In an innovative twist on reality television, RuPaul’s Drag Race is set to premiere its 17th season this Friday, January 3rd. This groundbreaking episode introduces a fresh batch of contestants and a thrilling new challenge inspired by Netflix's Squid Game. The queens are whisked away in unmarked vans to a secret location, where they face off in a high-stakes game called “Ru Light, Green Light.” This adaptation of the classic children’s game tests their poise and stamina, with elimination for any queen who moves when the music stops. Season veterans and fan favorites join the newcomers, adding layers of excitement and nostalgia. One highlight includes Victoria "Porkchop" Parker, the first-ever eliminated queen from 2009, returning for this memorable opener.
The Unveiling of the Squirrel Games
In the enchanting days leading up to the winter solstice, MTV/Paramount prepares to unveil the latest installment of the Emmy-winning competition series, RuPaul’s Drag Race. On Friday, January 3rd, viewers will be treated to an exclusive preview that sets the stage for what promises to be an electrifying season. Fourteen new queens embark on their journey, starting with a mysterious van ride to a hidden locale. Upon arrival, they find themselves lined up behind double doors, unaware of the challenges awaiting them.
The doors swing open to reveal a surreal setting reminiscent of Squid Game, but with a drag twist—welcome to the Squirrel Games. Contestants must navigate through a perilous version of “Red Light, Green Light,” now dubbed “Ru Light, Green Light.” As the Lil’ Pound Cake statue turns, queens must hold their poses perfectly or risk being pied and eliminated. Overseeing this spectacle is a masked RuPaul, echoing Squid Game’s enigmatic Front Man. Among the seasoned participants joining the fray are past All Stars winners like Angeria Paris VanMichaels and Trinity the Tuck, along with beloved figures such as Kerri Colby and Morgan McMichaels.
A poignant moment occurs when Porkchop, the first queen ever eliminated back in 2009, returns to participate in this homage to her place in Drag Race history. She becomes the first casualty of the Squirrel Games, underscoring the show's evolution while honoring its roots. The surviving queens include diverse talents from cities across the United States, each bringing unique perspectives and styles to the competition.
Later in the preview, fans meet the first group of queens, including one who describes her drag as "avant stoopid" and another who identifies as an "elusive elven deity." These introductions offer glimpses into the eclectic personalities that will shape this season.
To catch all the action, tune into MTV on Friday, January 3rd at 8:00 PM ET/PT, and prepare for guest judge Katy Perry to add even more sparkle to the night.
From a journalist's perspective, this new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race not only showcases the creativity and resilience of the drag community but also reflects broader themes of reinvention and perseverance. By blending elements from popular culture with the essence of drag performance, the show continues to push boundaries and inspire audiences. It reminds us that, much like the queens who step onto that stage, we too can find strength in embracing our unique identities and facing life's challenges with grace and flair.