Before “supermodel of the world” RuPaul debuted her reality drag competition show in 2009, she said, “To be a winner on this show the contestants need to be a fashion designer, an American Idol and a top model all rolled up into one. And they definitely have to be smarter than a fifth grader.” Six years and countless new talent shows later, RuPaul can keep throwing shade at the more mainstream programs like America’s Next Top Model, Project Runway and Last Comic Standing. Because while not every queen can act, dance, sing and sew to perfection, RuPaul’s Drag Race (9 p.m. Mondays, Logo) has the entertainment factor — and addictiveness — of all those shows put together.
Doing drag is much more than men wearing dresses and lip-syncing. For pros like the queens on Drag Race, drag is a performance art — but one that never takes itself too seriously. The show soars because of this. Of course, like any good reality show, Drag Race doesn’t skimp on the drama — “reading” people’s flaws is a coveted skill for queens, after all.
After last Monday’s seventh season premiere, my standouts are high-fashion glamourpuss Miss Fame, Film Noir character come-to-life Max, kooky “Russian” Katya and both Violet Chachki and Pearl, two young but polished queens with fierce, edgy aesthetics.
This week the altitude changes as the queens step aboard Glamazonian Airways. Olivia Newton-John and Jordin Sparks guest-judge. Prepare yourself for some turbulence!
WEDNESDAY MARCH 4
Modern Family (9 p.m., ABC) – Claire and Jay rush to shoot a commercial after seeing a catchy ad from their competitor in all things closet; when Gloria’s neighbor uses a drone to spy on her poolside activities, Manny, Luke and Phil try to save the day.
Blackish (9:30 p.m., ABC) – Dre’s plans to renew his vows with Bow for their anniversary are foiled by her folks’ (
Anna Deavere Smith and Beau Bridges) impromptu visit and
his fighting parents.
Workaholics (10 p.m., Comedy Central) – The guys donate all their blood in the hope of meeting Dolph Lundgren.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (10 p.m., FXX) – The Gang competes on a TV game show (Always Sunny’s answer to Family Feud), where Dennis desperately tries to mask everyone’s flaws, oddities and general incompetence.
Broad City (10:30 p.m., Comedy Central) – Ilana discovers Trey on a porn site going by the name “Kirk Steele.” The revelation sparks a power shift for Abbi at Soulstice.
THURSDAY MARCH 5
American Crime (Series Premiere, 10 p.m., ABC) – This new drama from 12 Years a Slave writer John Ridley follows the aftermath of a U.S. veteran’s murder. Race, class and gender politics all come into play as the victim’s wife (Felicity Huffman), who was viciously attacked during the incident, and the suspects cope with the fallout.
Portlandia (10 p.m., IFC) – Kath and Dave go to great lengths to prepare their vocals for karaoke.
SATURDAY MARCH 7
Saturday Night Live (11:30 p.m., NBC) – Chris Hemsworth (the Thor one) hosts; Zac Brown Band performs.
SUNDAY MARCH 8
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (8:30 p.m., Fox) – Bradley “forever The Weasel from Billy Madison” Whitford guest-stars as Jake’s dad, who’s in town to visit his very eager son. Back at the precinct, Holt offers Beyoncé tickets as a brain teaser prize.
Girls (9 p.m., HBO) – Hannah hangs with a student (Maude Apatow, Judd’s daughter); Marnie and Desi fight over finances; Jessa gives Shosh dating advice; Hannah’s parents have a tense dinner party with friends (Fred Melamed and Jackie Hoffman).
The Walking Dead (9 p.m., AMC) – Watch out, Alexandria: “Smooth Face” Grimes is here, and he’ll take your place and your wife! This week we get a broader look at the seemingly safe haven and learn about the residents’ concerns, which include prosciutto.
Togetherness (Season Finale, 9:30 p.m., HBO) – When Alex gets career news, his instinct is to reach out to Tina, who is off planning her future as
Peter Gallagher
Larry’s kept woman; Michelle takes a charter school trip to Sacramento, Calif.; Brett spends time with the kids and opens up to Michelle.
TUESDAY MARCH 10
The Mindy Project (9:30 p.m., Fox) – When Danny’s priest dies after hearing a confession, the hunt is on for a new Father figure.
CONTACT jac kern: jkern@citybeat.com or @jackern
This article appears in Mar 4-10, 2015.