RuPaul’s Drag Race recently celebrated its milestone 200th episode, which saw the queens pay homage to classic moments – from Laganja Estranja’s entrance to Serena ChaCha’s underwater frenzy – via photobomb, as well as runways – from the Glitter Ball to the Bag Ball – via a, well, ball. So here we, GAY TIMES, are paying tribute to the enduring, Emmy-winning drag mammoth via a rundown of the best episode from each (U.S.) season of the series (so far). 

Season 1: Reunited

Don’t you just miss the pre-social media madness of Drag Race’s earlier years? And by “unhinged” we mean a contestant, the incomparable Sexy Orangutan vocalist Tammie Brown, bequeathing a bollocking onto RuPaul for failing to “walk children in nature”. Tammie subsequently telling the host that she should “excuse her mouth” after she snapped back is, without-a-doubt, the epitome of the “nerve” in charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent. Other highlights from this chaotic reunion include Shannel informing the judges – and her sisters – that she “chose” to sashay away (iconic), Jade and Rebecca Glasscock beefing over whether their lip-sync “crossed the line” and Shannel’s showdown with Santino Rice (also iconic). If you haven’t watched season one yet, whether it’s the lack of budget or grainy filter, sort yourself out: this reunion is one of Drag Race’s most iconic moments.

Season 2: Here Comes the Bride

“I don’t think you’re seeing that Tyra is a complete bitch,” is one of many unfiltered moments from the second season, which is arguably where the show came into its own thanks to the bombastic personalities and introduction of Drag Race’s staple challenge, Snatch Game. This shady and instantly iconic moment from Tatianna materialised after weeks of hostility against Tyra Sanchez, who riled up the other contestants with her “America’s Sweetheart” persona and lack of respect for the vocal stylings of Beyoncé’s Halo, resulting in the most severe bust-up on the main stage to date. With Tyra winning the episode, a bridal-theme sewing challenge, and Morgan McMichaels’ jaw-dropping lip-sync showdown against the late Sahara Davenport, this truly is a perfect episode of Drag Race.

Season 3: Totally Leotarded

This one was difficult, because season three is absolutely stellar. What sets this episode apart from Ru Ha Ha! (home of Manila Luzon’s Macarthur Park) and Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Style (BAM!), however, is the batshit lip-sync, which proved that drag is, in fact, not a contact sport as Mimi Imfurst catapulted India Ferrah over her shoulders to the beat of Thelma Houston’s Don’t Leave Me This Way. The challenge itself was hilarious, too, with the queens starring in the first-ever drag fitness workout video: shoutout to Yara Sofia, who Echa Pa’lante-d her way to virality, and Stacy Layne Matthews, who defied harmful cultural stereotypes when she proved that you can, in fact, workout with fried chicken in hand.