“RuPaul’s Drag Race” has taken the world by storm, and the producers behind the show, Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, are riding high on their recent Emmy win for Outstanding Reality Competition Program. With the show gaining momentum and its highest-rated season premiere in six years, Bailey and Barbato can’t help but feel amazed at its continued success.
Expanding Globally
The success of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” isn’t limited to the United States. The show has spawned 20 international versions, with more on the way. Season 2 of “UK vs. the World” is just around the corner, and later this year, fans can look forward to the Mexico, Brazil, Germany, and Italy editions exclusively on WOW Presents Plus, World of Wonder’s streaming platform.
Speaking with Variety over Zoom, Bailey and Barbato discussed the recent Emmy win, the growth of their streaming platform, and the current state of the “Drag Race” franchise.
Spreading Love and Inclusion
In a world where hate and discrimination against the drag community persist, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” stands as a beacon of inclusivity and love. Bailey and Barbato believe that the show’s global reach helps combat these challenges faced by drag communities worldwide. By showcasing the artistry and talent of drag queens across different cultures, the show reveals the falsehoods perpetuated against them and spreads joy to all who watch.
A Hub for Drag Excellence
WOW Presents Plus has become a one-stop hub for all things “Drag Race.” Not only can fans find their favorite versions of the show there, but they can also enjoy a variety of “Drag”-adjacent programming. Bailey and Barbato emphasize that there’s always room for different streaming experiences, and WOW Presents Plus offers a specialty streaming service that brings joy and entertainment at an affordable price.
The Power of Drag Queens
The success of WOW Presents Plus demonstrates the global appetite for drag queens and their stories. With a growing audience and committed viewership, the platform allows for more exposure and opportunities for these incredible artists. As Bailey and Barbato continue to expand the “Drag Race” franchise, they showcase queens from all over the world, providing diverse perspectives and captivating entertainment.
Beyond Drag Race
Bailey and Barbato’s creative endeavors extend beyond “Drag Race.” In the world of documentaries, they are busier than ever, working on new projects that are soon to be announced. Additionally, fans can look forward to new seasons of “Drag Race Thailand,” “Drag Race Philippines,” “Drag Race France,” and “Drag Race Spain.” With so much exciting content on the horizon, there’s no shortage of drag excellence to indulge in.
A Shoutout to Partners
Bailey and Barbato credit their successful 15-year run on the air to their partnership with Viacom and Paramount. They commend Chris McCarthy for recognizing the power of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and contributing to its growth and success.
Read the full interview on F5mag.com here