Premiered: December 7, 2018

On: VH1

Starring: RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Ross Mathews, Todrick Hall, Shawn Morales, Eureka O’Hara, Jasmine Masters, Kim Chi, Latrice Royale, Mayhem Miller, Shangela, Kylie Sonique Love & Trixie Mattel

Bringing holiday cheer and zero competition, the Drag Race Holi-slay Spectacular is more of a promo for RuPaul’s holiday album than it is actual Drag Race.

Eight queens from various seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race are brought together to compete to become the first Christmas Queen with a holiday themed mini- and maxi-challenge.

The episode starts off strong with the queens entering the work room and cuts to confessionals but then key elements that make Drag Race what it is quickly disappear in favor of lip-sync numbers to RuPaul’s music. We don’t get to hear any deep conversations while getting ready or see them working on choreography.

This isn’t to say the show isn’t fun. It’s high-spirited entertainment that brings the serotonin needed. It’s just not what dedicated viewers come to expect.

Final say: I wouldn’t say it slayed. ★★☆☆☆