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 the show drag race Within 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% rise to a 0.76 rating. These are the highest ratings the series has seen since the end of the third season in 2011, when Raja took the title.
The episode also recorded the best audience engagement ever for drag race TV broadcast. The episode was up 88% compared to the season 15 finale among adults 18-34 with a 9.98. With the 18-49 demo, the episode saw a 30% increase to a 5.37 share.
The finish wasn't alone in its classification victories either. Season 16 concluded as the highest-rated season drag race In four years, since Season 12 in 2020.
Season 16 had some strong growth over Season 15, rising 13% among adults 18-34 to earn a 0.5 rating. The season also saw a 12% rise in the 18-49 demo, coming in at nearly a 0.54 rating.
The season also had the series' best viewership ever, beating last season by 24% among adults 18-34 to score a 5.5. In the 18-49 demo, share rose 21% to 3.71.
On social media, the season also performed well. According to Paramount Global, this was the “most social” season ever drag race all-time with 514 million views on social media, an 11% increase compared to season 15.
Most social season of RuPaul's Drag Race ever with 514 million social views, up +11% vs. Last Safety Net (461 million)
Future teen idol. Typical social media ninja. Alcohol buff. Explorer. Creator. Beer advocate.”