RuPaul’s Drag Race is ‘going mainstream’ with a channel move
The next season of RuPaul’s Drag Race will be going mainstream.
The edgy drag reality contest has aired on LGBT-specific channel LogoTV since its inception in 2009, becoming the channel’s biggest and most prized show.
However, it was announced today that it has found a new home on mainstream cable channel VH1.
The show, which will feature Lady Gaga as a guest judge for its March 24 premiere, is hoping to win a new audience with the leap.
Pamela Post, SVP of Original Programming & Development at Logo said: “Coming off RuPaul’s Emmy win and a ratings record-breaking season of All Stars, the fandom around RuPaul’s Drag Race has only continued to swell as we head into season nine.
“Broadcasting the show on VH1 will allow more fans to experience the energy, heart and talent these fierce queens bring to the stage every week.”
As part of the deal, Logo will continue to air extras and encore episodes around the series, so it won’t be left entirely in the lurch. Both channels are owned by Viacom.
Despite beginning as a niche, low-budget show on a niche, low-budget network, the move confirms the explosive popularity of the show.
Streaming giant Netflix already owns the rights to the show in a number of countries including the UK.
Gaga’s long-rumoured appearance on the show was confirmed last month.
She confirmed: “The time has come! I’m joining the girls on the season premiere of @RuPaulsDragRace! #DontBeADrag #JustBeAQueen”.
A clip revealed a sneak preview of Gaga’s appearance, featuring her reprising RuPaul’s catchphrase “Gentlemen, start your engines, and may the best woman win”.
Confirming Gaga’s performance, Logo added: “The season nine premiere event features a shocking opening that will go down as one of the most jaw-dropping moments in ‘Drag Race’ history.”
