How to Watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18 Premiere for Free

Racers, start your engines: the search for America’s next drag superstar is about to begin.

RuPaul’s Drag Race is returning to MTV for Season 18 tonight, Jan. 2.

Season 18 will feature 14 new queens from across the country competing for the title, the crown, and $200,000.

In Episode 1, queens will get things started with a design challenge. Titled, “Reclaim! Renew! Rejoice!,” they’ll have to use leftover treasures from the Drag Race vaults to create their own signature looks.

As always, new episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race will be immediately followed by new episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked.

You’ve got questions about the new season, and of course, we have answers. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know before tuning in to RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18.

RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 Premiere Date

RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 premieres tonight, Jan. 2.

RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 Time

RuPaul’s Drag Race is on every Friday at 8:00 p.m. ET.

The 90-minute episodes will be followed by new episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked at 9:30 p.m. ET.

What Channel is RuPaul’s Drag Race On?

RuPaul’s Drag Race and Untucked air exclusively on MTV.

RuPaul’s Drag Race Streaming Info and How to Watch RuPaul’s Drag Race for Free

The only way to watch shows airing live without cable is by using a live TV streaming service. Our favorite is DIRECTV, which comes with a five-day free trial before payment begins.

DIRECTV offers a number of flexible subscription options, including Genre Packs, so you can best choose which streaming plans fit your needs and budget. Plans that include MTV start at $29.99/month.

Will RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 be on Paramount+?

Unfortunately, no; you won’t be able to watch RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 on Paramount+ until the entire season has aired.

Last year, Season 17 premiered on Paramount+ in late July, so it’s likely the timing will be similar for Season 18.

Is RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 on Prime Video?

If this season follows past seasons’ models, then yes, new episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race will be available to purchase on-demand for $1.99 per episode from Prime Video on Saturday mornings.

Check Out the RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 First Look:

Who is in the Cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18?

Meet the Queens of Season 18 below by clicking through to their respective Instagram pages.

Athena Dion (38, from Miami, Florida)
Briar Blush (25, from Boston, Massachusetts)
Ciara Myst (32, from Indianapolis, Indiana)
Darlene Mitchell (34, from Los Angeles, California)
DD Fuego (37, from New York City, New York)
Discord Addams (35, from St. Petersburg, Florida)
Jane Don’t (32, from Seattle, Washington)
Juicy Love Dion (24, from Miami, Florida)
Kenya Pleaser (27, from, Sumter, South Carolina)
Mandy Mango (29, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Mia Starr (39, from West Palm Beach, Florida)
Myki Meeks (29, from Orlando, Florida)
Nini Coco (29, from Denver, Colorado)
Vita VonTesse Starr (38, from Montgomery, Alabama)

Who Are the RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 Guest Judges?

Rapper Cardi B will be the extra special guest judge in tonight’s season premiere. Throughout the rest of the season, you can expect to see Teyana Taylor, Benny Blanco, Dove Cameron, Zara Larsson, Brooke Shields, Iman, Atsuko Okatsuka, Jamal Sims, Amy Taylor, Annaleigh Ashford, Danielle Pinnock, Sarah Sherman, and Leland behind the judges’ desk.

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