Why the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race remains a landmark in reality television
In short: Premiering in March 2016, the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race marked a pivotal transition for the franchise. Featuring twelve contestants vying for the title of America's Next Drag Superstar, the season was recently recognized by Time as one of the fifty most influential reality television seasons in history.
The eighth season, which began airing on March 7, 2016, served as a significant bridge for the series. It was the final installment to be broadcast exclusively on LogoTV before the show transitioned to VH1 for its ninth season. The competition saw twelve drag queens compete for a $100,000 cash prize and a one-year supply of Anastasia Beverly Hills cosmetics. The judging panel featured RuPaul and Michelle Visage, with Ross Mathews and Carson Kressley alternating responsibilities.
The season concluded with Bob the Drag Queen crowned as the winner, while Kim Chi and Naomi Smalls finished as runners-up. Cynthia Lee Fontaine was awarded the title of Miss Congeniality. Beyond the competition itself, the season featured music from RuPaul's album Realness, including the runway theme song The Realness and the closing credits track Die Tomorrow. Promotional efforts for the season highlighted the song U Wear It Well from the album Butch Queen.
The legacy of the season is underscored by its lasting cultural impact, as noted by Time in August 2022. However, the season is also remembered for the loss of contestant Chi Chi DeVayne, who passed away on August 20, 2020, following a battle with scleroderma and pneumonia. The production included a variety of guest appearances, ranging from video messages by figures like Carol Channing and Nancy Grace to in-person contributions from various alumni of the franchise, such as Chad Michaels, Latrice Royale, and Shangela.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: RuPaul's Drag Race season 8
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