TVN Poland enters world of drag, seeks to consolidate as a ‘progressive station’

Drag Me Out will air in Poland thanks to the country’s more liberal government

Polish commercial network TVN has ordered a local version of Mastiff TV Denmark-created format Drag Me Out, distributed internationally by Banijay.

Banijay Germany-owned Endemol Shine Poland will produce the show, which will see six bold personalities from the Polish showbiz scene undergo a transformative experience to discover their “inner queens.”

Under the guidance of mentors – esteemed stars of the Polish drag scene – and a discerning jury, contestants will compete in a series of challenges, including learning the art of makeup, costume creation and lip sync battles.

The show will air in an evening primetime slot from spring. It comes after Poland’s far-right government lost its majority in a historic election in October last year, with a new, liberal government taking over under the leadership of Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

This previous government’s anti-LGBTQ+ stance has been among the reasons formats with LGBTQ+ themes have struggled to gain a foothold in Poland in the same way they have elsewhere in Europe in recent years.

Lidia Kazen, director of TVN, said: “We are introducing a programme that opens the door to the spectacular world of drag culture. A world that is a form of art: expressive, colourful and inclusive.

“We want to bring the drag queen phenomenon closer to our viewers and consolidate TVN’s position as a progressive station. Behind each costume, there is a moving story, and Drag Me Out forms a key part of our spring schedule.”

It marks the third local version of Drag Me Out, one of numerous drag-themed formats to reach the international market following the success of RuPaul’s Drag Race around the world.

Endemol Shine Poland is behind local versions of formats such as Don’t Forget The Lyrics, MasterChef, LEGO Masters, All Together Now, You Can Dance, New Generation, Money Drop, and Big Brother.

It also makes scripted programming such as Our Century for TVP 1 and Squared Love for Netflix.