King of Drag: A New Era for Drag Kings on Reality TV
The world of drag is about to witness a groundbreaking moment as the first-ever drag king reality TV competition, King of Drag, prepares to make its debut. Scheduled to premiere in June, this innovative show promises to deliver a fresh take on the drag competition format by exclusively showcasing the talents of drag kings.
While RuPaul’s Drag Race has been a fixture in the drag community for over 16 years, spanning multiple countries and hundreds of contestants, it has yet to feature drag kings in its lineup. However, rather than waiting for an invitation to the established party, drag kings have decided to create their own platform to shine.
As one of the kings eloquently states in the show's trailer, “Why are we trying to convince people that what we’re doing is valid? Why don’t we just do it?” This sentiment captures the essence of King of Drag, which will not only highlight the artistry and creativity of drag kings but also celebrate their unique contributions to the world of drag.
Show Overview
The competition will feature eight talented drag kings from across the United States. These performers will engage in a series of challenges designed to test their skills, creativity, and ability to entertain. From electrifying performances to mind-blowing transformations, each episode promises to deliver jaw-dropping moments and high-energy entertainment.
According to the official synopsis, viewers can expect to be dazzled by the “fierce competition, jaw-dropping performances, and stunning transformations” that the series will bring to the screen. King of Drag aims to offer a new perspective on the drag art form, with an emphasis on “comedy, unconventional performances, and timely commentary on masculinity.”
Hosts and Judges
Leading the show as host is the renowned comedian and drag king pioneer, Murray Hill. Known for being a trailblazer in the downtown NYC drag scene, Murray Hill brings a wealth of experience and charisma to the role. In addition to hosting, Hill is also recognized for his appearances in television series such as HBO’s Somebody Somewhere and Amy Schumer’s Life & Beth.
Joining Murray Hill are permanent judges Damian Pelliccione, Revry’s co-founder, and the talented drag kings Tenderoni and Wang Newton. Tenderoni gained fame after winning Alaska Thunderf**k’s Drag Queen of the Year Pageant in 2021, while Wang Newton is a celebrated performer and actor.
The show will also feature an impressive lineup of guest judges, including RuPaul’s Drag Race winners Sasha Velour and Kylie Sonique Love, along with Drag Race alumni such as Carmen Carrera and Gottmik. Other notable guest judges include Dragula’s Landon Cider, Real Housewives star Lisa Rinna, and Broadway star Cole Escola, to name a few.
Premiering Soon
The first episode of King of Drag will air on the free LGBTQ+ streaming platform Revry on June 22, 2025. The show will be accessible to audiences in the US, UK, and internationally, available for streaming on Revry through platforms such as Apple, Peacock, Tubi, and Samsung TV Plus.
What to Expect
As the anticipation builds for the premiere, viewers are eager to discover the cast of kings who will compete for the title. While the full lineup has yet to be announced, the casting call was open to performers who identify as “trans masc, cisgender women, non-binary, and more.”
Tenderoni, one of the show’s judges, has expressed high hopes for the competitors, wishing them the same success and exposure that drag queens have enjoyed. He emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for drag kings to showcase their talents on a national and international stage.
“I want the kings on this show to have the same opportunities that the queens have,” Tenderoni stated. “I’m so grateful for my experiences, and I hope other kings can share in them.”
A New Chapter in Drag Entertainment
While King of Drag shares similarities with RuPaul’s Drag Race in its competition format and star-studded guest judges, it promises a fresh experience with its focus on drag kings and their unique artistry. Christopher J. Rodriguez, co-founder of Revry, described the show as one of the most ambitious original programs the network has developed.
“We’re giving the drag competition format a run for its money,” Rodriguez said, highlighting the originality and excitement that King of Drag is set to offer.
The debut of King of Drag marks a significant step forward in the representation of drag kings within the broader drag community. It provides a platform for these performers to display their talents, challenge norms, and entertain audiences worldwide.
As the premiere date approaches, the excitement continues to build. King of Drag promises to be a must-watch series that will captivate fans of drag and newcomers alike.
Don’t miss the premiere of King of Drag on June 22, available on Revry. Share your thoughts and join the conversation by commenting below!
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