We’re Here Season 4 – A Bold Return with a Deeper Impact

The Emmy®, Peabody, and GLAAD award-winning unscripted series We’re Here returned for its six-episode fourth season on Friday, April 26 on HBO and came to an end tonight. Episodes were released weekly and were simultaneously available on Max. We held on to our review until today because we thought it was important to talk openly about what happens this season without spoiling the fun for anyone. Now that all episodes are out, we feel like our words can finally see the light. But anyway, back to the show.

If you’ve been following the past three seasons, you’ve surely noticed that there are some changes this time around. Instead of our usual hosts Bob the Drag Queen, Eureka O’Hara, and Shangela, we now have Jaida Essence Hall, Priyanka, Sasha Velour, and Latrice Royale leading the show. Plus, this season, the new episodes only take place in two heartland locales—Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Tulsa, Oklahoma—rather than the usual one town per episode format.

Change is always good; it’s an opportunity to improve and grow. We think that with this season, We’re Here did just that. Although it might seem like staying in only two communities “reduced” its impact, the reality is quite the opposite. This change in formula, with fresh new faces and a new schedule and format, allows the cast and crew to spend more time in each community. 

With three episodes per location, this creates a deeper, more lasting impact. The audience gains a deeper insight into the personal journeys of the queens’ drag kids, witnessing their growth and struggles over an extended period. 

Moreover, this format compels the unkind conservatives in town to confront and adapt to the presence of the queens, rather than simply tolerating them for a fleeting visit—they can no longer just hold their breath for a few days and pretend we don’t exist. Looks like they’ll have to get used to us being fabulous and fierce right in their backyard!

But anygays, as we’ve seen in recent years, there’s a growing wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, especially targeting the trans community. Since 2021, the number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills has skyrocketed, with 75 such laws enacted in 2023 alone. In 2024, a staggering 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have already been introduced in 35 state legislatures around the US (and in Puerto Rico). Given this backdrop, We’re Here is not only important but extremely necessary, especially for trans folks in small towns who may feel isolated and powerless.

We’ve been fans of We’re Here since day one. Since its debut, the show’s message has been clear, but we truly think that this season it’s crystal clear: We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re not going anywhere. Deal with it!

As we already mentioned Season 4 follows renowned drag queens Sasha Velour, Priyanka, Jaida Essence Hall, and Latrice Royale as they continue the show’s mission of spreading love and connection through the art of drag across small-town America. This time, they take an in-depth, immersive look at recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and its impact on the community.

We’re going to be completely honest, watching the queens face so many obstacles to put on their shows broke our hearts, but it also healed them. Even in dark places, even in places where hope seems to be a lost concept, they managed to find the light. There were many moments when we burst into tears watching this new batch of episodes, and although we still don’t want to spoil the fun, we can tell you that this season of We’re Here is packed with heart and soul. 

The queens adopt a diverse group of individuals, each with their unique journey and challenges. Among them is an openly gay ex-mayoral candidate who once had a bullet fired into his home, a queer wrestler striving to bring the confident flamboyance of their ring persona into everyday life, a Christian musician eager to show support for his queer and trans children, and a trans woman finally exploring her intersex identity. Those who stick around for the duration are rewarded with warm, empathetic portraits and professional-grade production quality for their drag debuts. 

But not everyone can fully commit to going onstage; for instance, a former professional baseball player backs out, fearing it might impact his new music career. This moment is particularly important, highlighting the immense pressure and fears faced by those in the LGBTQ+ community.

All human beings, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, should feel safe and visible in their communities, but sadly that’s not the case. The hate speech we’ve seen from conservatives, right-wing activists, and politicians in recent years has tried to quiet our voices, that’s why it’s vital to expose the reality that many still face. Many of us in big cities or more accepting countries don’t know what happens in these small towns. The struggles, the fear, and the pain members of the LGBTQ+ community face daily. In recent years, drag has been cast in a false light by ignorant people who complain about the “sexualization” or “grooming” of children. 

The fact that the queens have such a hard time putting together shows in these places speaks volumes about the consequences of these ignorant comments and the urgent need for safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. It shouldn’t be this hard to put on a show meant to entertain and empower people. It shouldn’t be this hard to be who you are and enjoy who you can become. But it is and that sentiment is strongly present this season. 

So while it hurts seeing all this negativity and hatred engraved in so many people, it is also important to showcase the reality of it all to a wider audience. To make them see that what’s said out there about the community and drag shows is far from the truth—that the rhetoric used to diminish the value of drag shows and ban them is just ignorance. 

Drag shows offer people a chance to find confidence and strength. What’s wrong with that? Some people find strength in sports, others in drag—neither is bad. Having shows like We’re Here saves lives. So perhaps of all four seasons of this show, this one is the most important, as it helps show those living in fear that it’s okay to be who they are even if right now, out there—in their homes, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods—they tell them otherwise. 

We’ve always been here and no matter how hard they try, we won’t be silenced.

With so many cancellations of LGBTQ+ shows recently, having a reality TV show like We’re Here stand tall is not only important but an achievement on its own. Change needs to happen, and for that, we need to visualize the cruel reality that many in the LGBTQ+ community still face. So hats off to everyone involved in We’re Here for standing firm and continuing to push to educate people and stop misinformation.

This season has it all—you will cry, laugh, and get mad, but most importantly, you’ll feel proud of the resilience of these wonderful humans who are here and aren’t going anywhere. We won’t spoil anything, but just FYI, the season finale of We’re Here Season 4 is one of the best statements we’ve seen in recent years. The show they give, the location, the song selection—everything is pure perfection. We have no words but a huge standing ovation and a big fat thank you from the bottom of our queer hearts to all involved.

So if you haven’t watched it yet, sashay away to Max and binge all six fabulous episodes now. Don’t drag your heels—this is a season you won’t want to miss!

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For LGBTQ mental health support, call the Trevor Project’s 24/7 toll-free support line at 866-488-7386. You can also reach a trained crisis counselor through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

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All 6 episodes of We’re Here Season 4 are available to stream on Max. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff!

Featured Image: Courtesy of Max.