This is a thoughtful little mini-series. It touches on a lot of important topics but it does it without beating you over the head. It's got something for everyone and lots of Americana. Plenty of the great drag queens and really great actors like Adrienne Barbeau and Mark Singer, blasts from the not so past that one doesn't see often enough. But leave it to RuPaul and Michael Patrick King. I really loved it and it was really easy to binge-watch, all in one night.
249 Reviews
Was not expecting to love this so much!
mignonette112 January 2020
I knew i was going to like this show but i LOVE it. It's got so much heart and a whole lotta laughs. The chemistry between Ruby and AJ is just perfect! The acting is on point! This is just a really great series and i highly recommend it.
Unexpected Awesomeness
FckVwls13 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I went into this series with low expectations RE acting, just knowing it would be a fun romp with a sweet storyline (drag queen saves kid / kid saves drag queen). I assumed it would be enjoyable just based on the drag scenes, the time with Ru, and the cameos. Well I got all that, but surprisingly, the acting from the primary characters was high quality; tears were shed on the show AND in my living room. Excellent performance from Ru, who I thought would be campy throughout, but who delivered believable moments of sorrow, realization, laughter, affection and vulnerability that far surpassed anything she's previously presented. Great performances as well from Michael-Leon Wooley as Louis, and occasionally from Izzy G. as AJ (her angry outbursts need work, but she seemed to improve as the series progressed and no doubt has a stellar career ahead of her as she masters the craft).
If you are a fan of Drag Race, there's plenty here to get excited about beyond the core storyline. Cameos galore throughout, lots of drag performances, and in some cases, opportunities for your favorite queens to show off their acting chops.
There were a few glaring inconsistencies in the plot; for example, why would Ruby owe $100 grand to the credit card company - if she had been grifted out of her $100,000 savings, she'd simply have a zero balance... Also the continued chase of the villains although they already had their money didn't add up. But the explorations of LGBTQ issues, the healing power of drag, childhood hurt, and the struggle to become who you are despite hardship and loss, were done brilliantly and overshadow the flaws. It's infused with dramatic poignancy blended expertly with moments of well-written humor. Turns out AJ and the Queen is a must-watch (well done, Ru), and an absolute imperative for a season 2 (talking to you, Netflix).
If you are a fan of Drag Race, there's plenty here to get excited about beyond the core storyline. Cameos galore throughout, lots of drag performances, and in some cases, opportunities for your favorite queens to show off their acting chops.
There were a few glaring inconsistencies in the plot; for example, why would Ruby owe $100 grand to the credit card company - if she had been grifted out of her $100,000 savings, she'd simply have a zero balance... Also the continued chase of the villains although they already had their money didn't add up. But the explorations of LGBTQ issues, the healing power of drag, childhood hurt, and the struggle to become who you are despite hardship and loss, were done brilliantly and overshadow the flaws. It's infused with dramatic poignancy blended expertly with moments of well-written humor. Turns out AJ and the Queen is a must-watch (well done, Ru), and an absolute imperative for a season 2 (talking to you, Netflix).
Shake that thang!
m_winship12 January 2020
Very cute new show on Netflix. Somewhat Disneyesque show about a drag queen 👑 Ruby Red traveling across country with the little man child AJ. Many lessons to be learned for sure, but hate isn't among them. Learning to embrace change and love your neighbor seems to be the underlying message in this all too real, in your face series about moderne love! Get with it, I give it five snaps! Pax, Murf
I think RuPaul deserves an Emmy as the first drag queen triple threat
njdmb197921 January 2020
I think RuPaul deserves an Emmy as the first drag queen triple threat.
There's so much I wanna say about this but I think the point that I need to make is that this is not a gay story this is a story about people and as somebody who grew up during this generation it's passing of a torch in many ways.
I'll update this after more viewers watch this but the show brought me back some place that I had forgotten and was an in-depth part of, but it is not a story about gay people it's a story about all people. Just have some fun along the way.
There's so much I wanna say about this but I think the point that I need to make is that this is not a gay story this is a story about people and as somebody who grew up during this generation it's passing of a torch in many ways.
I'll update this after more viewers watch this but the show brought me back some place that I had forgotten and was an in-depth part of, but it is not a story about gay people it's a story about all people. Just have some fun along the way.
Awesome!!
cindyamess13 January 2020
It is so nice to actually watch something different, an original series that is heart warming. Love the relationship between Ruby & AJ. I hope there is another season as have really enjoyed it. All the characters are interesting and leave you wanting to know more. There is laughter, warmth and Drag what more could anyone want.
That screaming kid is a ratings killer!
scott-russ17 January 2020
Can anyone keep that kid from screaming? Showing anger or fear doesn't mean you have to scream all your dialog. Michael-Leon Wooley, however as Louis Bell, the blind Drag Queen, makes this series. That is one funny queen!
A show you must see
rowena-haas-329-92483312 January 2020
An Honest review
Welshness13 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
First off, the pilot episode is not good example or representation of how cheeky and charming this show is. For a pilot, it's clumsy, awkward and filled with extended scenes of air. AJ is purposefully unloveable but without any redeeming qualities and a lot of screaming, it's hard to sit through.
However, Ru comes into his own and you can see his confidence coming through and by the end of the season, it's good tv.
It's cute to see a lot of the RPDR alumni popping up, ones you can see are clear soft spots of Ru's getting some great screen time.
My only gripe was that it didn't really hit the feels, I enjoyed the sassy one lines and the odd ball moments but the heart of the story just didn't hit the landing.
I'd be curious to see where season 2 goes but it needs a tighter story. A good binge worthy show.
However, Ru comes into his own and you can see his confidence coming through and by the end of the season, it's good tv.
It's cute to see a lot of the RPDR alumni popping up, ones you can see are clear soft spots of Ru's getting some great screen time.
My only gripe was that it didn't really hit the feels, I enjoyed the sassy one lines and the odd ball moments but the heart of the story just didn't hit the landing.
I'd be curious to see where season 2 goes but it needs a tighter story. A good binge worthy show.
Charming
cat_williams91113 January 2020
AJ and the Queen its just what the world needs, in a world of so much hate and devastation , this show just brings hope. Reminds you that we can always be kind and nice even if we are confronted with adversity and hard characters. It's a real lesson for all. The plot is really good , supporting characters are engaging and well developed. Honestly I can't wait for the next season.
Very real
ks-6050027 January 2020
Story telling a drag queen life or many gay men life actually. Robert or Ruby is a 50s drag queen which life is lonely without any close one. The bond between AJ and Robert is funny and learn to be accepted and accommodated. Everyone can be drag or with 2 sides of faces. AJ just look like a young version of Madonna. Many jokes made me smile from my heart.
Could we just have Ruby please?
ladyethyme15 January 2020
Now that I've seen the entire season...
rhmacl1 February 2020
Now that I've seen the entire season, have to admit this seemingly trite concept has panned-out beyond the generic boundaries in thoughtful and useful ways. Of course and although the standard hero/villain, love/loss, rich/poor narratives wind well-trodden paths, they leave unsuspected and insightful foot-prints; stiletto prints where mom-runners are perhaps expected. Yet, timeless lessons are featured in crescendo ("Unspeakable Joy") and a few new narratives shed light and sensitivity on new subjects, like what may be described as the the youth suffering threshold and un-met needs currently carried by countless unaccepted, unloved, and un cared-for children in our society-along with a reminder of the un-met capacity of love and care that simultaneously exists within our LGBT community.
Eye-Catching and Binge-worthy
jadams41412 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Since I adore RuPaul I wanted to give it a try. It hooked me from the very beginning. I enjoyed it because I wanted to learn more about drag queen shows, as well as the lead actor and producer. For story-line I must admit it had me with the pull 'n tug between Ruby and AJ. How horrible that a child must resort to stealing in order to survive. All because of her drug-addicted mother. The other side of the coin was having her see, first-hand, how certain "grifters" prey on gay men or trans, whatevers. They're nasty. I cannot fathom living a day with that kind of sickness driving you to exploit another by charming them, then scamming them. Ruby's relentless tries at educating AJ "right from wrong" are sometimes hilarious, and other times, sober necessities. I'm anxious to see the remaining episodes, but also a bit downhearted.
A little iffy
tlh020314 January 2020
The best love
tornaciaysen18 January 2020
Loved it!!
bleusafire26 September 2020
I loved AJ and the Queen. It's sad that NetFlix cancelled the show March 2020. I even got other family members to watch and they said they would love to see a Season 2. It was good for a laugh and easy going show instead of tense drama, blood and marital arts. I think RuPaul was super and deserved an Emmy. Even the lil girl was super.
A valiant but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to transcend His RuPaulness...
mdw052623 January 2020
I know several friends said this show was unwatchable, and that they turned it off before the first episode was over. It feels almost sacrilegious to disparage anything Mother Ru lays her manicured nails on, but by the end, I was just hate-watching it. The costumes and songs were fun, and there's an occasional bit of wit and sparkle in the writing. But it could have been condensed into a movie, rather than an extended elegy of trite and predictable plot points; a snotty little girl; way too much shrieking; some unfortunate Drag Race alums who should stick to lip-syncing; and the titular star himself, unable to transcend his RuPaulness. I think he should stick to being a media mogul and mothering mentor to the next generation of drag queens coming up, tossing off his pearls of life wisdom like pixie dust across the work room.
Who hired A.J?
forgottengirl-3767113 December 2020
I adore Ru and the girls but the spoilt child (A.J) is so irritating that every scene she is either yelling or spitting her dialogue. Some funny scenes without this kid ruining it which is why my score is 6/10. Would have been a lot higher if they hired a better and more tolerable child actor.
Trying to get through this
mnovello_0012 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The storyline is great and the queens are ever so fabulous. I am having a very hard time getting past the awful bratty little character and her constant fits every ten or so minutes. Hoping this ends soon so the show can get much better without the nastiness.
Heartwarming
lisab6136718 January 2020
Love the story, but so annoyed by the girl!
quidnunq13 January 2021
This series is great! It's quirky, it's wholesome and it's funny... but that little girl AJ needs to CHILL! She's so obnoxious. And not in an "that's what she's supposed to act like" way. It's just incredibly annoying to watch her make that "I hate the world" face in every single scene. Even more when she starts yelling as well! The queens are amazing tho! Especially RuPaul and - OMG! - Micheal-Leon Wooley! He's hilarious!
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