MTV and Paramount+ have renewed the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise for additional seasons, ensuring the show’s continued presence on air well into its third decade. The flagship series will return for its 19th season on MTV, alongside its companion aftershow RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked for an 18th season. Meanwhile, Paramount+ has ordered a 12th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, along with a ninth season of its companion series RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars: Untucked. The renewals come as the franchise celebrates 11 Emmy nominations and a record-breaking season of viewership.
Renewal Details and Franchise Expansion
RuPaul’s Drag Race originally premiered in 2009 on Logo TV and has since grown into a global phenomenon. The franchise now includes international iterations such as Canada’s Drag Race All Stars, Drag Race México: Latina Royale, and Drag Race France, which have all aired new episodes in recent weeks.
World of Wonder, the production company behind the shows, credited the network partners, competing queens, judges, and fans for the franchise’s success. Nearly twenty years later, what began as a dream has become an extraordinary global movement,
the company stated. Drag brings people together in powerful ways – and we are honored to keep celebrating new voices and sharing iconic moments with the world.
Season 18’s Success and Ratings Records
The renewal follows a commercially strong Season 18 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, which achieved double-digit audience growth over its predecessor. According to Culture.org, the season set a new franchise premiere viewership record, with a 19% increase in the P18-49 rating and a 7% rise in P18-49 share. Season 18 crowned Myki Meeks as the winner, who became the latest drag superstar. Guest judges included Cardi B, Teyana Taylor, and Benny Blanco.
The RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars spinoff also saw a format change in its latest season, featuring a Tournament of All Stars
that brought back returning queens to compete for a spot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame.
Crystal Methyd won the season, becoming the first person of Mexican descent to claim the title. The finale included the franchise’s first all-disco Lip Sync Smackdown, with guest judges such as Kate Hudson and La Toya Jackson.
Emmy Nominations and Industry Context
The franchise’s continued success is underscored by its 11 Emmy nominations in the 2026 awards cycle. RuPaul Charles received his 11th consecutive nomination for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program, extending his record. The Hollywood Reporter highlighted Michelle Visage’s comments on the nominations, where she suggested the Emmy recognition could serve as a statement without saying it’s a statement
amid current political climate concerns.
Despite challenges faced by the parent company of MTV and Paramount+, including industry pressures and a stalled $111 billion merger, RuPaul’s Drag Race has remained a consistent ratings performer. The show’s unscripted slate has been a bright spot for the networks, with Season 18’s strong numbers reinforcing its cultural and commercial impact.
International Reach and Future Prospects
The franchise’s global influence is evident in its international adaptations, which continue to expand. TheWrap noted the simultaneous airing of new episodes across multiple countries, including Drag Race Down Under vs. the World. These international versions reflect the show’s adaptability and enduring appeal.
With Season 19 confirmed, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. The renewed seasons will likely feature new contestants, evolving formats, and continued celebration of drag culture. As World of Wonder stated, the series remains committed to celebrating new voices and sharing iconic moments with the world.
The upcoming seasons will also see the return of RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars: Untucked, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the competition.
