Arts & Entertainment

RuPaul series cancelled by Netflix

Published

5 years ago

March 7, 2020

***RuPaul*** *in “AJ and the Queen” (Image courtesy of Netflix)*

After a debut season that was mostly dismissed by critics even as many fans embraced it, RuPaul’s Neflix series “AJ and the Queen” has been cancelled.

The show, which debuted on the streaming platform less than two months ago, followed a “down-on-her-luck” drag queen named Ruby Red (RuPaul), who embarks on a cross-country tour a rundown 1990s R/V with an 11-year-old stowaway orphan named AJ (Izzy G) after being swindled out of her life savings by a shady ex-lover.

Each episode of the 10-episode first season featured RuPaul doing drag performances, as well as an plentiful array of guest stars – some of which were former Drag Race royalty.

Neither the appeal of its star or the roster of big-name talent proved enough of a draw to entice viewers, presumably (Netflix doesn’t release viewership numbers), but critics had not been kind to the series, and reaction on social media even among fans had been mixed.

RuPaul himself broke news of the cancellation in a Twitter post on March 6:

“End of the road for ‘AJ and The Queen’ @Netflix has decided to not extend our road trip across America. Thank you for all the love & support. We’re so very proud of the work. @mizzizzy @mlwooley @tiacarrere @joshsegarra @katerinavictoria @mwilkas #AJandTheQueen”

RuPaul had created, written and executive produced the series, alongside Michael Patrick King (“Sex and the City”). Besides RuPaul and Izzy G, the cast included Josh Segarra, Tia Carrere, Matthew Wilkas, Michael-Leon Wooley, and Katerina Victoria. 22 former “Drag Race”contestants, including Bianca del Rio, Jinkx Monsoon, Chad Michaels and Trinity the Tuck, also made guest appearances on the show.

The cancellation comes a mere two months after another RuPaul television project, the short-lived talk show “The RuPaul Show,” met with a similar fate following a three-week trial run in January.

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Arts & Entertainment

Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns bigger than ever with two-day WorldPride celebration

Published

17 hours ago

April 15, 2025

Staff reports

The Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier will be extended to a two-day celebration in honor of WorldPride coming to D.C. this year. Taking place on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 at The Wharf, this year’s event promises more entertainment, more community, and more pride than ever before — all set against the stunning waterfront backdrop of our nation’s capital.

With the addition of Friday, the party kicks off at 3 p.m., with the inaugural WorldPride Boat Parade at 7 p.m. As an Official WorldPride Partner event, the boat parade will feature 30 decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. For information on signing up for the boat parade contact Stephen Rutgers at [email protected].

Saturday’s signature Pier Party kicks off at 12 p.m., featuring a drag show, DJ’s, streaming of the WorldPride Parade, and the iconic Fireworks Show Presented by the Leonard-Litz Foundation — one of D.C. Pride’s most anticipated spectacles.

“We’re expanding Washington Blade Pride on the Pier to reflect the excitement and momentum building for WorldPride in D.C.,” said Blade publisher Lynne Brown. “It’s a celebration of our community’s progress and a powerful reminder of the joy and visibility Pride brings to the heart of our city.”

Now in its seventh year, Washington Blade Pride on the Pier extends the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ visibility to the bustling Wharf waterfront with an exciting array of activities and entertainment for all ages. The District Pier will offer DJs, dancing, drag, and other entertainment. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

Pride on the Pier is free and open to the public, with VIP tickets available for exclusive pier access, hosted bars, and private viewing areas for the boat parade and the fireworks show. To purchase VIP tickets visit www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip.

Friday VIP: 5-9 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, cash bar and complimentary drink.

Saturday VIP Session #1: 2-5 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered food, and an open bar.

Saturday VIP Session #2: 6-9 p.m., enjoy the air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered snacks and dinner, and open bar with a front-row view of the fireworks.

Event Details:

📍 Location: District Pier at The Wharf (101 District Sq., S.W., Washington, D.C.)
📅 Dates: Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7, 2025
🛥️Boat Parade: 7 p.m. (June 6). 🎆 Fireworks Show: 9 p.m. (June 7)
🎟️ VIP Tickets: www.PrideOnThePierDC.com/VIP

Event sponsors include Absolut, Capital Pride, DC Fray, Infinate Legacy, Heineken, Leonard-Litz Foundation, Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, Relish Catering, Washingtonian, and The Wharf. More information regarding activities will be released at www.PrideOnThePierDC.com