VH1 Renews 'RuPaul's Drag Race' for Season 10, Adds Ricky Martin Docuseries

VH1 is leaning harder into what's been working for the Viacom-owned cable network.

With seven consecutive quarters of growth to build on, network president Chris McCarthy -- who recently added oversight of MTV -- is branding the cabler as the home of where "pop culture comes to party." To that end, VH1's upfront slate is filled with returning hits -- including a 10th season renewal to Logo import RuPaul's Drag Race -- as well as new series that resonate with pop culture diehards like the Lance Bass-hosted '90s House take on Big Brother.

"It's been a two-year journey of elevating the brand and storytelling and playing with formats, which VH1 became famous for: Flavor of Love and even Mob Wives. We have that heritage of celebrating different kinds of heroes. We began to build out what a great party has: great food and interesting people," McCarthy told The Hollywood Reporter. "That's where Martha & Snoop came from. And great games -- and that's where Hip-Hop Squares came from. We wanted to own our heritage of celebrating pop culture -- including pop culture past. That's where '90s House came from."

Also joining VH1's slate is an untitled Ricky Martin docuseries set to debut in June and following the pop star during his Vegas residency and beyond; and Scared Famous, a reality series in which 10 celebrities move into a haunted house. The new series build on a slate that also features recent renewals for Hip-Hop Squares, America's Next Top Model, Martha and Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party as well as T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle for its final run.

McCarthy also reiterated that RuPaul will continue to air on VH1 after finding a record audience with the move from Logo, where the Emmy-winning series had outgrown the LGBT-themed cable network's distribution. McCarthy does not expect any additional programming to jump networks as part of Viacom's plan to reinvigorate core brands including MTV. He noted that he wanted to ensure VH1's new unscripted fare focused on the positive instead of unscripted shows that bring out the worst in people.  

Here's a look at VH1's upfront slate, which also includes a premiere date for previously announced scripted drama Daytime Divas:

NEW SERIES

DAYTIME DIVAS
June 5, 2017
Every weekday at noon, Maxine (Vanessa Williams), Mo (Tichina Arnold), Heather (Fiona Gubelmann), Kibby (Chloe Bridges), and Nina (Camille Guaty) -- hosts of "The Lunch Hour," the long-running women's talk show -- gather around the table to discuss life, love, politics, and juicy gossip.  But behind the scenes, it's even juicier -- a backstage world filled with power struggles, diva fits, and steamy affairs. Inspired by the book Satan's Sisters... A Novel of Fiction by Star Jones, television personality, lawyer and journalist.
PROD. CO: Sony Pictures Television
EP. COUNT: 10

RICKY MARTIN PROJECT (title TBD)
June 2017
A revealing, never been seen account of one of the most private and guarded global superstars of our time. With more than 85 million albums sold worldwide, 95 platinum records, and sold-out concerts in over 100 countries, Ricky Martin is truly an international icon. The project will draw on his Vegas residence to illustrate his broader, fascinating, and inspiring journey from every pivotal era in his career to the most defining roles of his life.
PROD. CO: 51 Minds

BALLER WIVES (working title)
August 2017
From the sidelines to the social frontlines, this is the world where relationships are complicated and the competition is thick.  All eyes are on these Miami based pro athletes and their wives as they navigate the waters of love, family, business, and balling in the hottest city around.  
PROD. CO:  Shed Media
EP. COUNT:  6

'90s HOUSE
August 16, 2017
What happens when a super connected cast has to unplug and live in the most rad decade ever?  No smart phones, Wi-Fi or GPS allowed in this house but tons of the flyest fun, fashion and pop culture moments will be rebooted back to reality. Hosted by Lance Bass and full of cameos from the '90s most beloved celebrities.
PROD. CO:  Superdelicious
EP. COUNT:  8

SCARED FAMOUS 
October 2017
The frightening and hilarious tale of 10 celebs who have bravely agreed to move into one of the spookiest mansions in America. Over eight episodes, they face terror and chilling challenges inspired by the iconic movies that make you scream. In this reality fright fest, 10 famous people will move in, but only one will make it out alive.
PROD. CO:  Renegade
EP. COUNT:  8