New queer series Drag SOS leaves viewers in “tears” over heartwarming father-son storyline

27th June 2019

“THIS SHOW IS PUNCHING ME IN EVERY EMOTIONAL DIRECTION.”

Earlier this week, Channel 4 launched their very own drag-centric series chronicling British drag collective The Family Gorgeous – comprised of Cheddar Gorgeous, Anna Phylactic, Lil, TeTe Bang and Liquorice Black – as they tour the country.

Fans hailed Drag SOS as a combination between RuPaul’s Drag Race and Queer Eye, as it follows the queens as they offer their expertise to LGBTQ people who are struggling with their sexuality and identity.

In the first episode, the collective travelled to Dover and helped university student Nico, who previously suffered with an eating disorder and mental health issues, and single mother Abby, who needed a much-needed boost in her self-esteem.

Both were huge tear-jerkers, but the storyline that resonated most with audiences was between supermarket advisor Shaun and his gay son, Owen. During the episode, Shaun expressed regret for not accepting his son’s sexuality sooner.

He was later put into drag – and given the fabulous name Poppy Love – to better connect with his son, an avid fan of the art-form. “I’m standing in a Drag Lab being made up as a drag queen and feeling all sorts of emotions,” he said.

It was particularly emotional for Anna, who after hearing his story, de-dragged and told Shaun of her tumultuous relationship with her father. Fans were left in tears and were quick to praise the show and share their feelings on Twitter – see below.

https://twitter.com/itsryanithink/status/1143633325560668160

Just caught up with #DragSOS absolutely amazing. Loved every second of it, and Owen's dad is a stunning example of #support #drag #Channel4

— Derv007 (@DervishDervish) June 26, 2019

This is what you've done today to make you feel proud mate. What a brilliant dad ❤️ #DragSOS pic.twitter.com/4nNqZAHoGs

— Darren Haywood (@darren_haywood) June 25, 2019

https://twitter.com/Brianabobanna/status/1143807832036388865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1143807832036388865&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.digitalspy.com%2Ftv%2Freality-tv%2Fa28193602%2Fdrag-sos-channel-4-reactions-episode-1-emotional-father-son%2F

You can’t call yourself a parent if you disown your child for being part of the LGBT community. You don’t deserve to be their parents

#DragSOS

— Mahria 🌈 (@Sugar_Plum_90) June 25, 2019

Honestly that was amazing. Down to earth, real, camp and nicely British. I ended with both a smile and a tear; And not wanting to wait till next week! When politics feels a bit of a mess and when we're still having to stand up for our rights, this is what we need #DragSOS

— Oli Kasin 🏳️‍🌈✡️ (@OliKasin) June 25, 2019

https://twitter.com/chloeannelillia/status/1143634039707963392

#DragSOS the world needs more of this loving and understanding. Build each other up and broaden your horizons. #FamilyGorgeous 💙💜🧡💚💛❤ great work @Channel4

— Lyla Grammer 💙☮️ (@LylaGrammer) June 25, 2019

https://twitter.com/misterjoeblack/status/1143833687680856065

Oh my, this is literally the best thing I've seen on tv for ages. Shake up dull Britain and make us happy again you gorgeous people!!#DragSOS

— Catherine (@cathwoodcollins) June 25, 2019

My lordddddd, #DragSOS doing not only the Manchester queer scene proud but, the whole nation 🌈✨

— ✨george✨ (any pronouns) (@_gcm96_) June 26, 2019

#dragsos Shed some tears watching this..amazing show

— Melanie Irvine (@MelanieIrvine6) June 25, 2019

Just caught the 1st episode of #DragSOS, omg those ladies are amazing, how they are helping others find inner strength whilst talking about their own experiences left me in tears, so motivating.

— nadene aubrey (@viviansparkle) June 27, 2019

I just got around to watching the first episode of #dragsos
Thank you @channel4 and thank you #familygorgeous for making me ugly cry 😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/sZvIXaDoSE

— pixie_duszt (@pixie_duszt) June 27, 2019

Best father and son moment on TV ever #DragSOS

— millymollytommop (@millymollyphone) June 26, 2019

I wasn’t expecting to cry at #DragSOS

— Dan Scott (@dan_scott412) June 26, 2019

That dad who did it to be closer to his son. Absolutely wonderful! A parent and human we should all inspire to be! Tonight you were Britain's greatest dad Poppy Love! Loved it! ❤ #DragSOS

— Juan Diego (@JDWaldorf) June 25, 2019

https://twitter.com/jotohombrelobo/status/1144144251359383552

https://twitter.com/BeccaSmith94/status/1143954893973217280