‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ EP Tom Campbell On Keeping The Series Fresh & Creating A Safe Platform For Queer Performers
16 years ago, executive producer Tom Campbell remembers when almost no one would take a chance on a reality drag competition series.
Now, RuPaul’s Drag Race has received 63 Emmy nominations, with 29 wins, and has just wrapped their highest rated season in the last four years. “Every award we get, or anytime we get to talk about the show,” says Campbell, “I just think it reinforces that hopefully there’ll be one more year of RuPaul’s Drag Race and telling those important queer stories that rarely, if ever, get told.” RuPaul’s Drag Race sees iconic drag artist RuPaul search for America’s next drag superstar through a series of fashion, acting and musical challenges.
Though the series has just finished its 16th season, the ratings have shown no sign of decreasing after both a move to MTV and a political climate where drag seems to constantly be under attack.
Campbell attributes all the success to the queens, who feel comfortable and safe enough within Drag Race to deliver their personal stories in a way that connects to audiences with a touch of humor. DEADLINE: First off, congrats on the ratings for Season 16.
