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| How to Watch Drag Race Season 18 |
Learn how to watch Drag Race Season 18 live and online in 2026 with cable, live TV streaming services, free trials, and more—plus tips for watching legally and conveniently.
If you’re wondering how to watch Drag Race Season 18, you’re in the right place. The latest season of RuPaul’s Drag Race has returned with a fresh cast of fierce queens, celebrity guest judges, and dramatic runway moments that only this iconic reality competition can deliver. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the franchise, this guide breaks down every legit and up-to-date way to stream or watch the show in 2026.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 premiered on January 2, 2026, and drops fresh episodes weekly.
What You Need to Know About Drag Race Season 18
Season 18 of RuPaul’s Drag Race features 14 new queens battling it out to be crowned America’s Next Drag Superstar. Emmy-winning host RuPaul returns with judges Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Law Roach, Ts Madison, and Ross Mathews.
Each episode airs as a 90-minute celebration of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, followed by the backstage after-show RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked.
How to Watch Drag Race Season 18 on TV
1. MTV: Live Weekly Broadcast
The primary way to watch new episodes is on MTV. RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 airs every Friday at 8 p.m. ET/PT directly on MTV.
To access MTV live:
- Cable TV subscribers can tune in at the scheduled airtime.
- Live TV streaming services that include MTV allow you to watch without a traditional cable subscription.
Streaming Options: Best Ways to Watch Drag Race Season 18
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| How to Watch Drag Race Season 18 |
If you don’t have cable, here’s how to stream the show live or catch up legally:
2. Live TV Streaming Services
Several paid streaming services offer live access to MTV, making them great legal options for watching Drag Race live:
DIRECTV STREAM
- Includes channels like MTV.
- Often comes with a free trial (e.g., 5 days) for new users.
- Great if you want to watch Drag Race live the day it premieres.
Fubo
- Broad lineup of live channels including MTV.
- Offers free trial periods and includes unlimited DVR so you can record and rewatch.
Hulu + Live TV
- Live MTV is part of the channel selection.
- The plan also includes a vast on-demand library for movies and shows beyond Drag Race.
Philo
- One of the more affordable options with MTV included.
- No free trial in all regions, but often offers discounts on first-month subscriptions.
Free Trials — Many services like DIRECTV and Fubo offer limited free trial periods, letting you watch at least the premiere episodes without paying upfront. Just remember to cancel before you’re charged.
Paramount+: Where to Watch Later
Unlike some seasons, Paramount+ does not stream Drag Race episodes immediately after airing. Instead:
- New episodes are exclusive to MTV first.
- Full streaming on Paramount+ is expected after the season broadcasts, typically mid-year (e.g., around July).
Paramount+ still offers all past seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race, so you can catch up on older episodes or rewatch favorites while waiting for Season 18 to arrive there.
Buying Episodes or Season Pass
If you prefer to own episodes outright rather than stream live:
Digital Purchases
- Episodes often become available the day after premiere on platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV/iTunes.
- Prices vary by region and provider, and buying in HD can be more expensive than SD.
This is a solid legal option if you want to watch at your pace and keep access long-term without a monthly subscription.
Cable vs. Streaming: Choose What Fits You
Here’s a quick comparison of your options:
| Method | Best For | Cost | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cable TV | Traditional viewers | Varies | Live and reliable |
| DIRECTV STREAM | Streaming live w/ trial | $$ | Live |
| Fubo | Largest channel lineup | $$ | Live + DVR |
| Hulu + Live TV | Broad entertainment | $$$ | Live + on-demand |
| Philo | Budget option | $ | Live |
| Digital Purchase | Episode ownership | Per episode | After airing |
Note: Prices vary by region and promotion. Availability of free trials and channels may change based on your location and service provider.
Weekly Viewing: Premiere and Schedule
- Premiere Date: January 2, 2026
- Air Time: 8 p.m. ET/Pacific time on MTV.
- After Show: RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked follows at approximately 9:30 p.m. ET/PT.
After the weekly broadcast, episodes can sometimes be available next day for on-demand viewing via official TV provider apps, depending on your subscription.
International Viewing & Other Notes
- Some regions outside the U.S. may have local broadcasters or streaming rights.
- Always use official platforms or regional MTV affiliates to avoid illegal streams.
- Hulu, Paramount+, or MTV services may show episodes internationally at different times.
If you’re outside your home country, you may need to check local listings on your regional MTV or affiliated channel to confirm exact timing and availability.
Must-Watch: Official YouTube Preview
Ahead of the season, RuPaul’s Drag Race released a first-look trailer and 10-minute sneak peek on the official YouTube channel. It’s a great way to get hyped before the premiere.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Drag Race Season 18
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| How to Watch Drag Race Season 18 |
- Set reminders for new episodes each Friday night.
- Use free trial periods to test streaming services before paying.
- Record episodes if your streaming plan offers DVR.
- Explore catch-up options if you miss a live airing.
Ready to sash-ay into Season 18? Choose your preferred service—whether it’s live TV streaming, cable access, or on-demand purchases—and make sure you don’t miss any werk room drama, lip sync slays, or couture runway moments. Tune in this Friday and join the Drag Race fandom buzz!
Conclusion
Watching RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 in 2026 is exciting and flexible—whether you’re tuning in live on MTV, streaming via DIRECTV Stream or Hulu + Live TV, subscribing to Philo, or buying episodes afterward.
The competitive reality show continues to bring fierce fashion, compelling storylines, and unforgettable performances, making it one of the year’s most watched TV events. Enjoy every lip sync and runway reveal this season has to offer!
