I Like to Watch

I Like to Watch was created as part of Netflix's Prism campaign, an initiative to produce more LGBTQ content on the streaming service.[10] 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.[11] The series was first teased on Mattel's Instagram on November 20, 2019, with the first episode of the series released the subsequent day.[12]

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."[13] The series was also positively reviewed by Out,[14] PinkNews,[15] and NewNowNext.[16] 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."[17]

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 and 9).