Free streaming channel Drag Race Universe launches
Drag Race continues its path towards world domination with the launch of a new streaming channel called Drag Race Universe in the US.
The channel’s launch, as reported by Variety, is representative of an expanded partnership between World of Wonder, the company which produces the Drag Race franchise and Blue Ant Media. Drag Race Universe will be a free, ad-supported streaming channel that will continuously air Drag Race related titles such as Canada’s Drag Race, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, and Drag Race Philippines. There are also plans in the works to add Drag Race Italia, Drag Race France, Drag Race Espana and RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under to the roster.
“Drag Race Universe expands Blue Ant Media’s partnership with World of Wonder and offers a curated line-up of international Drag Race hits to U.S. audiences available for the first time on a free streaming channel,” said Jamie Schouela, president of global channels and media at Blue Ant to Variety. “Debuting first on VIZIO WatchFree+ is an opportunity to leverage the platform’s exceptional reach and grow excitement for this iconic franchise among devoted fans and new audiences.”
Currently the international Drag Race iterations are only available to US fans on the paid streaming service WOW Presents Plus. For $4.99 a month (or $49.99 annually) subscribers get access to ad free versions of all the international Drag Race shows in addition to original content from the franchise’s biggest stars including Jinkx Monsoon, Monét Xchange, Lawrence Chaney and many others. That’s not to mention the streaming service’s mega hits like UNHhh with Trixie Mattel and Katya and Fashion Photo Review with Raja and Raven.
“It’s a brave new world in media, and we’re excited to launch Drag Race Universe and expand our partnership with Blue Ant Media,” says World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato. “Drag Race Universe is an idea whose time has come; with over 400 queens, 24 international versions and counting, this new FAST channel will build on the major success we’ve already had with WOW Presents Plus in the Direct-to-Consumer space.”
There is no word yet on Drag Race Universe becoming available on other platforms besides VIZIO, but hopefully there will be. It is no secret the Drag Race fans have grown weary of paying multiple subscription services for access to their favorite shows. When news was announced that the US version of Drag Race was moving to MTV, it was met with outcry since fans would need to update their cable subscription plans to include MTV while still holding onto VH1 for access to RuPaul’s Celebrity Drag Race, in addition to subscribing to Paramount+ for RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, and WOW Presents Plus for the international versions of the show. Expanding the availability of Drag Race Universe could go a long way towards satisfying the fanbase.
Drag Race Universe is now available to VIZIO customers.
