Blue Ant & World of Wonder Team for Drag Race FAST Channel

Blue Ant Media and World of Wonder have partnered to launch Drag Race Universe, a new FAST channel, on VIZIO WatchFree+ in the U.S.

The channel offers U.S. audiences global versions of Drag Race. With nine international franchises and multiple spin-offs, there will be a constant pipeline of new seasons and drag-related programming.

Programming available at launch includes Canada’s Drag Race seasons two and three; RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World; RuPaul’s Drag Race UK seasons two and three; and the first season of Drag Race Philippines and Drag Race Philippines Untucked, its companion series that follows the backstage drama. Additional international series in the franchise that will roll out on the free streaming channel over the coming months include Drag Race Holland, Drag Race France, Drag Race Italia, Drag Race Espana and RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under.

The deal represents the expansion of the two companies’ ongoing partnership, which sees Blue Ant Media producing Canada’s Drag Race and Canada’s Drag Race: Canada vs. the World for World of Wonder, in association with Crave in Canada.

VIZIO audiences can find Drag Race Universe on channel 325 of the WatchFree+ app, available on VIZIO SmartCast TVs.

“Drag Race Universe expands Blue Ant Media’s partnership with World of Wonder and offers a curated lineup of international Drag Race hits to U.S. audiences available for the first time on a free streaming channel,” said Jamie Schouela, president of global channels and media at Blue Ant Media. “Debuting first on VIZIO WatchFree+ is an opportunity to leverage the platform’s exceptional reach and grow excitement for this iconic franchise among devoted fans and new audiences.”

“It’s a brave new world in media, and we’re excited to launch Drag Race Universe and expand our partnership with Blue Ant Media,” said Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, co-founders of World of Wonder. “Drag Race Universe is an idea whose time has come; with over 400 queens, 24 international versions and counting, this new FAST channel will build on the major success we’ve already had with WOW Presents Plus in the direct-to-consumer space.”

“VIZIO is proud to be the first to bring Drag Race Universe to U.S. audiences,” added Greg Barnard, director of content acquisitions at VIZIO. “Drag Race Universe joins Blue Ant Media favorites like Love Nature, Total Crime and Haunt TV on VIZIO WatchFree+ and allows us to expand our diverse entertainment programming for millions of VIZIO users.”