• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Blue Ant Media

Nothing connects like a good story.

  • Investor Relations
  • About Us
    • Management Team
    • Board Of Directors
    • Our News
    • Careers
    • Our Locations
  • Studios
    • Production
    • Distribution
  • Global Channels + Streaming
    • Global Channels
    • Media Pulse
  • Canadian Media
    • Canadian Channels
    • Cottage Life
    • Consumer Shows
    • Advertise with US

Blue Ant Media and World of Wonder Expand Partnership With the Launch of New FAST Channel in the U.S. Market, Drag Race Universe

17 January 2023

The offering brings global versions of the hit Drag Race franchise to U.S. audiences, making its free debut on VIZIO WatchFree+

Blue Ant Media and World of Wonder launch Drag Race Universe in the U.S., a new free-streaming TV channel, offering American audiences international Drag Race series like Drag Race Down Under, above.

(Toronto, ON – January 17, 2023) International producer, distributor and channel operator, Blue Ant Media and global, multi-platform media company World of Wonder announce the U.S. launch of Drag Race Universe, a new FAST (free, ad-supported streaming) channel, available now on VIZIO WatchFree+, VIZIO’s (NYSE: VZIO) free streaming service. The channel offers U.S. audiences global versions of World of Wonder’s Emmy Award-winning Drag Race series. With nine international franchises and a bevy of spin-offs celebrating drag culture, Drag Race Universe brings a constant pipeline of new seasons and drag-related programming. Additional platforms carrying Drag Race Universe will be announced in the coming months. 

The deal represents the expansion of the two companies’ ongoing partnership that 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.

“Drag Race Universe expands Blue Ant Media’s partnership with World of Wonder and offers a curated line-up of international Drag Race hits to U.S. audiences available for the first time on a free streaming channel,” says Jamie Schouela, President, Global Channels and Media, 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,” says World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato. “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 audiences can find Drag Race Universe on channel 325 of the VIZIO WatchFree+ app, available on VIZIO SmartCast TVs. 

“VIZIO is proud to be the first to bring Drag Race Universe to U.S. audiences,” says 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.”

Created by World of Wonder, the Drag Race franchise is an Emmy Award-winning competition series that has become a worldwide phenomenon, bringing the art of drag to the mainstream. Drag queens from all around the world have put their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent to the test in the search for the coveted title of Next Drag Superstar. 

Programming launch highlights on the Drag Race Universe channel include: Canada’s Drag Race Seasons 2 and 3; RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World; RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Seasons 2 and 3; 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. 

Blue Ant Media’s suite of FAST (free, ad-supported streaming TV) channels offer audiences curated programming that is easy and free to access on growing platforms like Tubi, Freevee, VIZIO WatchFree+, The Roku Channel, Xumo, Samsung TV Plus and VIX. The company’s growing global portfolio of FAST channels include Love Nature, HauntTV, Total Crime, Homeful and HistoryTime.

Blue Ant Media is a privately held, international content producer, distributor and channel operator. We own and operate numerous production companies in North America and Asia-Pacific, creating content for broadcasters and streaming platforms in multiple genres including factual entertainment, natural history, documentary and adult animation. Our distribution business, Blue Ant International, offers a substantial catalogue of content, including one of the world’s largest 4K natural history offerings. Blue Ant Media operates linear and free streaming channels under several brands including Love Nature, Smithsonian Channel (Canada), BBC Earth (Canada), BBC First (Canada), HauntTV, Homeful, CrimeTime, TotalCrime and HistoryTime. Blue Ant Media is headquartered in Toronto, with eight international offices in Los Angeles, New York, Singapore, Tokyo, London, Washington, Mumbai and Beijing. Blueantmedia.com Twitter⼁Instagram⼁LinkedIn

About World of Wonder

World of Wonder (WOW) has reshaped international pop culture, earning 28 Emmys, inspiring two Oscars, creating global network WOW Presents Plus across 190 territories, and bringing drag culture to the world stage via “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and DragCon. WOW’s pioneering television portfolio includes other smash-hit franchises like “Million Dollar Listing.” Their film division WOW Docs produces groundbreaking documentaries including “Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures,” “Party Monster,” and “The Eyes of Tammy Faye.” WOW also operates YouTube channel WOWPresents, music label World of Wonder Records, the WOW Podcast Network, and year-round international live events. Co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato have been profiled in Variety’s Reality TV Impact Report. Honors for their trailblazing work include the IDA Pioneer Award, Realscreen’s Global 100 list, and the OUT 100. In 2022, World of Wonder was ranked #2 among film and TV powerhouses in Fast Company’s World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies.

About VIZIO

Founded and headquartered in Orange County, California, our mission at VIZIO Holding Corp. (NYSE: VZIO) is to deliver immersive entertainment and compelling lifestyle enhancements that make our products the center of the connected home. We are driving the future of televisions through our integrated platform of cutting-edge Smart TVs and powerful operating system. We also offer a portfolio of innovative sound bars that deliver consumers an elevated audio experience. Our platform gives content providers more ways to distribute their content and advertisers more tools to connect with the right audience. For more information, visit VIZIO.com and follow VIZIO on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Primary Sidebar

Categories

  • Advertising
  • All News
  • Blue Ant Plus
  • Blue Ant Studios
    • Distribution
    • Production
  • Canadian Media
    • BBC Earth
    • BBC First
    • Cottage Life
    • Love Nature
    • Makeful
    • Smithsonian Channel
    • T+E
  • Consumer Events
  • Cottage Life Magazine
  • Events and Presentations
  • Global Channels + Streaming
  • Investor News

Archives

More News

Screenshot-2024-08-14-at-9.24.18-AM

TVO Unveils Trailer for Old Enough!

14 August 2024

ghosting-punch-in

CBC RENEWS UNSCRIPTED PARANORMAL COMEDY GHOSTING WITH LUKE HUTCHIE AND MATTHEW FINLAN FOR A SECOND SEASON

24 July 2024

SNE6.Oct30.2019.knorthphotography-33-1

Crime and Mystery Sales Trending Across Central and Eastern European Platforms 

20 June 2024

Crave_Group_Shot

EAT, SLAY, LOVE! NEW DRAG RACE UNIVERSE SERIES, SLAYCATION, UNVEILS THE SIX INTERNATIONAL DRAG QUEENS HEADING TO THE CANADIAN WILDERNESS IN AN ALL-NEW UNSCRIPTED PROJECT FROM THE PRODUCERS OF CANADA’S DRAG RACE

6 June 2024

Race girl

Blue Ant Studios Inks Over 125 Hours of LATAM Deals, Spanning Multiple Genres

15 May 2024

Stormy – Season 1

Blue Ant Studios Rights Division Acquires Exclusive Worldwide Distribution Rights to Stormy

15 April 2024

20230323-DSC_2876-2

Dive Into Summer at the Spring Cottage Life Show

13 March 2024

Jun-28-2022-SME-Gallery-Shoot-0208-R-1

Get Into Your “Better Home Era” at the National Home Show, Presented by RE/MAX, Happening March 8-10 & 13-17 at the Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place

28 February 2024

Jun-28-2022-SME-Gallery-Shoot-0208-R-1

All-Star Line-Up of Reno, Home Design, and Garden Experts Announced for the 65th Annual National Home Show, presented by RE/MAX March 8-10 & 13-17, Enercare Centre

21 February 2024

Edited

Blue Ant Studios Introduces a Brand New Slate at London Screenings with over 40 New and Returning High-Profile Series and Documentaries 

15 February 2024

Blown-Away-S4-Key-Art

FIRST LOOK: BLOWN AWAY SEASON 4

8 February 2024

DJL_Promo_Still7-Veronika-Slowikowska-Jaelynn-Brooks-courtesy-of-blue-ant-media-1

FIRST LOOK: Original Series Davey & Jonesie’s Locker

1 February 2024

WRV_Press_FieldBgd-1-1

Blue Ant Media Announces its Latest Slate of Original Canadian Programming for its Speciality TV and Global Free Streaming Channels

31 January 2024

old-enough

Blue Ant Studios Secures Canadian Rights to Nippon TV’s Old Enough! TVO has greenlit the series set to launch in fall 2024

29 January 2024

Bollywed_notitle

Ahead of the CMPA’s Prime Time Conference, Blue Ant Studios Announces Partnerships with Canadian Producers to Represent 85 Hours of Premium Programming

23 January 2024

Attenborough And The Jurassic Sea Monster

Sir David Attenborough Explores the Prehistoric Era in Attenborough and the Jurassic Sea Monster, Premiering February 14 on BBC Earth in Canada

18 January 2024

Marine-Ksadzhikyan-Headshot_WhiteBG

Blue Ant Media Announces Appointment of Marine Ksadzhikyan as VP, Content Sales, Amidst Sales Growth in U.S. Market

12 January 2024

Mike Holmes, host of DIY Network’s Holmes Buys Homes.

Mike Holmes Headlines the 2024 Home + Backyard Show, Returning From February 2-4 at The International Centre, Mississauga

10 January 2024

Main-Banner-Ghosting-Cast-Stack-1-1

CELEBRITY GUESTS AND HAUNTED LOCATIONS REVEALED FOR NEW UNSCRIPTED PARANORMAL COMEDY GHOSTING WITH LUKE HUTCHIE AND MATTHEW FINLAN, PREMIERING JANUARY 26 ON CBC GEM

9 January 2024

MediaPulse_logo

Media Pulse Announces Exclusive Partnership With Anzu in Canada, Unlocking In-Game Advertising at Scale for Canadian Brands

7 December 2023

CottageLifecrowd

The 19th Annual Fall Cottage Life Show Returns to the International Centre, Mississauga, November 10–12, Offering Free Cottage-themed Tattoos On-site On Opening Day

31 October 2023

SeasonsShopping

The Seasons Christmas Show Invites Ontarians to Embrace the Festive Spirit and Kick-Start Their Holiday Shopping, November 10-12

19 October 2023

Ghosting-LHMF

CBC GREENLIGHTS UNSCRIPTED PARANORMAL COMEDY GHOSTING WITH LUKE HUTCHIE AND MATTHEW FINLAN, FROM BLUE ANT STUDIOS

10 October 2023

DJL_102_0171_DG_20230417-Veronika-Slowikowska-Jaelynn-Brooks_L

Blue Ant Media Announces New Kids, Family and Animation Projects Offered at MIPCOM 

2 October 2023

John Conteh at the Playboy Club

Blue Ant Media Heads to MIPCOM with new slate of Premium Series and Award-Winning Documentaries for International Streamers and Broadcasters  

28 September 2023

Queen-Victoria-Statue-with-Red-Paint-Trail-Credit-Michael-McArthur

Powerful New Documentary, Inside the Statue Wars,  Delves into the Nationwide Battle Over Public Statues and Asks if Reconciliation is Possible While They Still Stand

21 September 2023

MP_2589

The 2023 Fall Home Show Prepares for the Colder Months Ahead With Over 250 Exhibitors and Industry Experts On Hand to Help Ontarians Renovate and Decorate Their Home This Season

11 September 2023

Crave_Slaycation_Announcement_1280x720

Eat, Slay, Love! Crave, World of Wonder, and Blue Ant Studios Announce New Original Series SLAYCATION, from the DRAG RACE Universe

11 September 2023

unnamed

Momo Film Co Joins Forces With Korea-Based Bros Studio to Develop Popular Kenaz Webtoons Into Television Series

22 August 2023

Portrait  (L) Matt Hornburg, (C) Michael MacMillan and (R) Mark Bishop

Blue Ant Media and marblemedia Announce Merger of Production and Distribution Operations Into One Unified Studio and Rights Business

10 August 2023

MobileSyrup_colour_hor (1)

MobileSyrup Expands Reach With Revamped Weekly Newsletter, Antenna, Building on 60K Subscriber Base

13 July 2023

Waking Giants

Attenborough and the Giant Dinosaur: The Story of the Discovery of the Largest Known Dinosaur

10 July 2023

The-Elephant-Odyssey_01-1

IMAX, BEACH HOUSE PICTURES AND CHINA REVIEW STUDIO JOIN FORCES ON “THE ELEPHANT ODYSSEY”, A NEW FEATURE DOCUMENTARY ON CHINA’S WANDERING ELEPHANTS

3 July 2023

DenimRichards_ArtNation

Smithsonian Channel™ Announces Inspiring New Series ArtNation, Set to Debut in Canada on Tuesday, June 20 at 10 p.m.ET/PT

24 May 2023

Post

Cottage Life Signs On as Official Media Sponsor of Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival, Celebrating Canadian Music and Entertainment

16 May 2023

LakefrontLuxury_Thumb_NoTitle_1920x1080

Blue Ant International Announces Slew of Co-Production, Pre-sales and Distribution deals with A+E Networks, Smithsonian Channel™ and True Royalty TV

9 May 2023

Coronation Presenters 16-9 (1)

BBC First to air King Charles III and the Queen Consort’s Coronations for Canadian Audiences

5 May 2023

Ottawa-Cottage-Life-Backyard-Show_image3

Spring Ahead to the Cottage Season at the Ottawa Cottage Life & Backyard Show, April 21-23 at the EY Centre

28 March 2023

Untitled-design

Blue Ant International Spring Slate Sees More Than 450 Hours of New Premium Programming at MIPTV

23 March 2023

CLSS22-169

The Spring Cottage Life Show Returns March 23-26 at the International Centre, Mississauga

16 March 2023

Serengeti III: Episode 01: Refuge

Adjoa Andoh Narrates BBC Earth’s Latest Landmark Series, Serengeti III; Premiering March 19 During the Channel’s Nationwide Free Preview Event

7 March 2023

Screen-Shot-2023-03-02-at-8.00.21-AM

New Report Findings Show FAST Revenues will account for nearly 20% of the UK’s $3bn premium online ad-supported video market by 2027

2 March 2023

Carolyn-Taylor-Headshot

CATALYST AND BLUE ANT STUDIOS  ROLL INTO PRODUCTION ON NEW CRAVE ORIGINAL COMEDY SERIES CREATED BY AND STARRING CAROLYN TAYLOR

11 October 2022

BabyShowVancouver

Canada’s Leading Pregnancy, Baby and Toddler Event Arrives on the West Coast: The Baby Show Debuts October 22-23 at Canada Place

11 October 2022

Planet-Shark_KeyImage

Love Nature Dives Beneath the Surface to Explore the Greatest Predator on Earth–Sharks, in its Latest Global Original Planet Shark, Premiering During the Channel’s Highly-Anticipated “FinFest” TV Event, October 10-16

4 October 2022

ExecHeadshot_BlueAntMedia_2-2

Blue Ant Media Expands Advertising Offering with Acquisition of Media Pulse, Canada’s Exclusive Connected TV Marketplace

29 September 2022

Hotel-Paranormal-Cropped

Blue Ant Media Launches HauntTV and Love Pets on Foxtel as Channels and VOD

24 June 2025

The Philippines_LoveNature copy

Blue Ant Studios Heads to Sunny Side of the Doc with a Diverse Array of Original Love Nature Greenlights

23 June 2025

Boat Rocker and Blue Ant provide transaction update; Blue Ant final order received

19 June 2025

Spycraft_PRimage

Blue Ant Media Expands Its Offering on The Roku Channel in Canada with the Launch of Declassified 

19 June 2025

Boat Rocker Media announces transaction shareholder approval at special meeting of shareholders.

17 June 2025

Mysteries from Above Season 3, Episode 3

Blue Ant Studios Closes Deal for Premium Canadian History title Mysteries from Above to A+E Global Media

11 June 2025

Matt Nippon

Nippon TV and Blue Ant Studios enter Strategic Partnership for Unscripted Formats in North America

5 June 2025

Damselfly (1)

Bugs That Rule the World Explores the Secret Lives of Earth’s Tiny but Mighty Unsung Heroes, Premiering June 14 on Love Nature in Canada

20 May 2025

  • X
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Accessibility
  • Viewer Feedback

Copyright © 2025 · Blue Ant Media