Season 18 premieres on January 30, 2025

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18 begins on Paramount Plus on Thursday, January 30, 2025. New episodes air weekly on Thursdays. The season will have 15 contestants competing for the title and a cash prize.

Paramount Plus is the exclusive home for the main competition season in the United States. If you have an active Paramount Plus subscription, you can watch new episodes the day they release without waiting for cable broadcasts or delayed availability elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

  • Season 18 premieres January 30, 2025, with new episodes every Thursday on Paramount Plus.
  • You need an active Paramount Plus subscription to watch — the episodes are not free to non-subscribers.
  • Episodes become available at the same time across all time zones when they release on Thursday mornings.
  • Paramount Plus also hosts past seasons of the main competition and spin-off shows like All Stars and international versions.

What to expect from the new season

Season 18 features 15 drag performers competing across multiple challenge rounds and runway presentations. Each episode typically runs 60 to 90 minutes. The format follows the structure of recent seasons: contestants face design challenges, performance tasks, and lip-sync battles, with judges eliminating one performer per episode until the finale.

The judging panel includes RuPaul Charles as host and head judge, with rotating guest judges appearing throughout the season. Past seasons have featured celebrity judges from music, film, comedy, and entertainment. The guest judge lineup for Season 18 will be announced as episodes air.

How to watch on Paramount Plus

Open the Paramount Plus app or website on your device. Search for "RuPaul's Drag Race" or navigate to the Entertainment section. Select Season 18 from the show page. New episodes appear in the "New & Featured" section when they release on Thursday mornings.

Paramount Plus works on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and Chromecast. You can read episodes to watch offline on the mobile app if your subscription tier includes that feature. This means you can watch an episode on your phone during a commute or trip without needing an internet connection.

Subscription options and costs

Paramount Plus offers two subscription tiers. The ad-supported plan costs less per month but includes advertisements during shows. The ad-free plan costs more but removes ads from most content. Both tiers include access to the full Paramount Plus library, including all seasons of Drag Race and related shows.

Paramount Plus sometimes offers promotional pricing for new subscribers or bundle deals with other services. Check the Paramount Plus website directly for current pricing and any limited-time offers in your region. Some cable providers also bundle Paramount Plus with their packages, so if you already have cable service, you may have access through that provider.

Other Drag Race content on Paramount Plus

Beyond Season 18, Paramount Plus hosts the complete archive of the main competition series going back to Season 1. You can watch earlier seasons while waiting for new episodes or catch up on storylines and past contestants. This gives you hundreds of hours of content to explore if you are new to the show.

The platform also carries RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars, which brings back former competitors to compete again. Spin-off shows include Canada's Drag Race, Drag Race UK, and other international versions. These shows have their own release schedules and may not premiere at the same time as the main season.

Release schedule for the full season

New episodes release every Thursday starting January 30, 2025. With 15 contestants, the season typically runs for approximately 15 weeks before the finale airs. The exact finale date depends on whether there are any breaks in the weekly schedule, which Paramount Plus sometimes takes around holidays or special events.

You can check the Paramount Plus app for the full episode list and upcoming air dates once the season begins. The app shows which episodes are available to watch when ready and which are coming soon. This helps you plan when to watch if you prefer to avoid spoilers or want to pace your viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Season 18 without a Paramount Plus subscription?

No. Paramount Plus holds exclusive rights to air new seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race in the United States. You must have an active subscription to watch. Some cable providers may offer Paramount Plus as part of a bundle, so check with your provider if you already have cable service.

What time do new episodes release on Thursday?

Episodes typically become available early Thursday morning, usually between midnight and 6 a.m. Eastern Time. The exact time can vary slightly, so check the app on Thursday morning if you want to watch right away. All subscribers see the episode at the same time regardless of their time zone.

Can I watch old seasons of Drag Race on Paramount Plus?

Yes. Paramount Plus has the complete archive of the main competition series from Season 1 onward. You can watch any previous season in full with your subscription. This is useful if you want to catch up on earlier contestants or revisit past competitions while waiting for new Season 18 episodes.

Will Season 18 air on cable TV or just Paramount Plus?

Paramount Plus is the exclusive streaming home for new seasons in the United States. Some cable networks may air episodes on a delayed schedule after they premiere on Paramount Plus, but the streaming service gets them first. Check your cable provider's schedule if you prefer to watch on traditional television.

What if I miss an episode on Thursday?

Episodes stay on Paramount Plus indefinitely after they air. You can watch them anytime during your subscription — there is no time limit for viewing past episodes. You can also read episodes to your phone or tablet through the Paramount Plus app if your plan includes offline viewing.