RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is leaving the BBC, with the broadcaster deciding not to renew the series beyond Season 8 this year as it works through major budget pressures.
The BBC confirmed the decision alongside producer World of Wonder, citing “financial pressures” as the UK broadcaster seeks savings of £500 million ($677 million). Rather than ending the franchise outright, World of Wonder plans to move Drag Race UK — along with spin-off series — to its streaming service, Wow Presents Plus, where it is promising a “new era” for the format.
In a statement, a BBC spokesperson said: “As the BBC continues to navigate significant financial pressures and deliver the savings required of us, we have had to make some very difficult choices, none of which have been taken lightly.
“We can therefore confirm together with World of Wonder, that RuPaul’s Drag Race UK will be leaving the BBC and moving to Wow Presents Plus. The BBC is incredibly proud of all eleven series of this groundbreaking show and we would like to thank RuPaul, World of Wonder and everyone involved, both on and off screen.”
The move marks a significant platform shift for one of the BBC’s high-profile entertainment titles. The series features judges RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Graham Norton and Alan Carr, and has averaged around 1.5 million viewers, according to BBC News.
The decision also places Drag Race UK within a wider round of programming cuts at the BBC. In July, the broadcaster canceled Blankety Blank, Celebrity Mastermind and Live At The Apollo, as it continued to pursue the required savings.
What Happens Next?
Season 8 will be the final season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK on the BBC under the current arrangement. After that, World of Wonder plans to continue the show and related spin-offs on Wow Presents Plus, though no further details about the next phase were provided in the source material.