Drag Race fans are furious about ‘greedy’ RuPaul’s All Stars switch-up
RuPaul at the Drag Race UK judging table. (BBC)
Drag Race All Stars is moving to the premium cable network Showtime for Season 5, and fans are seriously unimpressed.
RuPaul was told to “sashay away” by fans who labelled him “greedy” after it was announced that All Stars 5 would air on Showtime instead of VH1.
While VH1 is included in the basic cable packages found in many American homes, Showtime is a premium network, meaning that many will be forced to shell out extra in order to keep up with the Drag Race hall of fame.
The All Stars move follows a merger between VH1 and Showtime’s parent companies, with Jana Winograde, president of entertainment for Showtime, saying she was “excited to take advantage of our relationship with our new sister company VH1 to present a special edition of this sensational series”.
She added: “It’s the latest example of how we can leverage our combined portfolio to provide new experiences for our audience,” which many fans translated as a whole bunch of riggery, buffoonery and tomfoolery.
The gays deciding who’s subscribing to Showtime for All Stars 5 pic.twitter.com/IDxHKboFBx
— JB (feat. Ke$ha) (@JBfromDC89) February 20, 2020
gays bars realizing they have to get Showtime in order to do All Stars 5 viewing parties pic.twitter.com/5G1gIow3Em
— stupid ninetales (@Z_ninetales) February 20, 2020
One person said they were disappointed for young LGBT+ viewers who watch the show when their parents aren’t around.
@RuPaul huge mistake moving AS 5 to Showtime! I’m guessing you didn’t take into consideration younger viewers who can’t afford $10.99 a month for ST! How about those kids who watch secretly when parents aren’t around ! Greed! RuPaul your a loser baby now sashay away!
— VEGAS INSTINCT (@meet_vincenzo) February 20, 2020
Another fan was concerned for the All Stars 5 queens, who face being seen by “barely anybody”.
imagine being an allstars 5 contestant and knowing that barely anybody will see your season because of drag race’s greed. very disappointing & unfair to everyone involved.
— Reign (@ReignHinman) February 20, 2020
Despite the announcement coming from VH1 and Showtime, much of the vitriol was directed at RuPaul.
RuPaul is moving Drag Race All Stars to Showtime AND it’s only 8 episodes? Gays, let’s get him pic.twitter.com/P2V7Muxndu
— metamucil papi ? (@kaypeaux) February 20, 2020
Season 2 All Star Tatianna and Season 3 winner Trixie Mattel both joined in the debate.
Putting All Stars on showtime is dumb AF pic.twitter.com/rBzHOqxH4x
— TATIANNA (@TATIANNANOW) February 20, 2020
Gays without Showtime: pic.twitter.com/cSduCtdgfV
— Trixie Mattel (@trixiemattel) February 20, 2020
But as one shady Twitter pointed out, many of those complaining about the All Stars move “just watch the show on streams you find online anyway”.
Why are people are complaining about Drag Race All Stars moving to Showtime when most of you just watch the show on streams you find online anyway? pic.twitter.com/JhXbup0jQl
— Chiffon Dior (@ChiffonDior) February 20, 2020
Lee Dawson, whose Drag Race RuCaps are the stuff of legend, was one of many British fans wondering what Showtime even is.
me trying to figure out how to get SHOWTIME in the UK at 3 in the morning so I can watch All Stars 5 pic.twitter.com/nGq77e2x7V
— Lee Dawson (@LeeDawsonPT) February 20, 2020
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 5 will premiere on Showtime in the US on Friday June 5 at 8pm and will “stream in select territories” on WOW Presents Plus afterwards.
It isn’t yet clear whether this include the UK, or whether All Stars will be available on either Comedy Central or Netflix, both of which have previously carried the show.
