RuPaul's Drag Race (2009- ) and Survivor (2000- ) should switch once a season
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Reality shows RuPaul's Drag Race (2009- ) and Survivor (2000- ) are vastly different, but merging the two concepts could create very entertaining television.
I cannot, in good faith, state that I don't watch reality television regularly, though I am slow to admit this. I say this because when I think of reality television, I think of infamous reality shows such as Keeping Up With the Kardashians (2007-2021) or Jersey Shore (2009-2012). While I by no means shame those who enjoy programs like these— I, for one, have spent many a night watching Keeping Up With the Kardashians (2007-2021) after a long day in high school —I find myself more impressed by the competition in reality television.
Over the past few years, one of my favorite television shows has been RuPaul's Drag Race (2009- ). According to IMDb, RuPaul's Drag Race (2009- ) is “the ultimate in drag queen competitions…Contestants include the nation's most outrageous, cutting-edge, talented and stunningly gorgeous drag queens all fighting for the title (and tiara) as top drag queen of the land.” For years, I have imagined myself— with no drag or runway experience of my own —on the main stage, showing off my handmade hot-glued gown during an infamous Design Challenge and hearing Ru and Michelle Visage’s cutting critiques of my outfit.
In my opinion, one of the best parts of the show is the various outrageous and innovative challenges the queens must compete in each episode. With all my years watching this addicting show, I have a challenge of my own to suggest to RuPaul: I propose that contestants take off their drag and head out into the wild for one episode a season. The wild, meaning the set of Survivor (2000- ), and in turn, their cast will travel to the set of RuPaul's Drag Race (2009- ).
Though I have not seen almost any episodes of Survivor (2000- ), I have learned a lot about it through my sister and her boyfriend— who are avid watchers. The idea came to me after I spent a lovely evening with them watching a Survivor (2000- ) season finale. At the time, I was in the middle of watching the spin-off RuPaul's Drag Race (2009- ), RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars (2024- ), and I decided I could not think of anything more hilarious than the queens having to endure a crazy outdoorsy challenge, such as eating spiders or doing an obstacle course through the jungle.
The only thing that could come close to this level of entertainment would be to see the talented hikers, campers, fishermen, and climbers be out of their element and create a drag look from scratch. From what I know about Survivor (2000- ), it also has diverse, innovative challenges meant to keep its contestants on their toes.
I think it could benefit both sets of contestants and sets of fans watching. This would introduce many people who may have a set of interests closer to those of Survivor (2000- ), like hunting, camping, and other outdoor activities, to the art of drag and queer culture. These viewers can watch someone they can relate to leave their comfort zone. The same goes for drag race fans, as they watch their favorite queens push themselves through the elements as they challenge their wilderness skills.
While this is a very silly concept that originally came to me as a joke, I would definitely watch it. I would love to see my favorite queens out of their conferment zones, and it would possibly introduce me to some new Survivor (2000- ) contestants.