Season 18 premieres January 30, 2025, with new episodes every Thursday

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18 begins streaming on Paramount+ on Thursday, January 30, 2025. New episodes release weekly on Thursdays at 12:01 a.m. ET. The season features 15 drag performers competing for the title of America's Next Drag Superstar, and you can watch on any Paramount+ subscription tier — both ad-supported and ad-free plans include full access as episodes release.

Each episode typically runs 60 to 90 minutes. You can watch on the day it releases or anytime afterward, since Paramount+ keeps all episodes available throughout the season. The show streams on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and devices like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and gaming consoles.

Key Takeaways

  • Season 18 premieres January 30, 2025, with new episodes dropping every Thursday at 12:01 a.m. ET on Paramount+.
  • You can watch on any Paramount+ plan, whether you choose ad-supported or ad-free viewing.
  • All 15 previous seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race are available to stream anytime on Paramount+, so you can watch earlier competitions before or during Season 18.
  • Paramount+ works on most devices including iPhones, Android phones, computers, smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
  • Episodes remain available to watch on demand throughout the season, so you do not have to watch live on Thursday mornings.

What happens in Season 18

Season 18 follows the same format as previous seasons: 15 contestants face weekly challenges, perform in lip-sync battles, and compete in elimination rounds. RuPaul hosts alongside judges Michelle Visage, Carson Daly, and Ross Mathews. Guest judges rotate throughout the season and typically include celebrities, musicians, and other performers from entertainment and pop culture.

The competition builds across multiple episodes, with contestants gradually eliminated until one performer wins the title of America's Next Drag Superstar and a cash prize. The show emphasizes both performance skill and personality, and eliminations often come down to how well contestants execute the week's challenge and perform in the lip-sync battle.

If you have watched earlier seasons, the basic structure remains familiar. Season 18 introduces new contestants and challenges while keeping the core competition format that has made the show popular since it began.

How to find and watch on Paramount+

Open the Paramount+ app or go to paramount.com and search for "RuPaul's Drag Race." The show appears in the Entertainment category. On January 30, the premiere episode will be available to stream when ready when it releases at 12:01 a.m. ET.

If you do not yet have Paramount+, you can sign up through the app or at paramount.com. The service offers both an ad-supported plan and an ad-free plan. Paramount+ occasionally offers a free trial period for new members, though the length and availability of trials change based on current promotions. Check the sign-up page to see what is currently available.

Once you have an account, you can watch on your phone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV. The Paramount+ app is available on iPhone, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, and PlayStation and Xbox consoles. You can start watching on one device and continue on another — your progress saves automatically.

Watching earlier seasons before Season 18 starts

Paramount+ has all 17 previous seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race available to stream anytime. If you are new to the show, you can start with Season 1 or jump to any season that interests you. Many viewers begin with Season 5 or Season 6, which are widely considered standout seasons with memorable contestants and iconic moments.

You can also start with the most recent completed season before Season 18 launches, or pick a season based on which contestants or judges interest you. Since each season is self-contained, you do not need to watch them in order — you can watch any season independently and still understand what is happening.

Beyond the main competition show, Paramount+ also carries RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars, which features past contestants from earlier seasons competing again, and international versions of the show filmed in different countries with local drag performers.

Understanding the weekly release schedule

New episodes of Season 18 release every Thursday starting January 30, 2025. Episodes become available at 12:01 a.m. ET, which means they are typically available early Thursday morning. You can watch when ready when they release or wait and watch later in the day or week — there is no important date to watch by a certain time.

Paramount+ keeps all episodes available throughout the season, so you can watch at your own pace. If you fall behind, you can catch up anytime without losing access to earlier episodes. This is different from live television, where you would miss an episode if you were not watching when it aired.

If you want to avoid spoilers, watch episodes as they release or limit your time on social media and fan forums, since viewers often discuss eliminations and outcomes when ready after episodes air on Thursday mornings.

Subscription options and costs

Paramount+ offers two main subscription tiers. The ad-supported plan costs less per month but includes advertisements during playback. The ad-free plan costs more per month but removes advertisements. Both plans include access to RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18 and all other Paramount+ content.

Exact pricing varies by region and changes periodically, so check paramount.com for current rates in your area. Some internet service providers and phone carriers bundle Paramount+ with other services, which may offer different pricing or trial periods. If you already subscribe to another service that includes Paramount+, you may already have access without paying separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time exactly do new episodes release on Thursday?

Episodes typically release at 12:01 a.m. ET on Thursday mornings. Exact timing can vary slightly by region or due to technical updates, so check the Paramount+ app on Thursday morning to confirm when the new episode is available in your area.

Can I watch Season 18 if I have the ad-supported Paramount+ plan?

Yes. Both the ad-supported and ad-free Paramount+ plans include full access to RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18. The only difference is whether you see advertisements during playback. The show itself and all episodes are available on both plans.

Do I need to watch earlier seasons before watching Season 18?

No. Season 18 is self-contained and does not require watching previous seasons. You can start with Season 18 and understand the competition format and what is happening. However, many viewers enjoy watching earlier seasons to become familiar with the show's style and see past contestants.

Can I read episodes to watch offline?

Paramount+ allows downloads on some content, but availability depends on your subscription plan and device. Check the app next to each episode to see if a read option appears. If it does, you can save episodes to watch later without an internet connection.

Will Season 18 be available on cable television or other streaming services?

No. Season 18 streams exclusively on Paramount+. You cannot watch it on cable television, network television, or other streaming services. A Paramount+ subscription is required to watch the new season.