It's unlike most other seasons of drag race and rather than falling for the cast earlier on, I really don't think you get drawn in until about halfway through. Pythia and Icesis were definitely my front-runners but you really end up enjoying most of the cast towards the end. Canada is a lot more kindness and innocent puns but as someone who has seen every episode of every franchise, if you give it a few episodes, it gets really good. (EPISODE 8 WAS ONE OF THE BEST OF THE WHOLE FRANCHISE)
Brooklyn could knock the air out of your lungs, she is stunning every look and plays the part perfectly. I really wish they'd just let her be the main judge since it's kind of off-putting to see the judge switch around so much but I guess I get it.
43 Reviews
Remember, it's all about the Queens!
gabvivas29 July 2020
Canada's Drag Race proofs content is the King of any TV Show! Funny and talented Queens, different from each other, with bubbly personalities and great confessionals makes the Canadian instalment of the franchise a worthy version on its own.
On the other hand, the judges might be the downfall on Canada's Drag Race. As fans have been pointed, the trio constantly tries to mimic Mama Ru's mannerisms and distinctive way to speak, especially Bowyer-Chapman.
RPDR Season 11 runner-up and lip-sync assassin, Brooke Lynn Hytes, does a decent job as the drag host even when she still needs to loosen up a little bit.
While model and former ANTM runway coach Stacey McKenzie has been serving looks week after week, sometimes even overshadowing Hytes' fashions.
On the other hand, the judges might be the downfall on Canada's Drag Race. As fans have been pointed, the trio constantly tries to mimic Mama Ru's mannerisms and distinctive way to speak, especially Bowyer-Chapman.
RPDR Season 11 runner-up and lip-sync assassin, Brooke Lynn Hytes, does a decent job as the drag host even when she still needs to loosen up a little bit.
While model and former ANTM runway coach Stacey McKenzie has been serving looks week after week, sometimes even overshadowing Hytes' fashions.
The Great Warm North
owen-watts19 January 2022
After a rocky first season the Canuck cousin of the Drag Race franchise family has falteringly found its feet - not missed is the stiff Bowyer-Chapman and in came the far more suitable Brad Goreski (but neither Brugel & Melchor, even combined, match the presence of Stacey McKenzie). After the wall-to-wall contrivances and drama of Oz's fraught first season, I found myself warming to Canada's considerably more subdued vibe and not missing Ru at all. It's still not a perfect version of the format and in the most recent season they boasted that they were trying "something new" which just amounted to a kind of semi all-stars/vs the world type system and a lip-sync-only episode. The creaking franchise's northern cousin is never consistent, but always interesting and there's a nice sense of camaraderie and Canadian warmth to the whole endeavour.
Happy to see where this goes.
oddity944 July 2020
The production value is predictably poor and the judging pannel isn't exactly star-studded. Hey, it's Canadian Reality TV. And yet somehow it all works in its favour. Many fans are nostalgic for the early seasons of drag race, a show that was less polished and more camp... and maybe this satisfies that craving. While it's too early to tell, I'm more intrigued than I thought I'd be. The cast is giving charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent, and the judges aren't repeating the mistake of being too nice, unlike other Canadian iterations of state side shows.
Look, it's not changing the game. The franchise itself has grown mildly stale, so any deviation is refreshing at this point. But I laughed, which is more than I can say for All Stars 5. So, I'll be watching and I recommend you give it a go.
Look, it's not changing the game. The franchise itself has grown mildly stale, so any deviation is refreshing at this point. But I laughed, which is more than I can say for All Stars 5. So, I'll be watching and I recommend you give it a go.
Ignore the haters
londondeville25 July 2020
Sure, the judges are not stellar , but the talent from the queens make up for it. With a tighter 1 hour show there is less fluff and things get down to business. The amount of salty reviews dismissing the show because Ru isn't in it or they don't like the judges is doing a great disservice to these amazing Canadian drag queens. They'll entertain you non-stop. The show is a refreshing departure from the main series.
Not bad, but could easily be better
yyc40322 March 2024
RuPaul, Toronto is not far for you. It would have been MUCH MUCH BETTER to have you launch and host Drag Race Canada!!
It's a little surprising and disappointing RuPaul has not made an appearance on this English-language show, since it needs an injection of fun and entertainment to have a break from the often boring host (although I think he might be getting slightly better). Too scripted, and not enough spontaneity and fun. They almost need a good Canadian comedy host to do the job. If not Ru, maybe Michelle would be a better choice?
So much potential, so much room for improvement!
That said, thank you Ru for bringing a Canadian version to TV!
It's a little surprising and disappointing RuPaul has not made an appearance on this English-language show, since it needs an injection of fun and entertainment to have a break from the often boring host (although I think he might be getting slightly better). Too scripted, and not enough spontaneity and fun. They almost need a good Canadian comedy host to do the job. If not Ru, maybe Michelle would be a better choice?
So much potential, so much room for improvement!
That said, thank you Ru for bringing a Canadian version to TV!
Great considering it's the first season
georgiegagnon12 July 2020
I've seen almost every episode produced by Ru Paul's Drag Race. Given that this is the first season, these Queen's are far more talented to that of the U.S. and Britain. I know the U.S. version started a long time ago and drag culture has progressed, but this definitely tops the British version.
The judges aren't great but they can become great. Brooklyn was a fantastic option as well. She was in the finale of season 11 for the U.S. version.
The girls clearly have talent. They can embrace their drag better because they grew up in a country that was one of the first in the world to legalize gay marriage.
The Canadian Queen's have much more experience being in communities that are more accepting of drag. I'm sure they won't hold ANYTHING back!
I wanted more in seasons 3
yosoyanonim12 November 2023
I have been following every single episode of the Drag race saga since season one in America, then in UK, then in Down Under, and then in Canada.
Oooh! I had so many expectations with Brooke Lynn Hytes as the leading judge. She is always spectacular.
In seasons 1, Jeffrey BC was a fake, sour and tastless host and I was very happy not watching him latter.
Buuut!!! What a horrendous season three! I haven't finished, I don't know who's the winner but every episode I've seen so far I've been disappointed because the talented ones are not going forward. The judges have been sooo polite letting slay some of the queens just to justify an "equality environment with inclusion". Literally Jada wasn't the best but her colour skin saved her once and many times... Kimmy was repetitive and her trans speech saved her once and many times.
I'll see who's going to be the winner but I visualize myself yelling at the Tele.
Oooh! I had so many expectations with Brooke Lynn Hytes as the leading judge. She is always spectacular.
In seasons 1, Jeffrey BC was a fake, sour and tastless host and I was very happy not watching him latter.
Buuut!!! What a horrendous season three! I haven't finished, I don't know who's the winner but every episode I've seen so far I've been disappointed because the talented ones are not going forward. The judges have been sooo polite letting slay some of the queens just to justify an "equality environment with inclusion". Literally Jada wasn't the best but her colour skin saved her once and many times... Kimmy was repetitive and her trans speech saved her once and many times.
I'll see who's going to be the winner but I visualize myself yelling at the Tele.
Best Drag Race ever!!!
collierquinton8 December 2020
Camp is a difficult form of art...
A-Pioneer-Without-A-Frontier30 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
...And even Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman's looks can't save his cringeworthy performance as a judge. Unfortunately it fell in line with much of the rest of the show. You can really see how the whole concept is held together by RuPaul in the other versions when you watch this. All the forced tear-jerking, product placement, and repetitiveness really starts to annoy very fast.
P.S: Rita Baga was robbed, she was way more beautiful, polished and professional, but I think they just preferred to crown a young poc queen in order to show off their wokeness.
P.S: Rita Baga was robbed, she was way more beautiful, polished and professional, but I think they just preferred to crown a young poc queen in order to show off their wokeness.
So fresh, fun & full of joy
bridge-4861822 August 2020
I am a big Drag Race fan and I've seen every episode of the franchise from the regular one to all starts to UK and now Canada's Drag Race. At first I wasn't sure what to think about it, but after only a couple episodes I fell in love and now by episode 8, I have to say it is even better than it's US sibling. Brooklyn is a surprisingly great host and also gives great advice to the queens. The three judges together have great chemistry and also seem to really enjoy the whole thing whereas the US judging team are starting to feel a little over it all.
I don't understand the negative reviews on this one, or the judges. Yes, the judges give some frank critiques but I can't say I've disagreed with a thing they've said, and none of them have been rude at all. You can tell they love what they're doing and have a genuine interest in each queen.
I especially get a kick out of how much Stacey loves the lip syncs. She's as fun to watch as the lip syncs themselves.
And the queens of course have their moments with each other, but perhaps it's a cultural difference but they are much less likely to snark at each other and I've see no grudges. Maybe grudges and constant sniping make for good TV if you like that sort of thing, but the joy and sisterhood is what keeps me watching the franchise, and the Canadians are a complete joy to watch.
Don't count this out based on some negative reviews - its' worth watching all the episodes. An episode of Canada's Drag Race can leave me smiling for hours after no matter how bad my day was to start. And the episodes keep getting better each round as the judges settle into their roles.
I don't understand the negative reviews on this one, or the judges. Yes, the judges give some frank critiques but I can't say I've disagreed with a thing they've said, and none of them have been rude at all. You can tell they love what they're doing and have a genuine interest in each queen.
I especially get a kick out of how much Stacey loves the lip syncs. She's as fun to watch as the lip syncs themselves.
And the queens of course have their moments with each other, but perhaps it's a cultural difference but they are much less likely to snark at each other and I've see no grudges. Maybe grudges and constant sniping make for good TV if you like that sort of thing, but the joy and sisterhood is what keeps me watching the franchise, and the Canadians are a complete joy to watch.
Don't count this out based on some negative reviews - its' worth watching all the episodes. An episode of Canada's Drag Race can leave me smiling for hours after no matter how bad my day was to start. And the episodes keep getting better each round as the judges settle into their roles.
Fantastic queens - incompetent, rude judges
Grawdey29 July 2020
If you only see one line of this review, please note that the judges on this version are limp, heartless, and totally incompetent. Jeffrey B Chapman is not qualified and it shows. Brooke Lynn Heights displays zero charisma, or comedic or emotional intelligence. Stacey McKenzie looks great but her voice is difficult to understand. Yet, each of them will cut to the bone (without ever giving a shred of heartfelt praise) when critiquing the queens for what they themselves so evidently lack.
The queens are fantastic, though. Truly stellar creativity and runway serves. It is worth watching the show for the talent; just be prepared to see the performers you are falling for be treated without dignity by the judges who do not deserve their place.
I hope there is a second season, but with a new panel. A sharp queen with wit, poise, and heart is desperately needed. And they're closer than the producers may realize.
The queens are fantastic, though. Truly stellar creativity and runway serves. It is worth watching the show for the talent; just be prepared to see the performers you are falling for be treated without dignity by the judges who do not deserve their place.
I hope there is a second season, but with a new panel. A sharp queen with wit, poise, and heart is desperately needed. And they're closer than the producers may realize.
Amazing
scottmckee-3699318 July 2020
Amazing season!
murkwildson7 January 2021
The judges may not be Rupaul, but the drag queens are all amazing. They chose a really good cast for the first season. It was one of the first seasons of drag race where i felt any of the queens could win it, except for one filler queen. Loved this season and highly recommend it!
Outstandingly entertaining, wholesome and chaotic
rickleger315 October 2021
You can just tell from the first season that they had something special. Yes the judges were a little wild and everything was chaotic... BUT, the queens from Canada are so wholesome, so smart and sooo very talented. It's impossible not to fall in love with them. The premiere of season 2 was one of the best premieres of any season I've ever watched.
Truly the only thing that needs improvement is representation from parts of the country that aren't Toronto, Vancouver or Quebec. Bring on the Atlantic and Mid-Canada Queens. Same with territory Queens if there are any 🙏🙏🙏.
So much love to everyone that's part of the show. C'est magnifique .
Love from PEI ✨
Truly the only thing that needs improvement is representation from parts of the country that aren't Toronto, Vancouver or Quebec. Bring on the Atlantic and Mid-Canada Queens. Same with territory Queens if there are any 🙏🙏🙏.
So much love to everyone that's part of the show. C'est magnifique .
Love from PEI ✨
Enjoy the great Queens!
stumpe-121 December 2020
Ok the judges are rude some times (especially Jeffrey, I liked brooke and think stacy was a GREAT GREAT Judge) and lemon should won way more, but the queens were so great, especially the Top 5! What a Top 5!!!! So much star Quality in the Cast and so many very fantastic lipsynchs! The girls can fight! Take a bow and enjoy the ride!
A very rough-around-the-edges Drag Race experience.
RuskiiHuskii10 July 2020
Bad judging, production and writing and overal a boring watch
CDR's smaller production budget would have been a great chance to adapt and deviate from the current US RPDR format. Instead, we got this...
All of the judges look and sound uncomfortable. Some episodes, best in challenge + OK/bad runway = no win. Other episodes, worst in challenge + great runway = win. Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman is particularly rude to queens. Brooke Lynn conveys little emotion. Stacey McKenzie is the only judge who consistently gives constructive criticism. The guest judges have been great, however.
Terrible production - bad lighting that does nothing for the queens, strange editing with over-use of sound effects and haphazard cuts and corny/unfunny writing.
I'm giving this 3 stars solely for the queens. They are all talented in their own ways and deserve better. They also certainly don't deserve to be body shamed in front of an international audience the way they were.
(Edited after 4 more episodes)
CDR's smaller production budget would have been a great chance to adapt and deviate from the current US RPDR format. Instead, we got this...
All of the judges look and sound uncomfortable. Some episodes, best in challenge + OK/bad runway = no win. Other episodes, worst in challenge + great runway = win. Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman is particularly rude to queens. Brooke Lynn conveys little emotion. Stacey McKenzie is the only judge who consistently gives constructive criticism. The guest judges have been great, however.
Terrible production - bad lighting that does nothing for the queens, strange editing with over-use of sound effects and haphazard cuts and corny/unfunny writing.
I'm giving this 3 stars solely for the queens. They are all talented in their own ways and deserve better. They also certainly don't deserve to be body shamed in front of an international audience the way they were.
(Edited after 4 more episodes)
fire the judges
kevinvangoethem-149-4469324 July 2020
Get new judges (or wake these 3 up)!
derringer50003 August 2020
The hosts are the only thing wrong with the show. They're stiff and seem to just mimic Rupaul's mannerisms without offering any individual character. Sometimes I want to shake them to get them to wake up and give us some personality. With this, I dont find them qualified to judge these talented queens (of whome is the reason I watch). Get Ross Matthews in there or someone who will make us care about the judges and validate their critiques.
Dull
hanlonscorner14 July 2020
Might have potential
The_nibs16 August 2020
I expected the first season of Canada's Drag Race to not be that great. The first season of RPDR wasn't picture perfect, and the first installation of the UK series last year was also rather abysmal. I think it's to be expected, but the lack of RuPaul's presence has definitely had an effect on this series. His prefilmed blurbs suggests to me that maybe he's not in Canada because he might be inadmissible? It's possible he can't physically come to Canada, for legal reasons. But why not send Michelle? Or Carson or Ross Matthews? Something about using Brooklyn just because he's Canadian feels so awkward.
The show tackles many of the challenges we've seen in the franchise before: pageantry, acting, comedy, sewing, and the results have been a mixed bag. I don't think it's entirely the fault of the queens though as much of their pre-scripted dialogue challenges are terribly written to begin with! Sometimes the challenge ideas themselves are lame. Take the Beauty Pageant, the whole thing was kind of stupid and ended up being boring and one note because they were given boring one note characters.
The judges flip flop a lot, it seems like they don't have a cohesive set of standards, and sometimes it feels all too personal, especially coming from Brooklyn. Brooklyn and Stacey are super awkward on TV, Jeffrey is very comfortable and funny, and he basically carries the other judges. Now I know that some people have slammed him for being rude but I honestly don't think he's said anything that Michelle Visage wouldn't say, I think it's just because he's a gay man that people are taking his critiques more personally.
Overall, I love the majority of the queens and you really can't fault them for being casted into a bad, underdeveloped show. I just hope if there's a next season they fire the writers and get a better judging panel assembled.
Needs Ru and Michelle just to make it bearable
SEeeeeeeeeee12 July 2020
Honestly. WTF. The queens are fine. The judges however, are awful. Absolutely no chemistry. Brooklyn looks sickening, but why is she here? No thanks. It's honestly hard to watch it's so bad. If it makes it to season 2, it will need an epic dose of RuPaul and Michelle just to make it worth it. A poor imitation of the main show. If I could give it 0 stars I would.
A great show ruined by incompetence
sinnersalad14 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Every single queen on this competition has been memorable, and their talent has shone through more than most other seasons of Drag Race. The cast is diverse and engaging, probably one of the better casts of queens ever. Challenges are always fun and are designed to showcase a range of talent. These Canadian queens have plenty of talent that sometimes does not show in RPDR US.
However, the judges or production team are clearly blind. Runway critiques are unnecessarily harsh for seemingly no reason, and the taste level of ALL of the judges must be put into question. Brooke clearly has a good knowledge of drag, considering she is a queen herself, but her reviews of the queens are unfair. The favouritism of Rita, who is a strong contender, is evident. Although Rita is clearly a top 3 contender, the show is awarding her unfair wins when other queens have outperformed her. Her week six win was the most unfair win thus far, as her runway didn't even appear to fit the theme. Then, Priyanka, who's look was far better and looked like it had a similar material, was harshly critiqued on her look. Even in the first episode, Rita was given a win when all she wore was a sheet of wrapping paper and a knit overcoat. It was a safe look at best.
If there is going to be a Season Two, production needs to employ people who know what drag actually is instead of writers who choose the winner at the start of the competition. It seems to me that as long as the queen they want to win that week has a passable performance in the challenge on the runway, they are awarded the win. Remove any main judges who's knowledge of make-up is smudging a bit of colour on their lid. Maybe instead get actual queens to host the show.
In conclusion, the cast provides everything that the show needs. Without them, this would be an unwatchable mess. Every time the judges are shown, the world shakes in fear at the stupidity and and their tinted view on what drag is or should be. I sincerely hope they recast the judging panel to make this show THE BEST iteration of Drag Race.
However, the judges or production team are clearly blind. Runway critiques are unnecessarily harsh for seemingly no reason, and the taste level of ALL of the judges must be put into question. Brooke clearly has a good knowledge of drag, considering she is a queen herself, but her reviews of the queens are unfair. The favouritism of Rita, who is a strong contender, is evident. Although Rita is clearly a top 3 contender, the show is awarding her unfair wins when other queens have outperformed her. Her week six win was the most unfair win thus far, as her runway didn't even appear to fit the theme. Then, Priyanka, who's look was far better and looked like it had a similar material, was harshly critiqued on her look. Even in the first episode, Rita was given a win when all she wore was a sheet of wrapping paper and a knit overcoat. It was a safe look at best.
If there is going to be a Season Two, production needs to employ people who know what drag actually is instead of writers who choose the winner at the start of the competition. It seems to me that as long as the queen they want to win that week has a passable performance in the challenge on the runway, they are awarded the win. Remove any main judges who's knowledge of make-up is smudging a bit of colour on their lid. Maybe instead get actual queens to host the show.
In conclusion, the cast provides everything that the show needs. Without them, this would be an unwatchable mess. Every time the judges are shown, the world shakes in fear at the stupidity and and their tinted view on what drag is or should be. I sincerely hope they recast the judging panel to make this show THE BEST iteration of Drag Race.
... and now some critiques.
mapine7 August 2020
Queens are amazing! Brooklyn Hytes is a star!!! The rest of the judges are rude useless, boring and fake... sorry but not sorry. Seriously put Brooklyn as the host, have her come out in a gorgeous drop dead drag before the queen's... it works for RuPauls other shows, why change what works?? Get some nicer and sweeter judges, these ones are so mean! If the format changes and the judges are upgraded I'll change my rating but for now it's an uncomfortable hard show to swallow... I'm so disappointed.... Do better, I know you can!
Canada's queens are on fire! Judges, have the personality of a glacier.
willersjon24 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I was so excited for Canada's Drag Race.
Naturally, I fell in love with all of the queens in this seasons. Their talent really showcases what Canada is capable of, excelling in the arts. I think that Canada is this way because we support one another and help each other out along the way, this allows Canadians to forge their own truly unique path and to show their truly unique identity.
The queens in this season have already blown me away, and we're only on episode 4. I am loving what they've done, and can't wait to see what they can do... But will I continue to watch?
This is where my review turns negative, right at the end, exactly like we've been getting on CDR episodes. You see, every CDR episode starts by showcasing the artistic and emotional openness and willingness of canadian drag queens. The positivity persists until they step onto the runway. As soon as they're all on that stage, things take a perverse turn.
The judges on this show should be ashamed of themselves. ESPECIALLY Brooklyn Hytes. Every time the judges critique, there doesn't seem to be even the smallest shred of positive reinforcement. The judges are not coaching, they're not funny, and they're down right rude. In-fact, they're so rude, and so hurtful to the queens, that my partner has decided to stop watching all together, what a shame. This came after Jeff.B.C. made Naomi burst into tears and then had an awkward exchange with Jimbo.
I too am wondering if I want to continue watching. For me, these judges have ruined the spirit of drag race, and have made Canada look like a laggard in the LGBTQ space.
Naturally, I fell in love with all of the queens in this seasons. Their talent really showcases what Canada is capable of, excelling in the arts. I think that Canada is this way because we support one another and help each other out along the way, this allows Canadians to forge their own truly unique path and to show their truly unique identity.
The queens in this season have already blown me away, and we're only on episode 4. I am loving what they've done, and can't wait to see what they can do... But will I continue to watch?
This is where my review turns negative, right at the end, exactly like we've been getting on CDR episodes. You see, every CDR episode starts by showcasing the artistic and emotional openness and willingness of canadian drag queens. The positivity persists until they step onto the runway. As soon as they're all on that stage, things take a perverse turn.
The judges on this show should be ashamed of themselves. ESPECIALLY Brooklyn Hytes. Every time the judges critique, there doesn't seem to be even the smallest shred of positive reinforcement. The judges are not coaching, they're not funny, and they're down right rude. In-fact, they're so rude, and so hurtful to the queens, that my partner has decided to stop watching all together, what a shame. This came after Jeff.B.C. made Naomi burst into tears and then had an awkward exchange with Jimbo.
I too am wondering if I want to continue watching. For me, these judges have ruined the spirit of drag race, and have made Canada look like a laggard in the LGBTQ space.
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