Multimodal Adaptation on TV Screen: Social and Health Commitment in "RuPaul’s Drag Race"

This study explores the concept of adaptation within the 12th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, focusing on how the show responded to two major events: the COVID-19 pandemic and the disqualification of a contestant due to misconduct. Drawing on Linda Hutcheon's theory of adaptation, the research examines how these events led to multimodal changes in both the production and visual elements of the final episodes. The analysis incorporates Kress and van Leeuwen’s theory of multimodality, highlighting how both verbal and nonverbal components were adjusted to reflect the new circumstances. These adaptations were not only technical but also social, addressing the ethical and health concerns of the time while maintaining the essence of drag culture. This research underscores the resilience of performance in the face of challenges and the capacity of media to engage with broader social and ethical issues, while preserving the entertainment value of the show.