King Molasses Makes Herstory as First Champion of “King of Drag”

Drag royalty has a bold new face. In a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ entertainment and drag culture, King Molasses has emerged as the inaugural winner of “King of Drag,” the world’s first televised drag king competition series, which premiered on Revry, the leading LGBTQ+ streaming platform, on June 22, 2025. The finale, which aired after six weeks of fierce performance battles, not only crowned a new monarch but also spotlighted the artistry and tenacity of drag kings on a global stage .

King Molasses’s rise to the crown was hard-won. Competing against nine other talented drag kings—each bringing their own unique blend of charisma, comedy, and commentary—Molasses distinguished herself through boundary-pushing performances that challenged traditional ideas of masculinity and drag artistry. The competition’s lineup included standout contenders such as Alexander the Great, Buck Wylde, Dick Von Dyke, Tuna Melt, Big D, Charles Galin King, Henlo Bullfrog, King Perka $exxx, and Pressure K, all of whom contributed to the show’s vibrant tapestry .

In a post-victory interview with Entertainment Weekly, King Molasses reflected on the significance of her win: “We’re always going to be compared to drag queens, but I want my reign to put to bed the ambiguity about what a drag king is. I want my reign to establish our credibility as artists” . This statement resonated deeply with fans and advocates for drag kings, a segment of the drag community that has historically received less mainstream attention than their queen counterparts.

Hosted by comedian, actor, and LGBTQ+ trailblazer Murray Hill—renowned for roles in HBO’s “Somebody Somewhere” and Hulu’s “Drag Me to Dinner”—the series combined humor, heartfelt storytelling, and dazzling performances. Hill’s presence as host added gravitas, guiding contestants and viewers alike through the show’s challenges and celebrations .

The premiere and subsequent episodes sparked over 200 global watch parties, with particularly enthusiastic turnouts in Brazil, South Africa, and Taiwan. This international response highlights a growing hunger for drag king representation and affirms the universal appeal of drag in all its forms .

Social media platforms lit up with messages of support and celebration. On TikTok, PinkNews’s coverage of King Molasses’s win garnered over 66,000 likes and hundreds of comments, reflecting the profound impact of her victory across digital communities . Instagram buzzed with congratulatory posts from Revry and fans worldwide, further amplifying King Molasses’s message: “There’s King in my name for a reason” (Instagram: @revrytv, https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMqlaxZSaGR/, 2025-07-28).

“King of Drag” arrives at a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ media. While drag queens have become global icons, thanks in large part to shows like “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” drag kings have often been overlooked in mainstream media. The success of “King of Drag” and King Molasses’s victory signal a shift toward broader, more inclusive representation—one that validates drag king artistry as equally deserving of the spotlight .

For viewers, performers, and advocates, King Molasses’s win is more than just a personal triumph; it is a collective milestone for drag kings, non-binary performers, and anyone whose expression of gender defies conventional norms. As the newly crowned monarch sets out to use her platform to uplift and empower others, the stage is set for a new era of drag—one in which all performers, regardless of gender identity, can claim their rightful place in the pantheon of drag royalty.