Premiered: January 1, 2021

On: VH1

Starring: RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews, Jason Carter, Bryce Eilenberg, Bruno Alcantara, Symone, Kandy Muse, Gottmik, Rosé, Olivia Lux, Utica Queen, Tina Burner, Denali, Elliott with 2 Ts, LaLa Ri, Tamisha Iman, Joey Jay & Kahmora Hall

Guest Judges: Jamal Sims, Nicole Byer, Loni Love, Ts Madison & Cynthia Erivo

Going into production after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, RuPaul’s Drag Race season 13 might be a little different with its guests, but the queens still come to dominate.

The twists immediately as each queen must lip sync for their life, and the loser is sent to the Porkchop Loading Dock. However, many of those queens get their redemption.

Parts of the season feel more produced than ever before. One queen is told to sashay away and, as she’s leaving, gets called back, and it feels like the producers didn’t want to lose the over-the-top drama. The winners circle vs. the porkchops from episode one gets old quickly as well.

However, having less guest judges and allowing most to return multiple times gives the guests a chance to see the queens’ growth.

Final say: I said what I said. ★★☆☆☆