Looks like hard werk really pays off. After eight successful seasons on the Logo network, RuPaul's Drag Race is moving to VH1 for Season 9. Since its inception in 2009, Drag Race has aired more than 100 episodes on Logo, but recently revealed that the show is now taking its talents to VH1 in order to target a broader market, according to Entertainment Weekly.
The whole reasoning behind Drag Race's sashay away appears to be nothing more than the results of the show's rising success. In fact, growing viewership, coupled with RuPaul's 2016 Emmy win, played a direct role in the decision to shift channels. Logo’s SVP of programming and development, Pamela Post, told EW in a statement,
Coming off RuPaul’s Emmy win and a ratings record-breaking season of All Stars, the fandom around RuPaul’s Drag Race has only continued to swell as we head into season nine. Broadcasting the show on VH1 will allow more fans to experience the energy, heart, and talent these fierce queens bring to the stage every week.
Hey, I certainly can't be mad at that. But wait, that's not all — there's even more exciting news in store for the reality competition — the series has also announced that Lady Gaga will be featured as a guest on the Season 9 premiere, set to air on March 24. So it looks like Drag Race is gearing up for some pretty big things on its new network. I'll definitely be tuning in to see what's in store.
By the way, there's no need to worry if you're a fan of the Logo network, as the move is not a total loss for them. After each episode makes its premiere on VH1, the encore episodes will later be shown on Logo, so it's certainly a win-win situation for all parties involved. I suppose all's well either way it goes, with both channels being owned and operated by the same parent company, Viacom Media Networks.
It was also reported that Viacom is in the midst of restructuring its networks and plans to move many of its programs around to "reinforce" branding, according to Deadline. The report shares that there have even been some whispers about America's Next Top Model possibly moving from VH1 to MTV. I guess I'll have to keep my ears out for important announcements, so I don't miss any of my favorite shows.
This new season of RuPaul's Drag Race will definitely be one to watch. We'll get to see 13 drag queens vie for a chance to win the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar.
It's great to see RuPaul still continuing to achieve great success after so many seasons. I guess good things really do come to those who wait, after all.
