'AJ and the Queen': RuPaul Charles and Michael Patrick King say Netflix series shows the beauty in being truly seen
Michael Patrick King and RuPaul Charles have teamed up to bring a new series to Netflix, 'AJ & the Queen', that’s both hilarious and heartwarming. Since its debut this week, the show has gained acclaim from fans and critics alike for its uniquely honest portrayal of the drag community and of unconventional ideas of what it means to be a family. MEA WorldWide (MEAWW) reporter Alana Jordan caught up with the two creators at the series’ premiere to talk about what inspired the series and what they hope the audiences take from it.
RuPaul, a living icon, but no stranger to adversity himself, explained that “it’s important for people who are sweet, sensitive souls to know that there is a tribe out there for them, and that there is a way to navigate this life, and that’s what it’s about.” He further elaborated on the relationship between the series leads - Robert (played by RuPaul) and AJ, an eleven year old girl struggling to find her place in the world. “You know, we’ve got two unlikely people who are put together because of the situation, and they find that they really like each other, and they ultimately love each other.”
King further explained that the show isn’t just about finding a “tribe” per se, but finding another individual who truly sees and understands you. “There’s an interesting idea on this show that no matter how down and out you are, one person can pick you up. And AJ is pretty far down, and so is Robert, and together they lift each other up. It doesn’t take a tribe; it really just takes one person to see you, and that’s the beauty of the show, I think.”
The interview was also briefly interrupted when 'Sex & the City' star Kristin Davis popped in to share her love and congratulations for King, who served as a director, writer, and executive producer for the series from 1998-2004 and also directed both 'Sex & the City' movies.
King also served as the creator, director, writer, and executive producer for 'The Comeback' on HBO, a series in which RuPaul Charles had a cameo. He explained it was this cameo that planted the seeds for the two to develop 'AJ & the Queen' together. “We’ve always wanted to work together. Ru did a cameo in 'The Comeback', which I created, and he was a genius, and has always been a genius, and the idea that I could work with him everyday and with Ruby and Robert and Ru writing it, creating it, and watch him star it in, it’s been thrilling.”
You can watch 'AJ & the Queen' streaming now on Netflix.