A new version of the Emmy-winning reality competition show RuPaul’s Drag Race is officially slated to debut in Spain in 2021. Since originally premiering in 2009, the show has launched successful takes in places like Thailand, Holland, and the U.K. The franchise as a whole has become a global phenomenon, introducing the larger world to drag and its impacts.
The U.S. edition of RuPaul’s Drag Race has won numerous awards and popularized several drag stars along the way, including but not limited to Pandora Boxx, Shangela, Ongina, and Jujubee. The show challenges contestants to develop their own attire, participate in competitions crafted by Ru, and ultimately lip sync for their reality television lives, all in front of a panel of celebrity judges. The star who makes it to the end of the U.S. edition typically receives a cash prize and a slew of luxury cosmetics.
According to EW, season 1 of Drag Race Spain will be available in North America on the WOW Presents Plus subscription streaming app. This will happen on the same day as when it debuts in Spain, meaning fans won’t miss a beat no matter where they’re watching in the world. Randy Barbato, Fenton Bailey, and Tom Campbell, who are responsible for the original franchise in the U.S., will executive produce Drag Race Spain. The host, judging panel, cast, and premiere date will be announced in the coming months. Barbato and Bailey said:
It is such an honor to welcome Spain to the Drag Race family, partner with Atres, and bring the fierce fabulous glamour of Spanish queens to new audiences around the world on WOW Presents Plus. In these dark and challenging times we believe people need Drag Race's joy, laughter, and heart now more than ever.
In an interview with EW from over the summer, Bailey and Barbato hinted “three or four” global spinoffs are currently in the works for the franchise. This is on top of existing spinoffs in countries including Great Britain and Canada. Barbato also went as far as to say World of Wonder – the production company behind RuPaul’s Drag Race – is considering additional installments of RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race as well.
Considering the success RuPaul’s Drag Race has already seen at home and abroad, it’s hard to imagine Drag Race Spain flopping. It’s also worth noting this isn’t just a run-of-the-mill reality competition show; it serves as a platform for the drag community and beyond. Viewers will have to wait and see if it has the star power of the U.S. version, but if RuPaul has anything to say about it, Drag Race Spain is sure to become yet another successful branch of this highly addictive franchise.