The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Reality TV›Canada's Drag Race
Entertainment • Reality TV

Canada's Drag Race

Canada's Drag Race is a Canadian reality competition television series based on RuPaul's Drag Race.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Canada's Drag Race is a Canadian reality competition television series based on RuPaul's Drag Race. It premiered in 2020 and features Canadian drag performers competing for the title of Canada's Next Drag Superstar and a cash prize. The series is part of the international Drag Race franchise and is produced by Blue Ant Studios.

Format

Each season features drag artists competing in singing, dancing, acting, impersonation, costume-making, and improvisation challenges. Contestants are eliminated over the course of the season until one winner remains.

Broadcast and production

The series is produced by Blue Ant Studios and premiered on Crave in 2020. It has also been made available internationally through WOW Presents Plus, with some seasons previously airing on BBC Three in the United Kingdom.

Franchise position

Canada's Drag Race is part of the larger Drag Race television franchise created by RuPaul. It was the fourth international version announced and is notable for being the first English-language edition not hosted by RuPaul.

The franchise expanded with Canada vs. the World in 2022 and Canada's Drag Race All Stars in 2026. These spin-offs feature returning contestants from the broader Drag Race franchise.

Key facts

  • It is the Canadian edition of the Drag Race franchise.
  • The series follows Canadian drag performers competing in themed performance and design challenges.
  • The winner receives the title of Canada's Next Drag Superstar and a $100,000 prize.
  • It premiered on Crave in Canada and also streams internationally on WOW Presents Plus.
  • Brooke Lynn Hytes has served as host and primary judge.
🍁
Canadian context

It is a Canadian-produced reality series centered on Canadian drag performers and has become part of Canada’s mainstream television and streaming landscape.

Frequently asked questions

What is Canada's Drag Race?
A Canadian reality competition series in which drag performers compete in challenges for a title and prize money.
When did Canada's Drag Race premiere?
It premiered on July 2, 2020, on Crave.
Who created the Drag Race franchise?
The franchise was created by RuPaul.
What do contestants compete for?
They compete for the title of Canada's Next Drag Superstar and a $100,000 prize.
Is Canada's Drag Race hosted by RuPaul?
No. It was the first English-language Drag Race series not hosted by RuPaul, although he appears in video messages and narrates the title sequence.
Where can it be watched?
It airs on Crave in Canada and is available internationally on WOW Presents Plus.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada's_Drag_Race
    Supports: Basic description, franchise position, production company, host distinction, and prize
  2. Bell Media — https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/tv/crave/canadas-drag-race/
    Supports: Premise, judging panel, episode format, and broadcast on Crave
  3. WOW Presents Plus — https://www.wowpresentsplus.com/canada-s-drag-race
    Supports: Series description, competition format, and international streaming availability
  4. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Canada's_Drag_Race_episodes
    Supports: Premiere date, renewal history, and season timeline