Drag Race (franchise)

''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 in the United States with ''RuPaul's Drag Race'', where it premiered in 2009. The series primary objectives is finding the first (or next) "Drag Superstar" who possesses the traits of "charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent". The original series is often credited for bringing drag into the "mainstream" media.

As of 2023, ''RuPaul's Drag Race'' has produced fifteen seasons and has spawned several spin-off series such as: ''RuPaul's Drag U'' (2010–2012), ''RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars'', and ''RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race''. With the series being popular, three drag fan conventions have been created: RuPaul's DragCon LA, RuPaul's DragCon NYC, and RuPaul's DragCon UK.

With the American series being popular, a Thai production company acquired the rights to create their own Thai adaptation of ''RuPaul's Drag Race''. With the Thai adaptation being successful, it spawned many international adaptations of the American series. Ten adaptations in total have been made, with five more are on the way.

History

2008–2017: ''The Start of RuPaul's Drag Race''

In mid-2008, it was revealed that RuPaul had begun producing a new reality television game show. 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). The winner of the first season of ''RuPaul's Drag Race'' (and the ''Drag Race'' franchise) was BeBe Zahara Benet.

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''. 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.

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+). It was announced as ''RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars'', and the winner for the first season was Chad Michaels.

''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 higher profile channel: VH1, for their ninth season. However, the reality show still remained airing on Logo. In November 2017, World of Wonder launched their subscription streaming service WOW Presents Plus. The service provides access to its exclusive library of the ''Drag Race'' franchise, and web series from WOWPresents' YouTube channel.

2018–present: ''The Expansion of Drag Race''

In February 2018, it was announced that a Thai adaptation of ''RuPaul's Drag Race'' was set to premiere through Thailand. The reality competition series was licensed by the Kantana Group. The show was named as '' Drag Race Thailand'' with its judges and co-hosts: Art Arya and Pangina Heals. The first season winner for ''Drag Race Thailand'' was Natalia Pliacam.

In June 2018, the producers of the ''RuPaul's Drag Race'' hinted that a British adaptation of the show was in the works. It was later confirmed that Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato and RuPaul had a meeting with the BBC
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