The queens aren’t leaving the runway anytime soon. MTV has officially renewed “RuPaul’s Drag Race” for Season 19, while Paramount+ is bringing “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” back for Season 12, The Hollywood Reporter reported on Saturday, August 15.
The franchise’s companion shows are also sticking around. “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked” will return alongside the flagship series, while “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars: Untucked” has also received another season at Paramount+.
The news arrives during another strong awards season for the long-running reality franchise, which earned 11 Emmy nominations this year.
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Officially Renewed for Season 19
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” will continue on MTV after Season 18 delivered double-digit viewership growth compared with the previous installment. The season ended with Myki Meeks taking the crown and becoming the franchise’s newest drag superstar.
World of Wonder, the production company behind the series, reflected on how far the show has come since its debut.
“Nearly twenty years later, what began as a dream has become an extraordinary global movement. We owe endless thanks to our partners at MTV and Paramount+, along with every queen, judge, crew member, and fan who has built RuPaul’s Drag Race,” the company said in a statement, obtained by Deadline.
“Drag brings people together in powerful ways – and we are honored to keep celebrating new voices and sharing iconic moments with the world.”
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars’ Returning for Season 12
ParamountParamount+ is also extending the franchise with another round of returning queens.
Season 11 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” shook up the usual competition with its Tournament of All Stars format. The season brought former contestants back to battle for a place in the “Drag Race Hall of Fame.”
Crystal Methyd ultimately emerged victorious and claimed the title.
Details about the cast and premiere dates for the newly ordered seasons have not been announced yet.
RuPaul Extends Historic Emmy Nomination Record
MTVThe renewals arrive as RuPaul Charles adds another accomplishment to an already formidable awards record.
RuPaul received his 11th consecutive nomination for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program, extending his record in the category.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” itself has won the Emmy for Outstanding Reality Competition Program five times. The franchise is once again competing for television’s biggest honors after collecting 11 nominations this year.
Michelle Visage Says an Emmy Win Would Send a Message
Longtime judge and executive producer Michelle Visage recently explained why reclaiming the reality competition Emmy would carry extra meaning for the team.
“I think it would be a championship in a way that voices are being heard without saying things. It’s a statement without saying it’s a statement, do you know what I mean?” Visage told The Hollywood Reporter.
She continued, “Especially with what’s going on in the political climate. But we are grateful just being in that class of people that we’re in; being nominated, being included, being thought of is truly an honor. We spread the love. We’re still celebratory, but if we did [win], it’s definitely a ‘We’re not going anywhere’ type of statement.”
With Season 19, another “All Stars” installment and both “Untucked” series now secured, the franchise is making that point before the next queen even steps onto the runway.
