Can I ask why it’s filmed in New Zealand? Maybe share it with Australia considering it’s called Down Under.
Is it cheaper to produce or easier to bring staff in the country etc?
Was part of the tender process when the show was being commissioned, NZ stumped up the cash and Australia didn’t.
Wasn’t it originally meant to be filmed in Sydney? The Covid restrictions at the time forced them to change to NZ at the last minute. Ru liked filming in NZ so they kept it there.
2 Likes
Correct. NZ got it because of the Covid pandemic and border restrictions
1 Like
Stan have confirmed that the new season of Down Under will be hosted by Michelle Visage.
https://x.com/stanaustralia/status/1767264229290352876?s=46&t=j3VgBs8i_S5YFc6RKIe5cw
IN A WORLD-FIRST, GLOBAL ICON MICHELLE VISAGE WILL HOST THE BRAND NEW SEASON OF THE STAN ORIGINAL SERIES DRAG RACE DOWN UNDER
The iconic Stan Original Series will also welcome a star-studded line-up of Down Under drag royalty stepping up for the first time as judges and mentors, alongside fan-favourite Rhys Nicholson.
Stan, Australia’s unrivalled home of original productions, today announced the hotly anticipated return of the Stan Original Series Drag Race Down Under, which will premiere later this year with a new host, global icon Michelle Visage.
This is the first time that Michelle Visage is taking on the highly-regarded role as host in the 15 year history of the Drag Race franchise.
Michelle Visage said: “Thank you, RuPaul, for entrusting me with one of your beloved shows. The colour, humour and outrageousness of Down Under drag holds a special place in my heart. I’m ready to do everything in my power to encourage these beautiful queens to believe in themselves and let their inner light shine through.”
Aussie comedian Rhys Nicholson will also return as judge for the new series, and will be joined on the main stage by a rotating cast of Down Under’s glittering drag royalty. This is the first time Down Under queens have been enlisted for their expertise to mentor the new cast of fierce local queens all vying for the crown.
The new season will usher in ten talented new queens from Australia and New Zealand, who will compete for a cash prize and the title of “Down Under’s Next Drag Superstar.” The new queens, the exciting line-up of extra-special celebrity guests and the Down Under guest judges for the new season will be revealed soon.
RuPaul will remain as an Executive Producer.
RuPaul Charles said: “It has been my great honour to bring Drag Race to Australasia. I can’t wait to see the franchise flourish under the leadership of the incredible Michelle Visage.”
Cailah Scobie, Stan’s Chief Content Officer, said: “Drag Race Down Under is such a beloved show and we’re excited to welcome Michelle as our new host to nurture fresh local talent alongside Rhys Nicholson and our yet-to-be-announced Australian Drag Race royalty from Season 1, 2 & 3. This season will have the whole world talking, and we can’t wait to show what makes Drag Race Down Under so special.”
The news coincides with Michelle Visage’s visit to Australia as a guest of Stan, with a showcase at the Sydney Opera House set to reveal several new Originals and acquisitions.
The Stan Original Series Drag Race Down Under is an 8x60’ World of Wonder production in collaboration with Warner Bros. International Production New Zealand for Stan in Australia, WOW Presents Plus everywhere else. Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, and RuPaul Charles serve as Executive Producers. Cailah Scobie (Stan), Alicia Brown (Stan), Pip Rubira (WB), Nick Tanner (Passion) also serve as Executive Producers. Passion Distribution distributes the series globally in line with Passion Distribution and WOW’s distribution strategy.
The Stan Original Series Drag Race Down Under will premiere later this year, only on Stan.
1 Like
I’m actually a bit excited by this, it gives the shows a little bit different dynamic as the series is just do what makes Ru happy. If it can be similar but independent like Canada and Brooklyn Heights then I am happy.
2 Likes
Michelle will be good, but the host was never the issue.
The production is way too under what we see in the International versions so it stands out like anything.
2 Likes
The Rupaul format in general is feeling extremely tired to me with complete oversaturation. I’m struggling with the latest US season… all the seasons just seems to blur together now. So I kind of welcome the change in host for this one to have a point of difference, even though I have not watched the Aussie version since the first season (due to it just feeling cheap/budget and the fact that I can’t handle more than a couple seasons a year anymore).
2 Likes
Im enjoying US however watching it alongside UK vs The World, I too am mixing my Queens up!
1 Like
Michelle will be good, ideally they need another identity to sit on the panel permanently with Michelle and Rhys IMO.
No mention of TVNZ? Wonder how much longer it will continue to be filmed in NZ without a local broadcaster.
What does this even mean?
The Queens from season 1 to 3 are going to be mentoring / judging the press release says.
1 Like
Oh, doh. Haha I skipped the last line of the prior sentence so totally missed that. Thanks
1 Like
I guess the thread title will need to be changed. 
I like Michelle, and I hope it works out. Some more Australian (& I guess NZ) influence in the judging is needed though… & a better production overall.
If the show is renewed, do we think Ru will come back? He won’t have a book/book store to promote every year.
I wonder if it’s a budget thing. Cheaper to have Michelle and then put the remaining money back into the production? To be honest Canada is the best production in terms of quality, set and editing.
Losing Ru may be the best thing for the Aussie version IMO
Agree, if the Ru money goes back into improving the production then it’ll likely be a good move.
That’s the hard part with this.
Most reality shows get a local version but Ru Paul DR is one where people started on the US and followed each countries seasons so it feels never ending.
Whereas with something like idol, people don’t watch 6 different countries through out the year.
Yeah true. I don’t watch a lot of versions but I have friends who do. The normal US season has been the one that I always watch and usually the All Stars (but also having an All Stars every year means more and more recycling of the same people). The winners season I thought was great because it was different but the normal format hasn’t really evolved or developed over time. Tasks are becoming predictable and even the split premiere has not changed since they first did it.
I do think the local editions have a place. What is lacking right now is a good way to bring it all together. The current UK/Canada V the World series are okay, but they aren’t great. Drag Race Grand Prix or Drag Race World Cup is a concept they should look into - queens from across the various competitions compete for a cash prize.
Then it sorta keeps it manageable:
RPDR US
RPDR US All Stars
Local Drag Race franchise (Down Under)
DR World Cup
That season was pretty much the pinnacle and phenomenal. Ever since, my personal investment in has been on the wane.
I would love to see a pork chop season where all the first voted our girls get a go!
1 Like