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There’s no show quite like RuPaul’s Drag Race. A reality drag competition series that’s been running for 16 seasons with repeat Emmy nominations year after year? “Drag Race is so unique that it almost shouldn’t exist,” says EP Tom Campbell. “The fact that it exists has a lot to do with RuPaul and his vision and his drive and his ability to champion drag to the world.” The series has received 10 Emmy nominations this year, bringing the main series’ total to 71.

RuPaul’s Drag Race opened its doors to give Deadline a tour of their set and chat with some of their Emmy-nominated creative team and season 16 winner Nymphia Wind. Our visit begins in the Werk Room, where contestants prepare for all of their challenges, and where we’re treated to a video of RuPaul introducing us to the “joke-worthy” tour and warning us “not to let the charisma, the uniqueness, the grit and the talent slip, because baby, it’s everywhere.”

One of the first topics of discussion is something everyone at Drag Race is very excited about, their first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming. The day before the set visit, choreographer Jamal Sims joined us for a virtual panel taping for our Contenders TV: The Nominees event, where he gave some insight into why this is such a feat. Unlike the other shows that are nominated for choreography, Drag Race is the only one where the dancers are not professional.