this: Plane is very obviously producing herself but its workin for good tv and its so thorough that i feel like its a moot point

[@TheGrifhinx]

That's pretty much the thing with her - the riggory is there but it's in the fact that she is straight up rigging herself up, but hardly anyone is allowed to complain because all of it is kinda done extremely well that the producers (first of all, they could never) seem to have decided to just let the raw footage be as it is

[@itsdannyhoney]

She literally solidified her spot in the top 4 when she saved Nymphia. The same way Anetra saved Spice in the lipsync episodes. Those queens know what they’re doing.

[@bunjijumper5345]

@@itsdannyhoneyshe is not dead weight she’s got decent looks and does well in challenges, she’s not only there because of her theatrics

[@wiernyinaczej]

Plane could go on House of Villians and hold her own? Win? Probably not, but she's hold her own.

[@user-ke5rt3ji8c]

Anyone who watched season 3-6 knows plane is a cringe fest and she does not give good tv. If u gag at someone coming at another person out of nowhere, without speaking to them or anything, then u gag at anything ❤

[@skielatte]

“Q is not afraid of being delusional” girl I don’t think she notices

[@clove64]

This season got me watching untucked watcha packin hey kween and roscoe's which i've haven't done since s12

[@emilia4355]

Same! I really don't want to miss what the cast is doing

[@coversconojeras5626]

Sameeee

[@jermainecornelius7193]

If I could change one thing about this season is that production stop letting Q slide when it come to choreography. Maybe it's just me, but it really seems like they have been protecting her by letting her off easy when it comes to her lack of dancing abilities. I not only do I think it's unfair to the current season queens who might not be good at dancing but also to those queens from previous seasons who also weren't great at picking up choreo but were still made to do so; like MIB for example.

[@andshereadstoo7809]

Yeah, thats the rigging for me here, I'm not a huge fan of Q this season and with so many fan favorites gone already it's even weirder now like why protect that queen if so many great ones have already gone home? I dont get the thought process here☠

[@gravities]

imagine they have a lalaparuza and they somehow manage to save Q lmao

[@andshereadstoo7809]

@@gravities she just doesn't lipsync at all ☠

[@Ozubura]

Spoilers! That’s why I think it was non-elimination last week. Q (or Dawn) would have been eliminated as Planet used the potion correctly I thought. This is just after Dawn came for her as well as Q getting on her nerves and the “end” of her villain era” edit. Watch Plane’s edit from now on either be a lot more of her being nicer while a storyline will develop with her and Dawn/Q clashing and then one or both of them going home to her in a lip sync.

[@ChillHills]

I want Q to get sent home so bad. Praying this is her week.

[@kaylasays]

omg hey hi fancy seeing you here

[@DragDetective]

girl go finish the ep so we can talk shit

[@emmymatt]

can't wait for this week's episode!!

[@Sevarate.]

I think each season since 14 has been progressively better than the last, but 16 has a cast thats stronger and more likeable as a whole than most of the past seasons

[@bnelleyram]

I’m really enjoying this season and the cast but my two gripes are: 1. Nymphia’s storyline doesn’t feel satisfying to me, especially because I stan and it feels like the judges aren’t really feeling her anymore since snatchgame 2. After Plasma got eliminated, the top 4 seems so obvious and it feels like other talented and well performing queens like Dawn and Morphine are just getting stringed along until they eventually get eliminated

[@edmontesdeoca7485]

Nymphia redeemed herself with the seminar character she made, she was actually the funniest so we know now she can actually deliver on every aspect even more than saphira

[@ChillHills]

I’m praying Q falls in the bottom and she gets eliminated. In my fantasy tonight Morphine is in a high placement, and a top girl who can lip sync takes her out. Like Sapphira or Plane. Someone they have to be like “Welp we can’t save you this time.”

[@Ghostface1998]

I’ve been loving the season from the runways, the drama/shade is very present throughout the season, the queens are pretty good, and the winner isn’t so predictable like the way season 15 was Sasha Colby’s to win no competition. This season wouldn’t have been as entertaining if plane Jane wasn’t here.

[@danwilliams2551]

I'd argue it's predictable-ish. They are REALLY setting it up to be a Plane Jane VS Sapphira lipsync for the win.

[@Ghostface1998]

@@danwilliams2551having front runners make it to the finale isn’t predictable cause I’m sure Nymphia will get to the finale too. If it’s a top 4 possibly Q as well they all have performed really well this season. Last season we knew automatically who was gonna win. Can you say the same thing for this season.

[@DeJaSkye]

NOT TOO MUCH MISTER DETECTIVE!!!!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@zabi_aka]

❤❤

[@julesrules7297]

You're a stunning icon! 🥹🖤🖤🖤👑

[@branchuss]

omg hi

[@gabbyblanchard]

love you deja!!!!

[@sweetandkindhearted]

Deja!! Hello you incredible human being! Hopefully you’re doing amazing because you deserve the world! ❤️❤️❤️

[@haunted14]

I disagree about the twists. I’m not one of those people who even need a twist tbh but both “twists” had absolutely no effect on the overall season. The rate a queen lasted two episodes and had no lasting effect. And immunity potion was used by Sapphira early when she didn’t need to and Jane used it on an episode that was non elimination on a front runner who would never have gone home. Both were literally pointless, unfortunately.

[@andre.andrade91]

Actually, it was just for storyline reasons. To humanize both queens: to show Saphira has it's flaws, too, and that Jane isn't that "evil", it was a full circle moment for her to save the queen that didn't land in the top because of her vote. Still feels kinda 'meh', personally I would've loved if it was used in some strategic way, but whatever 😅

[@haunted14]

@@andre.andrade91 oooh, good point! Hadn’t thought of that but I guess it’s true. Still think it was mostly wasted though lol

[@alejandrosaul4168]

I do think the potions lowkey flopped but the rate a queen was iconic because it definitely had an influence on the track records. It established Plain as a villain and kept Nymphia from getting her hands on a potion.

[@Dan-eo1su]

actually rateaqueen stopped nymphia from getting top 2 over geneva/jane, she would have been second/first if it wasnt for jane skewing her points so much

[@user-cx8ix7zp5m]

If plane didn’t use the potion on someone her and nymfia would’ve been in the bottom.

[@haroldlopez958]

I would love to see the immunity used in a way for example, putting a Top 3 girl in the safe zone so you can snag the win instead of them.

[@odonvargas9527]

Donut Video said that and I was like that is really smart cause it was clear that Saphira was gonna be the winner. If Plane would've given the drink to her she wouldnt get another win.

[@danwilliams2551]

I think the queens can refuse the immunity potion though, so that kinda kills that

[@zabi_aka]

I think the production can mull over it a bit. Maybe give it to the winner of a mini challenge or a top 2 girl of the first episode 🤔 imagine if geneva got the potion instead 😮

[@haroldlopez958]

@@zabi_aka Gag!!! I think one other thing that would be cool is if at some point, one of the other girls could steal it

[@Elise-wo4xf]

​@@zabi_aka Geneva probably would've used it on RDR since she disagreed with her bottom in the ball, that pushes maybe Dawn or Morphine to low and Mhi'Ya to the lip sync, Mirage still doesn't know the words so she still goes home 💀

[@VHSCannibale]

What brought DR back to form is Plane Jane. Periodt. Plane has singlehandedly revived this dying Kumbaya franchise.

[@xviolaa]

A year from now when everyone gets over the usual anti-villain hysterics people will finally see that just like they came to appreciate Luxx and Mistress

[@kelsynicole9135]

⁠@@xviolaathe reason the a lot fanbase dislikes MIB and Luxx are because a lot of the fans (not us hot girls) are racist and fatphobic, and Plane is conventionally attractive and white. I’ve been a Luxx stan after her speech on the runway where she read Loosey and I will honestly never forget that. MIB is also so iconic, so many great moments on and off the show!! I also hope people will come around and confront their biases! ❤

[@charliez077]

It's really not JUST Plane, Morphine is amazing in her playful shadiness too (her banter with Mhi'ya last episode was gold TV). Dawn adds shade, Q is good TV, Nymphia and Sapphira add a lot...

[@yourbestam]

Yeah it's not just her with your white savior complex it's the others as well😭😭

[@VHSCannibale]

@@yourbestam wow hahahaha 😂

[@artsandgoodies4653]

This season genuinely feels like the Olympics of drag. Most of the episodes the bottom queens rarely do bad, its just they didn’t shine like the rest. Also the top tier runways, the flowers runway being one of the best overall runways period.

[@vasQpr2]

What an exceptional season, I wish it never ended.

[@blandface9957]

I agree! I wish they pulled a season 14 with THIS cast, I loved them all so much.

[@Blastertoyo]

“Invisibility postions” 😂

[@cadenceblackburn9205]

i’ve honestly never been more invested in a season before… though it may be because it’s the first season i’m not binge watching

[@nickinewnham2437]

I hated plane in the first 4 eps but love her now

[@CompanyOfTheCat]

Plane is the Balkan Representation I didn't know I needed, she was shade and came to make good TV mama, and she did.

[@lll.24601]

SAME SAME SAMEEEEE

[@essaly7969]

@@CompanyOfTheCat She isn't from the balkans

[@CompanyOfTheCat]

@@essaly7969 She is from Russian Jewish diaspora I know, but she gave us Icon and mother Jelena who is Serbian, so she still gave me the Balkan representation I didn't know I needed.

[@ChillHills]

I always liked Plane. Even when she was reading Amanda. I think chaotic people who choose violence. Now Q……

[@maximeminassian6002]

The “riggory of season 16” video will be interesting because aside from few weird things like Mhi’ya being low over Dawn in RDR live or Q being high during the rusical, there’s really not a ton of absurdity so far.

[@Elise-wo4xf]

Usually theres always a wtf elimination that makes you question Ru's judgement but so far all the eliminations have been fair/justified

[@nd1095]

nymphia being saved from the bottom in snatch game

[@lll.24601]

The riggory of plane vs q, when everyone and their dog knew q is going home that episode but the producers said “no we still love q ❤️” and decided to keep them both.

[@JM-ft8lw]

nymphia being saved from the bottom in that rusical and then also lip syncing in snatch game are probably the most obvious. also them trying to trick everyone into believing plane jane was even a bottom 3 performance in that “my power” episode, let alone the worst one there.

[@apigeon2212]

The newest episode was going to be nonelimination regardless, it’s like the s3 episode where they madevideos for the army. Supposed to be a feel good ending without an elimination

[@cakes3958]

Immunity potion will now forever be known as invincibility

[@ryangonzalez3945]

If any queen has been under edited, it was Geneva Karr. I think it's proven a bit by you naming every other early out besides her. I just worry with her track record and how she was edited, they won't cast any more Texas Valley queens

[@stupidsteroids]

Something about season 16 is so exciting! Seeing East Asian rep. makes my heart so happy. ❤

[@angli3865]

Yeah, such a shame her fans are wosrt that swifties

[@SirenRyan]

Yall are so overdramatic I hardly see Nymphia fans being annoying all I see on social media lately is people complaining about her for doing bad in snatch game calling her unversatile or saying she wears yellow too much lmao@@angli3865

[@user-ke5rt3ji8c]

We’re in top 5 and nymphia has still yet to say anything personal about her heritage

[@Junayd150]

@@user-ke5rt3ji8cfrom episode one she has repped her heritage ? Girl

[@user-ke5rt3ji8c]

@@Junayd150 saying she’s from Taiwan? Oh she repped for them✌️😍 like please give me anything u know about nymphia. My dog has more personality than her and my dog is actually entertaining.

[@Lpcarver]

I think for the past few seasons Drag Race has been just a comfort watch for me since it’s one of my favorite shows and even if it’s not a good season I still enjoy watching it. The point made about how it’s reinvigorating passion feels 100% true. I don’t think I’ve felt this crazy in love with a season in quite some time. I’m always enthusiastically talking about it and watching the episodes as they come out. I’m just so in love.

[@rue8638]

Feels like a solid 8/10 season for me, it’s just full of shade and drama so people are like “OMG IS GOOD!!!”

[@luckas221a]

imo it’s more than just the shade and the drama. There are queens there delivering QUALITY in many aspects. You have Dawn who’s an amazing designer and seamstress with a very defined aesthetic; and Q is also an amazing designer and seamstress. Plane Jane has a really good aesthetic defined for herself, is the trade and the shade of the season. Mhiya brought a storyline and is the bonafide lip sync assassin. Plasma rocked the rusical and was bringing great runways. Sapphira is well-rounded and brought an insaaane runway package. And then even the less polished queens and the other early-outs have storyline and personality. The editing is good and they’re giving the queens liberty to interact with the camera a little more, which gives the show some extra charm. I think 8/10 is a fair rating btw, just saying that there’s much more than shade and drama

[@augustooliveira518]

Season 11 was filled with drama and is considered by many the worst season of the show. Season 7, a drama filled season as well, used to be seen as the worst season ever.

[@gabrielvelardededios6804]

Agree. As someone who doesn't really care about shady drama, I get bored when they show the queens being not shady but straight up mean. I LOVED Canada's drama because it was always about the competition, not about putting other queens down (I know is a reality show, I don't think queens are actually how they get portrayed on TV). Additionally, there's almost ZERO storyline. Plane Vs Amanda was cut so soon. The immunity didn't really pay off, the first few challenges were boring (SNL I'm looking at you), and the annoying riggory is kinda still there. What I do LOVE is the cast. Even the girls that are not performing well have my attention. I'm excited to see Mirage when she comes to my city! I give it a 7/10 so far. I hope Nymphia wins!

[@stripedbandit5252]

@@luckas221afuck nymphias drag

[@kristofkodok]

@@gabrielvelardededios6804 over people like you thinking drag queens are supposted to be nice and reasonable people

[@sydneycarrigan747]

I feel like production might have convinced plane to use the potion on nymphia because they told her no one was going home and they wanted to have all queens on the stage who were able to vote so ru could ask that question ?? Idk maybe not but that would make sense But I’ve been very much enjoying this season, Saphirra or Plane for the win!!!

[@philauren]

This is a great concept but Nymphia was said to be better than Plane Jane, so they could just send her out safe and proceed with the question 🤷🏻‍♀

[@c.k.8585]

I think this cast is just themselves. We know them all not just because of the editing but because they've just decided to not hide their viewpoints and that makes it so much closer to the original seasons.

[@thedallasryan]

This might be the most fairly judged US season we’ve had in YEARS. The only questionable thing I can think of is Q beating Amanda in the lip sync but even that is up for debate.

[@jordanj7088]

This comment did NOT age well lol

[@timber6059]

Why ? ​@@jordanj7088 The judging this episode was entirely correct

[@jordanj7088]

@@timber6059 ummmm if you don't think this was either a Q solo win or a Q & Plane Jane double win, you are delulu honey

[@timber6059]

@@jordanj7088 lmfao q's set was awkward as shit and if you thought it was better than the winner you are probably very prone to being manipulated by editing. sapphira deserved it

[@jordanj7088]

@timber6059 well, I appreciate your opinion. Trixie & Jessica agree with me on the Pit Stop, so I'll trust my own opinion & theirs more than the random internet stranger 😇

[@dmitchell2595]

For me, while riggery is very minimal, it's still pretty obvious. Especially with this last episode. They clearly weren't ready to let Dawn, Plane, or Q go. And yet, there was minimal noise when no one went home. Which brings me back to Miyah. She did great in this week's challenge. But I'm also in the mindset of "she should have gone home a long time ago." She needed to be herself from day one. And maybe that's why I'm more than ready to see her go. I didn't or even haven't fallen in love with her enough for me to say she should stay. Sure, we're finally seeing glances of her real personality, but at this stage of the competition, she has a lot of ground to cover. Especially with so many challenges left, she has to step it up.

[@msyokoming6970]

Completely agree about mhiya. There’s no hate ! I’m tired of people saying that. It’s just the truth

[@gravities]

honestly this is how i feel about dawn at least mhiya had some character growth throughout the season but dawn i feel has always stagnated in the middle of the pack so im more ready for her go than mhiya

[@lll.24601]

YES.

[@essaly7969]

@@gravities She's never been terrible but she also never shined. I assume she might go next week or the week after.

[@kgfalzado]

so many good things this season: interesting twist (though wasted), cool cast ( a well rounded villain, fashion queen/s, dancing queen/s, a newbie queen, a weird queen, a lipsync asassin, a broadway queen, various narrators, everyone being shady), iconic fight (amanda v plane), shocking eliminations and not a clear front runner.

[@impossiblesoul]

this is the first season i’ve been watching live and it’s soo enjoyable i love it. however some things that could have easily been improved on are: 1) the lip sync songs …you can tell this was filmed last year and tried to cater to a tiktok audience… 2) imagine the gag if plane landed in the bottom 2 with q after using the immunity potion on nymphia…. i wouldn’t even mind double shantay riggory in that situation and it would be such a good storyline and was literally set up with them talking about plane being delusional 3) the guests always going into untucked mid argument and wasting half the episode

[@Danidonehoo]

i love how since i started watching Drag Race the seasons have just gotten better and better (i started with the Moulin Ru episode on season 14)

[@BeckyBookClubMain]

You’ll have a break down if you watch season six. Now that’s pure Drag Race.

[@pepethefrog2]

Season 15 was kinda meh for me 😬

[@cincinnannattitinnatti565]

I’m sorry you started on season 14

[@Danidonehoo]

@@BeckyBookClubMain ive watched other seasons, and im caught up with a lot of the queens and elimination orders on like all the international seasons, i started on season 14 but id say i know quite a lot about all of drag race.

[@randomweeaboo]

I don't always keep up to date with drag, but i started watching because i saw so many people talking about the season as early as episode 3-4. Usually people don't get excited until the second half of the season so i knew it was going to be good

[@criminalrappergreasygod8886]

I haven’t watched season 16 yet (I’m doing an entire main series rematch and I’m season 12 rn) but I’m excited to watch this season based on what I’m hearing from the fandom.

[@AlisonReacts]

“The Plane Jane of it all” 😂🤌🏻🤌🏻✨

[@Seryu2702]

The season is doing something good in order to make me invested on untucked. All the queens this season just makes an All Stars with the same cast honestly

[@Silverturtle83]

One of the most obvious things that’s great ab this season is that I don’t know who is going to win!! The past couple seasons, the winner has been obvious from episode 1 (s15, as8). But with this season there’s like 3 possible winners.

[@nelsonkwei6654]

Every time we see a new video by. Drag Detective, you know Derek is going to give you good and detailed analysis of the content. That’s is so much better than some channels where comments were largely based on the host or co host’s own whims and fancies which is so annoying. Well done Derek, I hope more ppl will subscribe to your channel, you won’t be disappointed.

[@ryansmith3301]

season 15 ate, one of the best top 4s ever

[@adam7mv]

Best season since season 6. The shade got back! The queens in this season do not afraid to be evil and we like it

[@indigobeaumont1246]

For me this is a top 5 season of the main franchise. When you factor in international and all-stars seasons, I do think it gets bumped out of that kind of tier by seasons like UK2, France 2, All Stars 6, and Espana before it went off the rails...lol. But just considering the main 16-season franchise, IMO only seasons 5, 6, and 12 are better. 5 & 6 don't need an explanation, just essential viewing if you wanna call yourself a fan of this show. 12 is a just a feel-good season. It's the season I've introduced to a couple of my friends to get them hooked. 16 is amazing imo. There hasn't been much riggory. The most questionable thing I can think of is the Amanda vs. Q lip sync. I think both had good enough plot armor and storylines building to justify saving either. It sucks both were (rightfully) in the bottom together so early, but I don't think that Amanda would've done as well as Q has done competitively, so I'm not mad about it. I also probably would've bumped Plane down to SAFE in the doll design challenge and replaced her with Megami. That would've been a nice stand-alone moment for Megami before she leaves the following episode. I can't think of much else off the top of my head though! Love love LOVE this season. The runways, challenges, minimal production interference, and the queens all make this one of my favorite seasons.

[@libby7067]

in my personal experience, people either love or absolutely hate this season EDIT: a lot of the hate i see is due to just what people consider inconsistencies with judging, editing, storylines, etc, in this season. im not referring to the hate regarding plasma's justified elimination.

[@haydenfisher1387]

That’s true for most people post-Season 9

[@libby7067]

@haydenfisher1387 true but I've mainly heard hate for this season. idk why

[@maximeminassian6002]

That’s literally most seasons that have ever existed

[@libby7067]

@maximeminassian6002 yeah im just saying the hate for this season has been way stronger than any others that I've seen. but you're not wrong.

[@lepokebloc4198]

​@@libby7067 stronger than season 13 or 15 ? I wasn't aware 😮

[@samjamwiches]

This has been one of those seasons where I've vibed with almost every single queen except for one and was sad to see most of the early outs go ❤️

[@chadr1856]

i think it’s very apparent that production has a favorite, Q, and that plot lines & challenges are guaranteeing her spot in the finale (e.g., 3 design challenges which she has won two of, wrongfully beating Amanda in a lip sync, being given easy choreography for the Rusical & the Power girl group challenge, escaping an obvious bottom placement for her performance in the Power challenge while not having to lip sync ). I’m surprise others have not noticed this.

[@tuyetsoi4672]

I became convinced of the Q favortism when she ươn the goth episode. Like🙄be fr. it was between nymthia and dawn

[@cam_6688]

Pretty new drag race fan here - this is my first regular US season where I'm actually watching live / week to week and I'm participating in the online discussions and following the queens, and I am having so much fun! Watching every Friday is my highlight of every week and while I do feel disappointments when my faves go home I really think the editing this season is good. I'm happy this is the first season I started watching regularly 😂

[@theemilo]

this season judging seems pretty fair, the drama is not overwhelming (like 11), the cast is CORRECT and the shade is shading. it’s a really complete season that will age like fine wine, reality competition gold frfr. i think is anyone’s game at this point and i like that feeling of not knowing who will win and knowing that i’ll be satisfied with any outcome.

[@cakes3958]

Not much rigging? Girl, I have one letter for you…Q.

[@jermainecornelius7193]

💯!!!! And thank you for calling it out!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@dakotawillard803]

You are right and you should say it

[@ChillHills]

If Q wins this season…..🙄🙄

[@dakotawillard803]

@@ChillHills she definitely won’t after what she said on Twitter. The internet hates her

[@ChillHills]

@@dakotawillard803 You mean her coming at people sideways for the smallest opinions, or has miss thing done more to make an ass of herself? I don’t have twitter but I know she was going off on people a few weeks ago.

[@user-qm9mz5if9z]

This season has been great so far, the cast is great, the shade, looks and for me specifically Plane Sapphira and Nymphia I love them. Morphine too is underrated

[@Kitsune_F]

Its so funny to me that the worst episode so far has been the non elim episode bc those are usually supposed to be really good

[@georgiyrozanov8645]

wait... people didn't like Power episode? the most hilarious moments in the workroom and rehearsals, amazing production of a performance, great looks... potion twist and lipsync drags it out a little bit but I did find this episode very exciting

[@mampfelmut]

I really wish that they had an alternative on how to use the immunity potion. I think it would have been so exciting if last ep Ru said to Plane that she could bring a girl back since she didnt use the potion yet or something. Just something else because the potion really had more potential.

[@zabi_aka]

That's a great idea 😮 but i think queens will never do that. They always wish more bitches were gone already and hate when a queen is brought back by Ru, no chance they'll do the same with their own hands 😂

[@jaykknight2248]

If they brought back Mirage i actually would have cared about the finale this year

[@essaly7969]

@@jaykknight2248 Even if they brought her back she wouldn't win

[@edmontesdeoca7485]

​@@essaly7969Mirage only did great on the talent show, she was so quiet and not a really interesting personality, the only time I cared for her was until her elimination and the way she cried

[@Shimo2130]

It's so satisfying seeing nymphia win the first official challenge cuz queens like kahmora, s*ju went home the first challenge.

[@valentinadevogueofficialx]

Shush we cant talk about S*ju

[@Shimo2130]

@@valentinadevogueofficialx oh sry, I forgot.

[@nachoarance228]

This may be becoming my favorite season ever since season 6. It is full of quality and fun moments.

[@gregorysumner1847]

Honestly along with Canada Season 4, season 16 has been so good.

[@feeelsx]

My Top 5 seasons overall ⭐️ Season 6 Allstars 2&3 Season 9 Season 7 Season 5 16 might enter this list

[@TyrolBrito13]

That's stunning! 🤩

[@Monkelonk]

This season is eating. One of the best ever.

[@NoahM.Angell-sd4ez]

The thoughtfulness in your content extends to the end screen, where viewers are guided to other videos or encouraged to subscribe. It maximizes engagement.

[@pwlaygirl]

Season 16 is is my top 3 fav seasons ever. its so good and I love all the cast

[@skeet719]

This is exactly it. Every single contestant feels like they had a full storyline. It's wild. Plasma going home early is good because she's gonna work. They gave her a perfect storyline to build upon after the race. I stan every one of these dolls. Mhi'ya is my heart.

[@kristofkodok]

I'm obsessed with this season. Thank you!

[@persef2027]

Personally, season 15 felt like toddlers and tiaras. (Sasha, Mistress and Anetra aside). This season feels like actual QUEENS. So much talent.

[@sunsetgala]

The last two glasses look 🔥 on you

[@sunsetgala]

I mean the sunglasses and the ones before btw**

[@DragDetective]

noted!! ty < 3

[@DiegoSinclair1820]

This season is a mix of a lot of things missing in the recent seasons, the twists this time were clear and simple, the challenges have been diverse instead of relying 100% on comedy, like 3 design challenges? That's simply amazing and the cast, wow, iconic.

[@feeelsx]

I get so hyped to see what Plane Jane is gonna say like I've never been that excited for a queen maybe dare I say since Adore on season 6!❤

[@merlinho0t]

Not just this season, but I was also a huge fan of the last season as well. I have no idea why I wasn’t into Season 10-14 but good lord it was feeling like a chore to sit through those seasons. Then Season 15 and 16 come along and blow them out of the water.

[@vampirelove75]

I think rate a queen would be a good format for an entire season of all stars instead of the lip sync assassin or eliminating each other. The only thing that felt like production interference was no one going home the week that Jane was low and gave her potion away to someone else.

[@jeremymoore145]

Season 16 the best season since season 6 for me. 6 is my favorite season of Drag Race.

[@jhunifiedwithlove9750]

The sequence of queens that’s been eliminated really made the show worth talking about.

[@athirdprostitute2912]

S16 for me illl be one for the books, every queen has had their moment to shine (im looking at you mirage) its so fun and well paced, it will probably be 10 out of 10 for me

[@sweetandkindhearted]

THOSE SUNGLASSES ARE AWESOME!!!! Honestly I like all the glasses but those sunglasses are amazing.

[@TyrolBrito13]

Yes! Please make a video on the wildest season's elimination order!! 🤩😬

[@saraviennas]

This season is of the same caliber as RPDR golden ages S4-8

[@julesrules7297]

Season 14 is in my top five. And thank you for your video, you work SO hard.

[@ooscaritotheoosc]

i feel like they did a top two in the latest episode (ep. 10) mainly to save Q, because otherwise, the bottom 2 would've been Q and Plane Jane...

[@rasmusmalmberg6468]

They're having to make some MANEUVERS to get around her... style of performance this season 😭 I wonder if they'll be able to shield her all the way to the finale.

[@shopwildvenus]

Such a fantastic season and Plain has really grown on me. (Ps. I hope you get glasses number 3!)

[@viki7268]

Imo this season has been mostly lackluster with some good moments here and there. The potions meant NOTHING, the rate-a-queen only lasted 3 episodes and some of the challenges have been boring to watch. No wonder there's been so many design challenges because the producers must have realised that the cast’s strength is serving looks. I will say though, the werkroom segments have been fun because the queens aren't afraid to shade each other.

[@jtz7]

I agree with everything you said, I love all the queens so much, i'm grateful for the edit and the choices this season !

[@luckas221a]

this season is top tier for sure! the best season post-9 imo!

[@Andydandy7]

I think production is letting things play out somewhat naturally, because also they chose what challenge and runway is happening each week while knowing the queens strengths and weaknesses (and runways) - so it's a bit rigged in that way

[@Brandoncye]

If I could change 1 thing about this season so far, it's that Mhi'ya would have gone home by now. 😂

[@analuizadefigueiredosouza7851]

We've had three consecutive good season: S14, S15 and S16. That's quite remarkable considering since S9 the only good season we'd have was S12

[@saramartin7368]

I agree, this season is really exciting and everything feels unexpected, which is nice for a change. My favourite part about every season is meeting the queens and getting to know them, and I really like when there is a nice workspace and they get along (that's why I really like season 12 and 14 as well), so I enjoy this long episodes where I can see them interact with each other and become friends. And also, as someone who is also watching Drag Race España, ending an episode thinking that the judging was more or less fair is a win for me 😂

[@_jc333]

so all of a sudden when the bottom 3 is Plane, Nymphia, and Q.. production says no one goes home? But if the bottom 3 was Mhiya, Morphine, and Dawn best believe someone was gonna go. The queens never had any power, hence why the potion never mattered😂

[@edmontesdeoca7485]

Think this was a political challenge and the positive energy had to be kept the whole time

[@msyokoming6970]

11:32 agree lmao. The twist is funny imo. And I enjoyed it and rate a queen. It was definitely a gag moment seeing sapphire use it when she wasn’t supposed to. And seeing plane Jane give it away was crazy twist on her character arc.

[@amnedits4898]

every queen on S16 has left an impact one way or another. definitely a top tier season 💯

[@fzz6333]

Everyone say, Thank you, Plane Jane.

[@paigesmith6676]

calling plane jane campy is WILD lmaoooo

[@sasharogers7066]

She definitely has campy side in her drag

[@69ratpoison69]

Saying "Mama, Kudos For Saying That, For Spilling" to someone who just told you their deepest secret is the DEFINITION of camp.

[@bigdingus708]

great video, i totally agree!! this recent non-elim episode screamed riggory to me cuz it felt out of place (i listened to the rigged recap and i feel the way that kayla does about that challenge lol) BUT i know the next episode is gonna be fire bc this season has been so consistent!! also per the warby parker ad, the first two are the best but i went "ooooo" out loud at the second pair. whichever one u go with u should try a different shape than ur used to!! new year new derrick!!

[@johniguess4287]

The boot order makes it feel like there’s actually stakes which is so exciting and fresh

[@homegrownpammy]

The riggory . Rigga Morris baby. Rigga Morris 😭😂

[@jadewolf22]

My only big complaint so far is the lip syncs have been kinda meh, maybe because of the song choices? Also I know a lot of people are loving the boot order because of how crazy and surprising and “fair” it is but to me it’s a bummer when queens who make really good tv like Amanda or are clearly really talented like Plasma go home what feels like too early. Like they put in the work to give them storylines with arcs but then we got no conclusion to those arcs when they got sent home. I’m ok with lite riggory to have those talented and fun queens stay to live out their storylines.

[@rgshawn]

Such a fun season

[@wiernyinaczej]

the Snatch Game, a Ball, a Makeover, a Girl Group, a Roast/Standup, a sewing challenge. I feel like these are the 6 core challenges that appear on (alomst) every season and for a reason - they represent the core competencies of what Drag artists do in their line of work. (+ reading mini, ep. 1 runway or unconventional photoshoot mini (i prefer the latter), and the iconic but recently forgotten puppets reading 2.0 mini) It's quite a lot. But that still leaves us with half a season for new, creative, inventive challenges he haven't seen before. That's a lot of space for procudtion to come up with stuff that's new and fresh.

[@One-esa]

I LOVE this season. It’s just good. Like really effing good. ❤

[@_desibees1876]

i want them to bring back the twink who suggested all those lipsync songs in s15

[@rapheal1989]

Yes! Boot order great video 😊

[@alexwang5313]

I really love this season! I don’t agree that Plane is singlehandedly the season-that discredits the amazing work of all the other incredible queens. She has, however, grown on me thanks to her organic evolution & production creating a smooth story. I didn’t mind the twists, I thought they were interesting. My main problem is that it’s really clear that lipsync results aren’t consistent-are queens saved because of track record or because they win the lipsync? See Amanda vs. Q and Mhi’ya vs. Plasma as two conflicting examples. I also thought it was a bad choice not to have Plane & Q lipsync against each other on last Friday’s episode, especially when it was quite a weak challenge & they both weren't great as well as because it’s a pretty widely held opinion that Q lost against Amanda. Putting Plane & Q against each other would’ve either made Plane come out as a hero for saving Nymphia at the cost of a bottom 2 placement but still making it through OR Q redeeming her lipsync & turning Plane into a sort of redeemed hero/tragic figure. Otherwise, I’m really loving this season. Sapphira for the win!!!

[@raikusen19]

UKvsTW S2 has been fire and I have actually enjoyed it more than S16, which I have also liked.

[@alaryravin]

i personally haven’t enjoyed a season like this since season 9. it’s just so GREAT, personalities, talent, entertainment at it finest. it’s a 10 for me