Drag Race Season 18 is streaming on Paramount Plus

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18 streams on Paramount Plus, with new episodes released weekly. The season premiered in January 2025, and episodes continue to roll out on a regular schedule through the finale. If you have an active Paramount Plus subscription, you can watch all available episodes on demand without paying extra.

The show appears in the Paramount Plus app and website under the "Shows" section. You can search for "Drag Race" directly or browse the reality competition category. Episodes are available to stream when ready after they air, so you do not have to wait for a traditional broadcast window.

Key Takeaways

  • Drag Race Season 18 streams exclusively on Paramount Plus with a standard subscription — no additional rental or purchase required.
  • New episodes release weekly on a set schedule, and you can rewatch any episode that has already aired.
  • You need an active Paramount Plus account to watch; the platform offers both ad-supported and ad-free subscription tiers.
  • Episodes are available when ready after they premiere, so you can watch on your own schedule rather than waiting for reruns.

How to Find the Show on Paramount Plus

Open the Paramount Plus app on your phone, tablet, computer, or streaming device. At the top or in the menu, select "Shows" or use the search function. Type "Drag Race" into the search bar and select RuPaul's Drag Race from the results.

The show's main page displays all seasons available on the platform. Season 18 will appear at or near the top, marked with the current season or newest episodes. Tap or click on Season 18 to see the full episode list. From there, you can start with Episode 1 or jump to the most recent episode if you have already watched earlier installments.

What Subscription Level You Need

Drag Race Season 18 is included with both Paramount Plus subscription tiers: the ad-supported plan and the ad-free plan. You do not need to pay for a premium tier or a separate add-on. If you already subscribe to Paramount Plus for other shows or movies, you already have access to this season.

If you do not yet have a Paramount Plus account, you will need to create one and choose a subscription plan. Both plans include the same shows and movies; the difference is whether ads play during playback. Paramount Plus offers a free trial period for new members in some regions, though the length and availability of trials vary.

When New Episodes Release

New episodes of Drag Race Season 18 release on Thursday nights, with the exact time depending on your time zone. Episodes typically become available at 12:01 a.m. PT (3:01 a.m. ET) on Thursday mornings. This means East Coast viewers can often watch Thursday morning before work, while West Coast viewers see the episode drop late Wednesday night.

The full episode schedule was announced when the season premiered. If you want to know the exact date of the finale or a specific episode, check the Paramount Plus app or the official RuPaul's Drag Race social media accounts, which post the schedule at the start of each season.

Watching on Different Devices

Paramount Plus works on most streaming devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Samsung Smart TVs, and LG Smart TVs. You can also watch on your phone or tablet using the Paramount Plus app for iOS or Android, or on a computer through the Paramount Plus website.

read the Paramount Plus app from your device's app store, sign in with your account, and navigate to Drag Race Season 18. The video quality adjusts based on your internet speed and device, but Paramount Plus supports up to 4K resolution on compatible devices and subscriptions.

Rewatching Episodes and Catching Up

All episodes that have already aired remain on Paramount Plus and do not expire. If you miss an episode when it first releases, you can watch it anytime afterward. There is no time limit on how long you can rewatch past episodes, as long as your subscription remains active.

If you are starting the season late, you can begin with Episode 1 and watch through in order, or jump to the most recent episode and go back later. The Paramount Plus app remembers where you stopped watching, so you can pause an episode and resume it later on the same device or a different one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra to watch Drag Race on Paramount Plus?

No. The show is included with any Paramount Plus subscription at no additional cost. You do not need to rent or purchase individual episodes.

Can I watch Drag Race Season 18 outside the United States?

Paramount Plus is available in several countries, but the availability of specific shows varies by region. In some countries, Drag Race may stream on a different platform. Check what streaming services carry the show in your country.

What happens to old episodes after the season ends?

Past episodes remain on Paramount Plus indefinitely. You can rewatch Season 18 anytime after it finishes airing, as long as you maintain an active subscription.

Can I read episodes to watch offline?

Paramount Plus allows downloads on the mobile app for offline viewing on phones and tablets. Open an episode, look for the read icon, and select it. Downloaded episodes expire after a set period, typically 30 days, depending on your subscription plan.

Is there a way to watch without ads?

Yes. Paramount Plus offers an ad-free subscription tier. If you currently have the ad-supported plan, you can upgrade to the ad-free plan through your account settings.