“RuPaul’s Drag Race” has grown exponentially since it debuted in 2009.
Compared to the ratings and prizes we see now, Season 1 wasn’t all that impressive.
Season 1’s $20,000 cash prize upgraded to $25,000 come Season 2.
From Season 4-13, the prize money stayed at $100,000, the highest in franchise history.
That is until Season 14 rolled around, and there was a major change to the prize format.
The changes didn’t stop there, though.
For the first time ever, the runner-up would take home a check, too.
