Everything We Know About The International Spin-Offs Inspired By RuPaul's Drag Race

If you're like us, you love "RuPaul's Drag Race" and the inclusivity and love it represents. But if you're like us, you probably also struggle to keep up with all of the franchise's latest iterations. 

"Drag Race" premiered in 2009, and once it hit its stride, it couldn't be stopped (via Vulture). The flagship series has broken boundaries for drag queens and the general queer community alike during its run and it isn't going anywhere any time soon.

Over a decade later, "Drag Race" is still airing and bringing its drama, jaw-dropping eliminations, and wild scandals to your screen. In fact, Season 13 aired earlier this year and won RuPaul Charles his record-breaking Emmy, per Deadline. Alongside the main series, the sister series "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" has risen as a beacon of second chances and hope. What started as an occasional event has evolved into an annual ordeal, with some of the most famous drag queens, such as Trixie Mattel and Shea Couleé, returning to the Werk Room and leaving a winner their second time around (via GoldDerby).

"RuPaul's Drag Race" and "All Stars" may be two of the most talked-about series because they started it all, but "Drag Race" has expanded across the world and we're here to give you a full guide to the "Drag Race" franchise.

Each "Drag Race" franchise is produced by World of Wonder, the production company that has been with RuPaul Charles since the beginning of his flagship series. In the U.S., viewers can watch each show in the franchise — excluding the American "Drag Race" and "All Stars" — on World of Wonder's streaming service, WOW Presents Plus.

The first international series to come from World of Wonder arrived in 2018, a few years before the production company began funneling their efforts into taking over the world with drag (the lyrics to RuPaul's "Phenomenon" were prophetic, it seems). This first iteration was none other than "Drag Race Thailand." Hosted by Thai drag legends Pangina Heals and Art Arya, the series has currently aired two seasons, meaning two Thai drag queens have become Thailand's Next Drag Superstar so far (via BBC News).

"When the contestants leave, I give them a nice message to tell them I love them. I'm afraid it's not catchy," Arya explained of the difference between her salutation when eliminating someone and RuPaul's famous "sashay away." "Drag Race Thailand" quickly became known for its heart and its fashion sense, and we're hoping a third season is on the way.

"Drag Race Thailand" isn't the only spin-off to be hosted in a different language. In fact, two other "Drag Race" series set in non-English speaking countries have begun over the last year and a half, and both have become popular for different reasons.

"Drag Race Holland" premiered in autumn 2020 and brought viewers across the world to the Netherlands in a new way. Hosted by Fred Van Leer, a television personality with a knowledge of fashion and drag, the Dutch series' first season boasted a diverse cast of queens who were all ready to become Holland's first Drag Superstar, while a second season just wrapped (via Them). Where "Drag Race Thailand" is known for glamorous fashion, "Holland" is known for its drama. Both seasons so far offered viewers plenty to sink their teeth into. 

Also in Europe, "Drag Race España" premiered earlier this year, transporting viewers to sunny Spain. Hosted by Supremme de Luxe, a drag queen and presenter, this spin-off has only aired one season thus far, but it was filled with likable and relatable queens, good editing, the right amount of drama, and, honestly, love. According to CheatSheet, it's the only "Drag Race" season in herstory in which two separate contestants quit, but to understand why, you'll have to watch it. It's, to some, one of the best seasons in the entire "Drag Race" franchise.

"Drag Race Italia" is slated to premiere its inaugural season later this year. According to Entertainment Weekly, it will be hosted by Italian drag legend Priscilla.

And then there were three. Canada, the U.K., and Australia/New Zealand have their own "Drag Race" spin-off, too, with RuPaul Charles hosting the latter two.

"Drag Race U.K." has aired two previous seasons and has just begun its third, with the latest making history by having its first cisgender woman contestant (via Metro). "Drag Race U.K." is judged by RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Graham Norton, and Alan Carr, and it's home to some of the pluckiest queens on the planet. 

Then there's "Drag Race Down Under," which is filmed in New Zealand, per Stuff. Judged by RuPaul, Michelle Visage, and Rhys Nicholson, this series' first season aired this year, but it was immediately embroiled in controversy. Multiple contestants were called out for racism, and many didn't like how the show handled the accusations, according to Digital Spy. Still, the show was renewed for a second season slated for 2022 (via ScreenRant).

Finally, there's "Canada's Drag Race," which is hosted by "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 11 runner-up Brooke Lynn Hytes. Alongside Hytes, Season 1 was co-hosted by model Stacey McKenzie and actor Jeffrey Bower-Chapman, but many felt the judging was rude (via The Wrap). However, Season 2 is slated for an October 15 premiere, and joining Hytes this time is actor Amanda Brugel, personality Traci Melchor, and stylist Brad Goreski.

In other renewal news, "Secret Celebrity Drag Race," in which "Drag Race" alumni compete by giving celebrities drag makeovers, has been renewed for a second season (via Variety). So, which "Drag Race" series is your favorite?