Paramount+
EXCLUSIVE: RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 is one for the history books.
The finale, which saw Nymphia Wind win the competition as America’s Next Drag Superstar, was the highest-rated episode of Drag Race in 13 years, according to Nielsen.
Compared to last season, the episode was up 67% in the 18-34 demo with a 0.84 rating. Among adults 18-49, the episode saw a 28% lift to a 0.76 rating. Those are the highest ratings the series has seen since the Season 3 finale in 2011, when Raja took home the crown.
The episode also scored the best audience share ever for a Drag Race telecast. The episode was up 88% versus the Season 15 finale among adults 18-34 with a 9.98 share. With the 18-49 demo, the episode saw a 30% increase to a 5.37 share.
The finale wasn’t alone in its ratings victories, either. Season 16 wrapped as the highest-rated season of Drag Race in four years, since Season 12 in 2020.
Season 16 managed some strong growth versus Season 15, up 13% among adults 18-34 to earn a 0.5 rating. The season also saw a 12% uptick within the 18-49 demo, landing around a 0.54 rating.
The season also averaged the series’ best audience share ever, outperforming last season by 24% among adults 18-34 to score a 5.5. In the 18-49 demo, the share was up 21% to a 3.71.
On social media, the season also performed well. According to Paramount Global, this was the “most social” season of Drag Race ever with 514M social views, up 11% versus Season 15.
Most social season of RuPaul’s Drag Race ever with 514M social views, up +11% vs. last ssn (461M)
Laura Davis is an entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to Broadway, she offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
