Mike Smith
Here’s everything you need to know about RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 (2026):
How to watch RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 outside the US on MTV
To watch RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 outside the United States, connect a VPN to a US server and sign in to a live TV streaming service that carries MTV. Once connected, you can access MTV through services like Hulu plus Live TV, Fubo, or DirecTV Stream and watch episodes live or on demand.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a US-based server.
- You can access MTV through live streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and DirecTV.
- You are all set to watch RDR18 online from anywhere!
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 Synopsis
Season 18 welcomes 14 queens from across the United States into the iconic Werk Room, where creativity, resilience, and star power are tested week after week. Under the guidance of RuPaul and a rotating panel of judges and celebrity guests, the contestants face runway presentations, design tasks, musical performances, and acting challenges that push their artistry and versatility. Each episode builds toward dramatic eliminations, emotional breakthroughs, and standout moments that celebrate drag culture, individuality, and queer excellence, with a grand prize of 200,000 dollars and a place in Drag Race herstory on the line.
When Does RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 Premiere?
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 premieres on Friday, January 2, 2026 at 8 pm in the United States on MTV, launches the same day in Canada on Crave, and becomes available in Australia on January 3, 2026 on Stan, with international viewers able to watch through WOW Presents Plus starting January 3, 2026.
Where to Watch RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 in the US
Viewers in the United States can watch RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 live on MTV when episodes air weekly. The season is also available to stream through live TV streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream. At a later time, the new season will also be on Paramount+.
Where to Watch RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 in Canada
In Canada, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 is available to stream on Crave starting January 2, 2026. Subscribers can watch new episodes as they release and stream past episodes on demand across supported devices.
Where to Watch RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 in the UK
UK viewers can stream RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 exclusively on WOW Presents Plus beginning January 3, 2026. Episodes are released weekly.
Where to Watch RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 in Australia
In Australia, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 premieres on January 3, 2026 on Stan. The season is available to stream on demand, with episodes added weekly for subscribers.
Queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 Cast
Here is the contestants list:
- Athena Dion as Contestant
- Briar Blush as Contestant
- Ciara Myst as Contestant
- Darlene Mitchell as Contestant
- DD Fuego as Contestant
- Discord Addams as Contestant
- Jane Don’t as Contestant
- Juicy Love Dion as Contestant
- Kenya Pleaser as Contestant
- Mandy Mango as Contestant
- Mia Starr as Contestant
- Myki Meeks as Contestant
- Nini Coco as Contestant
- Vita VonTesse Starr as Contestant
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 Episodes
Season 18 consists of 14 episodes released weekly.
- Episode 1 – You Can’t Keep A Good Drag Queen Down! – Premiere date: January 2, 2026
A new cast of queens enters the competition and faces a creative design challenge that sets the tone for the season. - Episode 2 – Q-Pop Girl Groups – Premiere date: January 9, 2026
The queens split into rival pop groups to deliver high-energy performances inspired by queer music icons. - Episode 3 – RDR Live Returns – Premiere date: January 16, 2026
Comedy takes center stage as the contestants perform in a live sketch-style challenge. - Episode 4 – Red Carpet Mash Up – Premiere date: January 23, 2026
Fashion skills are tested when queens combine two iconic red carpet looks into one runway presentation. - Episode 5 – The Rate-a-Queen Talent Show Part 1 – Premiere date: January 30, 2026
Half of the cast showcases their talents while the rest observe and critique. - Episode 6 – Episode 6 – Premiere date: February 6, 2026
The competition intensifies as the remaining queens face another high-pressure main challenge. - Episode 7 – Episode 7 – Premiere date: February 13, 2026
Strategic decisions and performance skills play a major role in determining who advances. - Episode 8 – Episode 8 – Premiere date: February 20, 2026
Runway excellence and personality become key factors as the field narrows. - Episode 9 – Episode 9 – Premiere date: February 27, 2026
The queens confront a challenge that demands polish, confidence, and originality. - Episode 10 – Episode 10 – Premiere date: March 6, 2026
With the finale approaching, every misstep carries serious consequences. - Episode 11 – Episode 11 – Premiere date: March 13, 2026
Emotions run high as the remaining competitors fight for a spot in the finale. - Episode 12 – Episode 12 – Premiere date: March 20, 2026
The queens deliver their most refined work yet in a pivotal episode. - Episode 13 – Episode 13 – Premiere date: March 27, 2026
Finalists prepare for the ultimate showdown with career-defining performances. - Episode 14 – Episode 14 – Premiere date: April 3, 2026
The season concludes with a crowning that determines America’s Next Drag Superstar.
On What Devices Can You Watch Hulu?
Hulu and Hulu + Live TV support streaming across a wide range of devices.
| Device Category | Supported Devices |
|---|---|
| Mobile Devices | iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets |
| Streaming Devices | Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast |
| Smart TVs | Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, Vizio Smart TV |
| Computers | Windows PCs, macOS computers via web browser |
| Gaming Consoles | PlayStation, Xbox |
Can You Watch RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 Online for Free?
Yes. Some live TV streaming services that carry MTV, such as Hulu plus Live TV and Fubo, offer free trials that allow new users to watch RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 at no cost during the trial period.
Is RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 Suitable for All Ages?
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 is rated TV-14 and contains adult humor, mature themes, and suggestive content that may not be suitable for younger children.
Where Can I Download RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 Episodes?
Episodes can be downloaded legally for offline viewing through supported apps on live TV streaming services like Hulu plus Live TV, as well as through official digital storefronts where episodes are made available for purchase after airing.
FAQs
Who hosts and judges RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18?
The series is hosted by RuPaul, who also serves as a head judge alongside Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Law Roach, Ts Madison, and Ross Mathews.
How many queens compete in Season 18?
A total of 14 queens compete in RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18.
What is the grand prize for the winner?
The winner receives a cash prize of 200,000 dollars along with the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar.
Does Season 18 include Untucked episodes?
Yes, Untucked episodes are released alongside the main season and are available on the same streaming platforms in most regions.
Season 18 Trailer
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