When it premiered back in 2009, RuPaul’s Drag Race introduced many people to the art of drag through the charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent of drag queens. A new reality competition is hoping to do the same and introduce us to the art and artistry of drag kings.
Revry, the world’s first LGBTQ+ streaming network, has released the full cast for King of Drag, the first-ever drag king competition series. Hosted by actor and comedian Murray Hill, the six-episode series kicks off on June 22, with new episodes streaming at 9 pm ET/6 PM PT exclusively on Revry.
Ten drag kings from across the country are vying for the crown. They are:
Alexander the Great: Here to conquer the binary and your hearts is this gravity-defying, aerial acrobatic King from Austin, Texas.
Big D: He’s an avalanche of idiots in the body of a middle-aged mom.
Buck Wylde: Buck is a smooth Latin Drag King with switchblade sharp teeth dedicated to bringing drag to a wider audience, one can of pomade at a time.
Charles Galin King: A creature of facial expressions who brings the weird, creepiness and warmth to the stages; and lets us feel things alongside him/them.
Dick Von Dyke: A band kid who discovered drag to win the star roles he was never allowed to play, he’s ready for his close-up … or a Dick Pic, if you will.
Henlo Bullfrog: Known for his unhinged stagecraft, Henlo’s expert at airbrush, SFX, and character lore, and his work has appeared on Skin Wars and RuPaul’s Drag Race.
King Molasses: For them, drag is a practice of mindfulness, a return to spirit, and the audacity to create images of self-liberation.
King Perka $exxx: Come for the comedy, stay for the social commentary and dad jokes! King is also famous for his “Tag Them” joke meme.
Pressure K: Pressure K doesn’t follow trends, he sets the tempo. If confidence was currency, Pressure K always stays paid.
Tuna Melt: Live from New York, this stanky and delicious melt with a belt is for all of the altos who’ve known deep down they were tenors.
Joining Murray on the judges’ panel each week is Drag Race season 9 winner Sasha Velour. Guest judges include such celebrities as Lisa Rinna, Bridesmaids director Paul Feig, Tony nominee Cole Escola, Kathleen Hanna, Carmen Carrera, and Murray Somebody Somewhere co-stars Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller.
“All ten contestants will represent drag while promoting inclusion, authentic self-expression, and diverse gender identities as part of their acts,” said Damian Pelliccione, Series Co-Creator and Co-Founder, CEO at Revry. “We can’t wait to give the drag competition format a run for its money with something fresh and original.”
I have gotten to see King Perka $exxx here in Atlanta, and he is one fierce king. I hope that King of Drag brings some much-deserved attention to these talented performers. Tune in to the premiere on June 22 at 9 pm on Revry.
MORE POP CULTURE HEADLINES
