I Like to Watch

I Like to Watch is a 2019 American web series hosted by drag queens Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova. The series was created by Fran Tirado, produced by Netflix, and streams on the network's YouTube channel. Produced in a similar format to Mattel and Zamolodchikova's web series "UNHhhh" and "The Trixie & Katya Show", "I Like to Watch" follows its hosts as they view and react to various Netflix Original Programming. The first season aired from November 21, 2019 to March 21, 2020. A second season, recorded in the duo's homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, premiered on May 23, 2020. The third season, still recorded from home but with the hosts together in person, premiered on February 20, 2021.
Development and release.
"I Like to Watch" was created, developed, and directed by Netflix's LGBTQ+ strategist Fran Tirado for their queer social channel "The Most". Mattel and Zamolodchikova first appeared together as contestants on the seventh season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and would go on to jointly appear in a range of projects, including the web series "UNHhhh" and "The Trixie & Katya Show". The series was first teased on Mattel's Instagram on November 20, 2019, with the first episode of the series released the subsequent day.
Reception.
"I Like to Watch" was positively received by critics, with a review of the first episode for "Pajiba" noting that "when Trixie and Katya join forces, it's a blend of whimsy, wackiness, and raunch so intoxicating it feels like downing a pair of Absolut Vodka cocktails." The series was also positively reviewed by "Out", "PinkNews", and "NewNowNext". "The New York Times" cited "I Like to Watch" as an example of a reality television series that "offer[s] gentle escapism in a genre better known for manipulating participants for entertainment." The "Times" further noted the similarities between the series and the Channel 4 series "Gogglebox", describing "I Like to Watch" as "extremely reminiscent of "Gogglebox", but with more glamour." A representative for Netflix responded that the network would "let the work speak for itself."
"I Like to Watch UK".
A British version of the show, I Like to Watch UK, premiered on Netflix UK & Ireland's YouTube channel on March 25, 2020. It features The Vivienne from the first series of "RuPaul's Drag Race UK" in a similar format to the American version, joined by various guests. So far the series has also featured fellow "RuPaul's Drag Race UK" stars Baga Chipz (episodes 1 to 4) and Cheryl Hole (episodes 5 to 7) as well as Miss Congeniality of season ten of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and winner of season four of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" Monét X Change (episodes 8 to 10) and winner of the second series of "RuPaul's Drag Race UK" Lawrence Chaney (episode 11)