Drag Race (franchise)
Drag Race | |
---|---|
Created by |
|
Original work | RuPaul's Drag Race (United States) |
Owner | World of Wonder |
Years | 2009–present |
Games | |
Video game(s) | RuPaul's Drag Race Superstar |
Audio | |
Original music | RuPaul's Drag Race (theme song) |
Miscellaneous | |
Genre | |
First aired | February 2, 2009 |
Drag Race is a drag queen reality competition television franchise, created by American drag entertainer RuPaul with production company World of Wonder. The franchise originated with RuPaul's Drag Race, which premiered in the United States in 2009. The objective of that series is to crown "America's Next Drag Superstar" who possesses the traits of "charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent".[1] The original series is often credited for bringing drag into the "mainstream".[2] The popularity of the original series led to the creation of a media franchise including spin-offs and international adaptations.
As of 2024[update], the original series, RuPaul's Drag Race, has produced sixteen seasons and inspired the spin-off shows RuPaul's Drag U, RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race, and RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars; the companion series RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked; and numerous international adaptations including British and Australian and New Zealand versions hosted by RuPaul as well as Chilean, Thai, Canadian, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, French, Filipino, Belgian, Swedish, Mexican, Brazilian, German, and South African editions and international vs. the World competitions hosted in The United Kingdom and Canada and All Stars in Spain and France.
Three drag fan conventions have also been created: RuPaul's DragCon LA, RuPaul's DragCon NYC, and RuPaul's DragCon UK.[3]
History
2008–2017: Drag Race beginnings
Premiering on Logo TV
In mid-2008, it was revealed that RuPaul had begun producing a new reality television game show.[4] The show was pitched to Logo and they immediately picked the show up for a season, which aired in February 2009, where it was devised as a replacement for Rick & Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in All the World (2007–2009).[citation needed] In preparation for the new series, RuPaul made guest appearances on several shows in 2008, including as a guest judge on season five, episode six of Project Runway and as a guest chef on Paula's Party.[5][6] RuPaul revealed that the show's intent was to find a winner possessing the traits of "charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent". RuPaul has stated that the show looks for an entertainer who can stand out from the rest.[7] The series premiered on February 2, 2009. The winner of the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race and its franchise is BeBe Zahara Benet.[8]
All Stars spin-off and VH1 movement
In March 2012, it was announced that an "all-stars" spin-off from the original show was set to premiere in late 2012 through Logo (which later moved to VH1, then onto Paramount+).[9] It was announced as RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, and the winner for the first season was Chad Michaels.[10]
RuPaul's Drag Race was the first international edition of the franchise to be produced and broadcast. The program proved a success for Logo and additionally moved to a higher profile channel: VH1, for their ninth season.[11] However, the reality show remained to air on Logo.[12] In November 2017, World of Wonder launched their subscription streaming service WOW Presents Plus.[13] The service provides access to its exclusive library of the Drag Race franchise, and web series from WOWPresents' YouTube channel.[14]
2018–present: International expansion of Drag Race
In February 2018, it was announced that a Thai adaptation of RuPaul's Drag Race was set to premiere in Thailand. The Kantana Group licensed the reality competition series. The show was named as Drag Race Thailand with its judges and co-hosts: Art Arya and Pangina Heals.[15] The first season winner for Drag Race Thailand was Natalia Pliacam.
From 2020 to 2022, seven international adaptations of RuPaul's Drag Race were revealed and premiered. In North America, a Canadian adaptation premiered on July 2, 2020.[16] In Europe, four adaptations premiered from the Netherlands and France. In Australia, RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under premiered on May 1, 2021, with RuPaul, Michelle Visage, and Rhys Nicholson judging.[17][18]
BBC
In June 2018, the franchise producers hinted that a British adaptation of the series was in the works.[19] It was later confirmed that creators had a meeting with the BBC and that "something is coming, be afraid – be very afraid. Nothing's impossible."[20] A year later, the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK was set to premiere through BBC Three.[21] RuPaul and Michelle Visage continued to be the main judges of the British adaptation, with Alan Carr and Graham Norton as recurring judges.[22]
In December 2021, a press release by the BBC announced an upcoming "international all-stars" series involving the British adaptation.[23] The first season of RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. the World premiered on February 1, 2022.[24]
Atresmedia Televisión
In November 2020, a collaboration was made between production companies World of Wonder and Atresmedia, in collaboration with Buendía Estudios.[25] In February 2021, the series was confirmed to be hosted by Supremme de Luxe.[26] The first season of Drag Race España premiered through Atresplayer, which marks the seventh international adaptation of the American reality competition series.[27]
In September 2022, the Spanish adaptation opened a casting call for its third season and also announced that a Spanish adaption of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars was in the works.[28]
Discovery Plus
In 2021, casting occurred with production starting in the summertime.[29] The first season of Drag Race Italia premiered through Discovery+, with Priscilla as the host and head judge of the series.[30] A second season was renewed and premiered in October 2022.[31]
In August 2021, a casting call was made for an upcoming Philippine adaptation of the franchise.[32] In early 2022, it announced that Paolo Ballesteros would serve as the host,[33] alongside Jiggly Caliente and KaladKaren as permanent judges of the series. Drag Race Philippines premiered on August 17, through Discovery+. This marked the tenth international adaptation of the American reality competition series.
Both franchise adaptations no longer premiere on this streaming service.
MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Global
In February 2021, after three seasons of airing the "all-stars" spin-off of the United States in VH1, Paramount Global decided to move the series to Paramount+. The sixth season aired on June 24, 2021.[34]
In August 2022, the production company behind RuPaul's Drag Race announced three casting calls on social media, taking place in Brazil, Germany, and Mexico.[35] Many fans suspected the casting calls were for new potential Drag Race adaptations.[36] In December, Deadline Hollywood confirmed the casting calls were for the Drag Race franchise. They also announced that World of Wonder partnered with MTV Entertainment Studios to premiere the new adaptations "on MTV/Paramount+ in their respective territories."[37] With this partnership, they moved the American series to MTV from VH1; starting with season fifteen.[38]
After two seasons premiering on Discovery+, the Italian adaptation was picked for a third season by Paramount Global and is set to premiere on Paramount+.[39] Casting calls were set up in March 2023.[40] The third season is set to premiere on October 13, with former judge Tommaso Zorzi being replaced by Paola Iezzi and Paolo Camilli.[41][42]
O4 Media
In November 2022, Entertainment Weekly reported that production companies World of Wonder and O4 Media partnered to develop more adaptations of the Drag Race franchise.[43] The franchise will set to expand throughout the Asian continent, such as India, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.[44] The expansion also includes a new season of Drag Race Thailand and an Asian adaptation of RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race will be picked up from the partnership.[45] As of 2024, there have been no further updates on this partnership, with World of Wonder regaining the rights to Drag Race Thailand and producing the third season on their own in 2024.
Other media
At RuPaul's DragCon NYC, it was announced that a Las Vegas residency was set to play on January 26, 2020, starring its Drag Race alumni.[46] RuPaul's Drag Race Live! features a mix of original music, lip syncs, comedy, and dance numbers directed by RuPaul and choreographed by Drag Race resident choreographer Jamal Sims.[47] On July 26, 2020, a six-part documentary series called: RuPaul's Drag Race: Vegas Revue, was announced and premiered on August 21, 2020.[48]
Drag Race franchises by country
† | Currently airing season |
# | Franchise no longer in production |
‡ | Upcoming season announced |
⁂ | Status of season/franchise unknown |
Spin-off series
Competitive
"All Stars" spin-off competitions feature former contestants: RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars premiered in 2012, and Drag Race España All Stars premiered in 2024.
International spin-off competitions include RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. the World and Canada's Drag Race: Canada vs. the World, which debuted in February and November 2022, respectively.
RuPaul's Drag U premiered in 2010 and saw drag "professors" give makeovers to "student" members of the public. RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race debuted in 2020 and features celebrities.
† | Currently airing season |
# | Season no longer in production |
‡ | Upcoming season announced |
⁂ | Status of season/franchise unknown |
Non-competitive
Country/Region | Name | Network | Premiere | Format |
---|---|---|---|---|
Canada | Slaycation‡[61] | Crave | December 31, 2024[62] | Reality television |
Philippines | Drag Race Philippines: Untucked!⁂ | Current HBO Go (s. 1–) Former Discovery+ (s. 1) |
August 19, 2022 | Behind the scenes / companion show |
Sweden | Drag Race Sverige: Untucked!⁂ | SVT | March 4, 2023 | Behind the scenes / companion show |
United Kingdom | God Shave the Queens# | BBC Three | September 10, 2020 | Behind the scenes on tour show |
United States | RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked!‡ | Current MTV (s. 14–) Former Logo TV (s. 1–5) YouTube (s. 6–8) VH1 (s. 9–13) |
February 1, 2010 | Behind the scenes / companion show |
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars: Untucked!‡ | Current Paramount+ (s. 3–) Former Logo TV (s. 1) VH1 (s. 2) |
October 22, 2012 | Behind the scenes / companion show | |
Werq the World# | WOWPresents+ | June 7, 2019 | Behind the scenes on tour show | |
RuPaul's Drag Race: Vegas Revue# | VH1 | August 21, 2020 | Behind the scenes show | |
Bring Back My Girls† | WOWPresents+ | October 18, 2022 | Reunion show | |
RuPaul's Drag Race Live Untucked‡ | WOWPresents+ | April 17, 2024 | Behind the scenes / companion show |
One-off specials
Country/Region | Name | Network | Premiere | Judges | Winner(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canada | Canada's Drag Race Anniversary Extravaganza | Crave | September 6, 2021 | — | Non-competitive |
United States | RuPaul's Drag Race: Green Screen Christmas | Logo TV | December 13, 2015 | — | Non-competitive |
RuPaul's Drag Race Holi-slay Spectacular | VH1 | December 7, 2018 | All participants[a] | ||
Bring Back My Ghouls | WOWPresents+ YouTube |
October 30, 2020 | — | Non-competitive | |
RuPaul's Drag Race: Corona Can't Keep a Good Queen Down | VH1 | February 26, 2021 | — | Non-competitive |
Notes
- ^ On RuPaul's Drag Race Holi-slay Spectacular, all participants (Eureka O'Hara, Jasmine Masters, Kim Chi, Latrice Royale, Mayhem Miller, Shangela, Sonique, and Trixie Mattel) were declared winners.
References
- ^ Ling, Thomas (November 21, 2019). "When is RuPaul's Drag Race UK released? Start date, guest judges and contestants". Radio Times. Archived from the original on October 15, 2019. Retrieved October 12, 2019.
- ^ Abraham, Amelia (August 10, 2019). "'Finally! A sport for us gay people!': how drag went mainstream". The Guardian. Archived from the original on August 10, 2019. Retrieved August 10, 2019.
- ^ Anderson, Tre’vell (May 15, 2015). "Q&A: RuPaul champions importance of drag with DragCon". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on May 30, 2021. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
- ^ Fernandez, Maria Elena (August 22, 2017). "Behind the Rise of RuPaul's Drag Race, the Realest Show on TV". Vulture. Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
- ^ "Project Runway Season 5 Good Queen Fun & #124". BravoTV. Archived from the original on February 8, 2009. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
- ^ "Diva Party: Paula's Party". Food Network. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
- ^ Hughes, Scarlett (May 16, 2019). ""RuPaul's Drag Race"!". Radio Times. Archived from the original on October 15, 2019. Retrieved October 12, 2019.
- ^ "See every winner of 'RuPaul's Drag Race'". Entertainment Weekly. September 20, 2022. Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
- ^ Stransky Updated, Tanner (March 12, 2012). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' gets all-star edition". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 23, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
- ^ Rezsnyak, Eric (November 27, 2012). ""RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars": The winner revealed (thank god it's over)". Rochester City Newspaper. Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 1, 2017). "RuPaul's Drag Race Moves From Logo To VH1, More Viacom Show Shifts To Come?". Deadline Hollywood. United States: Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
- ^ Gennis, Sadie (March 1, 2017). "RuPaul's Drag Race Gets Season 9 Premiere Date – and a New Network!". TVGuide. United States: CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on March 1, 2017. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
- ^ "‘Drag Race’ Producers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato on WOW Presents Plus, Their New Streaming Service for Queer Programming" Archived February 16, 2022, at the Wayback Machine Decider. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
- ^ Spangler, Todd (November 6, 2017). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' Producers Launch Subscription-Video Service With LGBTQ Content and More". Variety. Archived from the original on September 2, 2020. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
- ^ "Bangkok queen Pangina Heals will be hosting Drag Race Thailand". Gay Times. January 17, 2018. Archived from the original on January 2, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
- ^ "RuPaul's 'Drag Race Canada' to serve meaty tucks and Canadian bacon". Entertainment Weekly. June 27, 2019. Archived from the original on June 28, 2019. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
- ^ Earp, Catherine (April 8, 2021). "RuPaul's Drag Race announces premiere date for Australian spin-off". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on April 8, 2021. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
- ^ Reich, Hannah (April 30, 2021). "Rupaul's Drag Race Down Under: A guide to the Australian version of the drag queen reality TV competition". ABC. Archived from the original on July 8, 2021. Retrieved May 1, 2021.
- ^ Welsh, Daniel (June 5, 2018). "RuPaul's Drag Race producers hint at a British version". Huffington Post. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
- ^ Jordan, Dearbail. "RuPaul's Drag Race UK in talks with the BBC". BBC. Archived from the original on April 22, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
- ^ "RuPaul's Drag Race UK Series Two: When is it on? And everything else you need to know". BBC News. January 3, 2021. Archived from the original on January 14, 2021. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
- ^ "'Graham Norton and Alan Carr confirmed as celebrity judges for RuPaul's Drag Race UK – series to air on BBC Three in 2019". BBC. Archived from the original on July 22, 2019. Retrieved December 8, 2019.
- ^ "New BBC Three commissions for a new BBC Three channel" (Press release). BBC. October 19, 2018. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
- ^ Ramachandran, Naman (December 21, 2021). "'RuPaul's Drag Race: U.K. Versus The World' to Kick Off Relaunched BBC Three Channel". Variety. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
- ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (November 16, 2020). "World Of Wonder To Launch 'Drag Race Spain'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved November 16, 2020.
- ^ "Supremme de Luxe será la presentadora de 'RuPaul's Drag Race' en España" (in European Spanish). Vogue Spain. February 15, 2021. Archived from the original on July 6, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
- ^ "Drag Race España: la lista de las 10 'reinas' concursantes del estreno en Atresplayer Premium". elDiario.es (in European Spanish). April 26, 2021. Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved April 26, 2021.
- ^ Oller, Xavi (September 20, 2022). "Atresplayer Premium anuncia un 'All Stars' de 'Drag Race España' después de la tercera temporada" [Atresplayer Premium announces an 'All Stars' of 'Drag Race España' after the third season]. TVienes (in Spanish). Archived from the original on October 2, 2022. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
- ^ Parente, Luca (December 19, 2021). "Dimitri Cocciuti: così ho portato Drag Race in Italia". NEG Zone (in Italian). Archived from the original on September 22, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
- ^ "RuPaul's Drag Race Italia: Tommaso Zorzi, Chiara Francini e Priscilla in giuria". La Repubblica (in Italian). June 30, 2021. Archived from the original on October 20, 2021. Retrieved October 20, 2021.
- ^ Adelino, Saulo (September 30, 2022). "Elenco oficial de Drag Race Italia 2" [Official cast of Drag Race Italia 2]. Draglicious (in Brazilian Portuguese). Archived from the original on September 30, 2022. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
- ^ Nolfi, Joey (August 16, 2021). "RuPaul's Drag Race Philippines is on the way". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 12, 2021. Retrieved October 20, 2021.
- ^ Cruz, Dana (July 12, 2022). "Paolo Ballesteros tapped to host 'Drag Race Philippines'". Entertainment Inquirer. Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
- ^ Swift, Andy (February 24, 2021). "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 6 Moves to Paramount+, Along With Road Rules Reboot and The Challenge: All Stars". TVLine. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
- ^ Sim, Bernardo (August 9, 2022). "'Drag Race' Producers Announce Brazil, Mexico & Germany Editions". Out. Archived from the original on August 9, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
- ^ Villa, Lucas (August 9, 2022). "Are Mexico & Brazil Finally Getting Their Own 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Spin-Off?". Remezcla. Archived from the original on August 9, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
- ^ Rice, Lynette (December 12, 2022). "'Drag Race': New Editions Planned For Brazil, Germany And Mexico". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 3, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
- ^ Hailu, Selome (December 12, 2022). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' Moves to MTV, Launches 'Global All Stars' And Editions in Brazil, Germany, Mexico". Variety. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
- ^ Hailu, Selome (March 22, 2023). "Paramount+ Greenlights Season 3 Of Italian Version Of 'RuPaul's Drag Race'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
- ^ "Drag Race Italia sbarca su Paramount+" [Drag Race Italia lands on Paramount+]. Agenzia ANSA (in Italian). March 22, 2023. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ Shatto, Rachel (September 18, 2023). "Say Ciao Bella To The Queens Of 'Drag Race Italia' Season 3". Pride. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ Rowan, Iona (June 29, 2023). "The White Lotus star joins Drag Race Italia for season 3". Digital Spy. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ Nolfi, Joey (November 14, 2022). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' exploring new seasons in India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
- ^ Robledo, Jordan (November 14, 2022). "World of Wonder to expand Drag Race franchise in Japan, India and South Korea". Gay Times. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
- ^ Ng, Scott (November 16, 2022). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' eyes Asia expansion with new seasons in India, Japan and Singapore". New Musical Express. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
- ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (September 7, 2019). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' Sets Live Show In Las Vegas". Deadline. Archived from the original on September 8, 2019. Retrieved September 8, 2019.
- ^ Niemetz, Spencer (January 31, 2020). "Jamal Sims Talks Bringing the Magic of Drag to Las Vegas in RuPaul's Drag Race Live". The WOW Report. Archived from the original on June 22, 2021. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
- ^ Morris, Lauren (July 23, 2020). "RuPaul's Drag Race queens star in brand new spin-off series". Radio Times. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
- ^ @WorldOfWonder (February 5, 2024). "Voltamos, lindas! #DragRaceBrasil Temporada 2 terá estreia MUNDIAL exclusivamente no @wowpresentsplus, o lar de tudo que é #DragRace! Assista à T1 de @dragracebr e #GragHeartsDrag agora no @wowpresentsplus no Brasil e globalmente: https://bit.ly/3uoB2Tg" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Crave Orders a Fifth Season of its Hit Original Series, CANADA'S DRAG RACE". Bell Media. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
- ^ "Crave Confirms Its Hit Original Series, CANADA'S DRAG RACE, is Returning for a Sixth Season". Bell Media. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
- ^ "'Drag Race México' Renewed for Season 3 (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. September 5, 2024. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
- ^ "World of Wonder lines up Drag Race South Africa for streamer WOW Presents Plus".
- ^ "Atresmedia anuncia que 'Drag Race' tendrá quinta temporada, aún sin estrenar la cuarta". verTele! (in European Spanish). March 22, 2024. Retrieved March 23, 2024 – via eldiario.es.
- ^ RuPaul's Drag Race UK [@dragraceukbbc] (September 13, 2024). "Think you could be the UK's Next Drag Superstar? 🌟 Applications for #DragRaceUK 7 are NOW OPEN 🏁 @RuPaul @michellevisage" (Tweet). Retrieved September 15, 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ @WorldOfWonder (October 30, 2023). "Calling all queens! Casting for #DragRace Season 17 is happening NOW If you have the Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent it takes to becomes America's Next Drag Superstar, we want to hear from you! Apply now at http://worldofwonder.com/casting before 1/5/24" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ @WorldOfWonder (September 30, 2024). "Calling all queens! Casting for #DragRace Season 18 beings TODAY If you have the Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent it takes to become America's Next Drag Superstar, we want to hear from you! Apply now at http://worldofwonder.com/casting DEADLINE: Dec 6th 2024" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Randanne, Fabien (November 21, 2024). "« Drag Race France » : La prochaine saison sera une édition « All Stars »" [“Drag Race France”: The next season will be an “All Stars” edition]. 20minutes.fr (in French). 20 minutes. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
- ^ Tinoco, Armando (August 16, 2024). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' Renewed For Season 17 At MTV; Paramount+ Picks Up 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' For Season 10". Deadline. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
- ^ Swift, Andy (December 12, 2022). "RuPaul's Drag Race Moving to MTV for Season 15 in January — Full Details". TV Line. Archived from the original on December 12, 2022. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
- ^ "Eat, Slay, Love! Crave, World of Wonder, and Blue Ant Studios Announce New Original Series SLAYCATION, from the DRAG RACE Universe". Bell Media. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
- ^ "Hear Those Slay Bells Ringing! From the Drag Race Universe, SLAYCATION Premieres December 31 on Crave". Bell Media. Retrieved December 10, 2024.