Prime Video to Premiere 'Pageant Queens: Our Story Behind the Crown' Series

The new reality show follows 10 national drag titleholders as they prepare for the ultimate prize: 'Queen of Drag' and $50,000.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:58pm

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An extreme close-up of sparkling sequins and shattered glass, capturing the glamour and drama of the drag pageant world.The new Prime Video series 'Pageant Queens' offers a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes world of drag pageantry.Today in Raleigh

Prime Video will debut the first 10 episodes of the new reality series 'Pageant Queens: Our Story Behind the Crown' on April 20. Directed by Travis Stancil, the show follows 10 national drag titleholders, including Dallas' Kennedy Davenport and Layla Larue, as they move into a South Florida mansion to compete for the coveted 'Queen of Drag' title and a $50,000 cash prize.

Why it matters

Unlike traditional competition formats, 'Pageant Queens' replaces elimination rounds with collaboration, introspection, and authentic storytelling, shining a light on the experiences that have shaped the art of drag. The series boasts a cast of performers with over 38 national titles, offering viewers a genuine behind-the-scenes look at the lives of these drag superstars.

The details

The first 10 episodes of 'Pageant Queens: Our Story Behind the Crown' will be available to stream on Prime Video beginning Monday, April 20, with the finale to follow. The series is set against the backdrop of South Florida, embracing both the beauty and complexity of the location. Viewers will witness powerful stories of identity, family, resilience, and the ongoing fight for drag artists to be seen and celebrated.

  • The first 10 episodes of 'Pageant Queens: Our Story Behind the Crown' will premiere on Prime Video on Monday, April 20, 2026.
  • The series finale will follow the initial 10-episode release.

The players

Travis Stancil

The director of 'Pageant Queens: Our Story Behind the Crown'.

Kennedy Davenport

A Dallas-based drag queen and cast member of 'Pageant Queens'.

Layla Larue

A Dallas-based drag queen and cast member of 'Pageant Queens'.

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What they’re saying

“From the very first episode, viewers see that these queens are here to share what drag truly means to them. It's an emotional journey that reveals their struggles, triumphs, and untold stories. We're shining a light on the experiences that shaped this art form.”

— Travis Stancil, Director of 'Pageant Queens: Our Story Behind the Crown'

“This is just the beginning. We're building something bigger than a show. We're building a legacy. One crown at a time.”

— Travis Stancil, Director of 'Pageant Queens: Our Story Behind the Crown'

What’s next

The first 10 episodes of 'Pageant Queens: Our Story Behind the Crown' will be available to stream on Prime Video starting on Monday, April 20, 2026, with the finale to follow.

The takeaway

By focusing on collaboration, introspection, and authentic storytelling, 'Pageant Queens' offers viewers a genuine behind-the-scenes look at the lives and experiences of drag superstars, shining a light on the art form and the ongoing fight for drag artists to be seen and celebrated.